Despite the overwhelmingly insistent commentary that moving day absolutely has to be a nightmare, it is quite possible to have fun and excitement rather than stress and shouting.

Despite the overwhelmingly insistent commentary that moving day absolutely has to be a nightmare, it is quite possible to have fun and excitement rather than stress and shouting. The key is to plan, plan, plan and take small daily steps in the run up to the big day. Here are some tips to keep you sane.

Wheels of fortune

Whether you are using a removals company or enlisting friends, book the van as soon as possible to give yourself the best choice of companies and cost. It doesn’t matter whether you are buying your next property in Leytonstone or Wanstead or moving hundreds of miles away – don’t leave the van to the last minute!

Box clever

First, order your boxes well in advance. For extra eco points, check Gumtree and eBay for used moving boxes and packing supplies (then pass them on to another friend of the environment after you’ve moved). You can also save on bubble wrap by wrapping fragile items in clothes and linens.

Check your excess baggage

Throw away as much as you can as long before moving day as possible. To keep the job manageable, task yourself with finding one thing each day to either bin, give away or sell online. If you’re having trouble letting things go, we suggest investing in a copy of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. It will change your relationship to what you horde, and allow you to say goodbye to the things you no longer need with plenty of gratitude and zero guilt.

Pack with pride

Employ a one room to a box rule – don’t mix them together. Get some smaller boxes to deal with the overflow from bigger ones. Label boxes at the side as well as the top so you can identify them even if they’re stacked. To avoid confusion at your new home over which room is which, stick post-it notes on the room doors with names that match the boxes.

AT THE OTHER END

Unpack the kitchen as soon as you can. However far you get with the rest of the house, you are going to need to eat. So get the food in the fridge and tableware in the cupboards.

Unload all the other boxes directly into their relevant, numbered rooms. Get tools, bikes, garden furniture and outdoor playthings immediately into the garden shed or to where they’ll live outside.

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF ALL!

Do not pack the kettle, tea bags, cups or hobnobs until all the loading is done. Give them their own special box for the journey to your next home, then unpack them immediately. Nothing calms the nerves like a brew and a biscuit.