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Moving house is often a stressful, daunting and long-dreaded process. Be it doesn't have to be! Make the transition as easy as possible with these 10 must-know tips.
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
Real Estate
Scott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free Move
October 31, 2018
Moving house is often a stressful, daunting and long-dreaded process. Be it doesn't have to be! Make the transition as easy as possible with these 10 must-know tips.
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
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Pack the Kitchen First
1/10Pack the Kitchen First
1/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
People often want to leave this busy room until last, but <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/scott-mcgillivray-tips-stress-free-move-1921860/">the kitchen is the most complicated room</a> in the house! It’s full of oddly shaped and tough-to-pack items. So do yourself a favour and cross the kitchen off the list first. Just be sure to leave out a few dishes and other essentials you’ll need to use right up until moving day. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/12-things-renters-immediately-judge-when-they-check-out-a-rental-1913381/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">See here for 12 things renters immediately judge when viewing a rental.</a>Real EstateScott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free MovePack the Kitchen First
PHOTO 1 of 10READ LESS -People often want to leave this busy room until last, but <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/scott-mcgillivray-tips-stress-free-move-1921860/">the kitchen is the most complicated room</a> in the house! It’s full of oddly shaped and tough-to-pack items. So do yourself a favour and cross the kitchen off the list first. Just be sure to leave out a few dishes and other essentials you’ll need to use right up until moving day. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/12-things-renters-immediately-judge-when-they-check-out-a-rental-1913381/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">See here for 12 things renters immediately judge when viewing a rental.</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Pack One Room at a Time
2/10Pack One Room at a Time
2/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
In order to keep things organized, pack things up one room at a time, and keep all the items from each individual room together. Label your boxes carefully so the movers know exactly where to put them in your new space. This will make your life a lot easier when it comes time to unpack. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/blog/scott-mcgillivrays-sage-advice-for-winning-bidding-wars-1910838/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Read this genius expert advice for winning bidding wars!</a>Real EstateScott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free MovePack One Room at a Time
PHOTO 2 of 10READ LESS -In order to keep things organized, pack things up one room at a time, and keep all the items from each individual room together. Label your boxes carefully so the movers know exactly where to put them in your new space. This will make your life a lot easier when it comes time to unpack. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/blog/scott-mcgillivrays-sage-advice-for-winning-bidding-wars-1910838/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Read this genius expert advice for winning bidding wars!</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Purge While You Pack
3/10Purge While You Pack
3/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
There’s no better time to get rid of those excess items in your home than when moving. As you pack, take the opportunity to de-clutter and toss anything you no longer need or use. Sell what you can, and donate the rest. Not sure where to begin? <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/the-10-minute-closet-makeover-ditch-these-14-things-immediately-1901896/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 14 things to rid from your wardrobe immediately</a>.Real EstateScott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free MovePurge While You Pack
PHOTO 3 of 10READ LESS -There’s no better time to get rid of those excess items in your home than when moving. As you pack, take the opportunity to de-clutter and toss anything you no longer need or use. Sell what you can, and donate the rest. Not sure where to begin? <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/the-10-minute-closet-makeover-ditch-these-14-things-immediately-1901896/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 14 things to rid from your wardrobe immediately</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Control Cords
4/10Control Cords
4/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
I cannot stress this tip enough – when you’re unplugging your electronics, wrap and label all of the cords. Yes, it’s a tedious job, but so worth it. Also, it’s not a bad idea to take photos of your electronics before you unplug everything. This way, you can see how to put everything back together when you unpack your belongings in your new space.Real EstateScott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free MoveControl Cords
PHOTO 4 of 10READ LESS -I cannot stress this tip enough – when you’re unplugging your electronics, wrap and label all of the cords. Yes, it’s a tedious job, but so worth it. Also, it’s not a bad idea to take photos of your electronics before you unplug everything. This way, you can see how to put everything back together when you unpack your belongings in your new space.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Introduce Yourself to the Movers
5/10Introduce Yourself to the Movers
5/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
Sounds obvious, right? A lot of people get so stressed on moving day that they forget common etiquette. Remember, these are the people you are trusting with all of your worldly possessions – and they’re working hard! So, take the time to introduce yourself and make friends. It will make the process smoother for everyone involved. Overall, anything you can do to limit stress on moving day is a good thing. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/15-money-saving-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers-from-scott-mcgillivray-1909400/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 15 money-saving tips for first-time homebuyers</a>.Real EstateScott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free MoveIntroduce Yourself to the Movers
PHOTO 5 of 10READ LESS -Sounds obvious, right? A lot of people get so stressed on moving day that they forget common etiquette. Remember, these are the people you are trusting with all of your worldly possessions – and they’re working hard! So, take the time to introduce yourself and make friends. It will make the process smoother for everyone involved. Overall, anything you can do to limit stress on moving day is a good thing. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/15-money-saving-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers-from-scott-mcgillivray-1909400/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 15 money-saving tips for first-time homebuyers</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Protect Your Valuables
6/10Protect Your Valuables
6/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
Wrapping items carefully in bubble wrap is not enough. My advice? It’s always a good idea to insure your valuables and precious breakables when using a moving company. Check the policy and find out who should be packing items and how packing should be done, in order to make sure you have the proper coverage.Real EstateScott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free MoveProtect Your Valuables
PHOTO 6 of 10READ LESS -Wrapping items carefully in bubble wrap is not enough. My advice? It’s always a good idea to insure your valuables and precious breakables when using a moving company. Check the policy and find out who should be packing items and how packing should be done, in order to make sure you have the proper coverage.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Pack an Overnight Bag
7/10Pack an Overnight Bag
7/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
When you arrive in your new home, chances are you’ll feel totally disorganized. Make your first night easier by packing an overnight bag with all your essentials (clothes for the next day, a toothbrush, toiletries etc). Make sure you pack one for every member of the family. Kids should have some comforting toys and books to keep them occupied. And don’t forget the pets! Don’t let the dog bowls and food get lost amongst all the boxes. <a href="ttps://www.hgtv.ca/shows/moving-the-mcgillivrays/blog/5-tips-for-moving-with-kids-29074/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are five more important tips to keep in mind when moving with kids.</a>Real EstateScott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free MovePack an Overnight Bag
PHOTO 7 of 10READ LESS -When you arrive in your new home, chances are you’ll feel totally disorganized. Make your first night easier by packing an overnight bag with all your essentials (clothes for the next day, a toothbrush, toiletries etc). Make sure you pack one for every member of the family. Kids should have some comforting toys and books to keep them occupied. And don’t forget the pets! Don’t let the dog bowls and food get lost amongst all the boxes. <a href="ttps://www.hgtv.ca/shows/moving-the-mcgillivrays/blog/5-tips-for-moving-with-kids-29074/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are five more important tips to keep in mind when moving with kids.</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Pack a ‘First Day’ Box
8/10Pack a ‘First Day’ Box
8/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
Along with an overnight bag, you should have a box full of items you’ll need for your first morning. These products might include a coffee maker, a few dishes and any other essentials to help get yourself going on day one.Real EstateScott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free MovePack a ‘First Day’ Box
PHOTO 8 of 10READ LESS -Along with an overnight bag, you should have a box full of items you’ll need for your first morning. These products might include a coffee maker, a few dishes and any other essentials to help get yourself going on day one.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Unpack Strategically
9/10Unpack Strategically
9/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
Unpacking should be just as strategic as packing. My tip is to unpack the bedroom first, because chances are you’ll be exhausted and you’ll want to be able to get a good night’s sleep after the day’s work. After that, tackle the kitchen and main bathroom. When it comes time to decorate, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/8-super-easy-ways-to-add-character-to-your-bedroom-1901491/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">read up on these 8 super easy ways to add character to your bedroom</a>.Real EstateScott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free MoveUnpack Strategically
PHOTO 9 of 10READ LESS -Unpacking should be just as strategic as packing. My tip is to unpack the bedroom first, because chances are you’ll be exhausted and you’ll want to be able to get a good night’s sleep after the day’s work. After that, tackle the kitchen and main bathroom. When it comes time to decorate, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/8-super-easy-ways-to-add-character-to-your-bedroom-1901491/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">read up on these 8 super easy ways to add character to your bedroom</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Keep Your Receipts
10/10Keep Your Receipts
10/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
My final tip is to not forget that some moving expenses are tax deductible. Hang on to any receipts in case you’re able to claim them on your income tax the following year.Real EstateScott McGillivray Reveals His Top 10 Tips For a Stress-Free MoveKeep Your Receipts
PHOTO 10 of 10READ LESS -My final tip is to not forget that some moving expenses are tax deductible. Hang on to any receipts in case you’re able to claim them on your income tax the following year.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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