A step-by-step guide to moving

The first rule is to get down to work in good time. Punctual planning and precision is the only way to keep your cool at such a stressful time.

Planning

The golden rule is to get down to work in good time.
Punctual planning and precision is the only way to keep your cool at such a stressful time.
Once the moving date is set, start preparing for the move at least a month beforehand.
Make sure that all your helpers are available.
If you opted to use a removals company, agree the start and end times for the work well in advance.

What you need to do

- Make a list of all the things to take with you over the course of the month: begin with the ones you already know you will not be using, until you come to the things you will need right up until your last day in the house, such as crockery, cutlery and pans;
- Pack all items which are not strictly necessary immediately and throw away the things you no longer use, or donate them to charity;
- Collect all the boxes you will need to pack up your things, making sure you have plenty;
- Change your postal address in advance, so that you can already be traced to your new home.

What to do with the cooker

If there is already another cooker in your new home, you will need to organise the decommissioning of the old one.
To minimise environmental impact, first work out whether it can be reused, either totally or partially, in a second home, charity institution or secondhand goods market.
If, on the other hand, you decide to dispose of it, you should contact your local authorised centres and try to separate the components which can be recycled (wood, glass, aluminium, steel, etc.). By doing so, you will be facilitating separate waste collection and helping to create a new product which does not use primary materials.

Rules for efficient packing

Try to use boxes suited to the items you intend to pack in them.
In fact, special boxes are available for glasses (with separator inserts) or plants, which are different from those used for books and other things.
Always remember that the maximum weight a moving box can hold is around 30 kg.
Always put the heaviest items at the bottom of the box.
Bed linen, cloths and various other fabrics make an ideal padding.
Write the content clearly on the adhesive tape sealing each box.
This will make it easier to find these items when you get to your new home.