Removing the stress of moving

By Tom Gard

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WHEN it comes to levels of stress, moving house is up there with divorce, weddings and coping with teenage kids.

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Finding the right property, negotiating through estate agents and solictors and possibly find yourselves in a chain will almost inevitably have led to wailing and nashing of teeth long before it comes to the actual physical process of moving.

But organising the safe transfer of your worldly possessions from one place to another can be equally as testing.

It might seem a little over the top to plan the final stage like a military operation, but more often than not a little thorough preparation can save a lot of headaches and heartaches, so here's a checklist to ease the way:

• Before you do anything make sure you know, to the last detail, what will be and won't be in the new property when you arrive. There was a case recently when, after a hard day of lifting and unpacking boxes, one proud new owner went to take a relaxing bath only to find the taps and plugs had gone.

• The garden is another area�worth being clear about. A beautiful garden can be a decisive factor when choosing your dream new home. But chances are that the owners are keen gardeners who can't face leaving shrubs and trees they've lovingly nurtured behind. Even the biggest specimens can be moved by careful digging out and transferring to compost filled sacks or large pots.

Before the move remember to:

• Start early. Don't leave things until the removal men are on the doorstep.
• Label everything with contents and where it is to go in the house.
• Empty petrol out of lawnmowers.
• Make sure the removal company is insured against breakages.
• Send out change of address cards to friends and relatives.

If you are moving things into storage for a period it is worth thinking about whether it is really worth paying the fees to keep items like fridges and cookers or if you'd be better off selling them and buying new ones later.

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And, when it comes to the day itself, the following might help ease the strain:

• Find someone willing to take the kids for the day.
• Make sure you've got an emergency supply of boxes and bubble wrap.
• And finally, make sure the last box is for essentials like linen, toys, kettle, mugs and tea... or something stronger!