Top tips for a hassle free house move

By Amanda Wilkins - 28 April 2026

BusinessExpert VoicesHome and Garden
  • DWHS - A typical street scene at Honeymans Helm in Highworth, Wilts

    DWHS - A typical street scene at Honeymans Helm in Highworth, Wilts

To coincide with National Stress Awareness Month (April), a leading housebuilder is encouraging Wiltshire home buyers to take proactive steps to manage stress during the moving process.

Moving house can sometimes seem overwhelming, but Barratt and David Wilson Homes have compiled a list of tips to keep calm and move confidently.

Emma Hawkins, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “With many people looking to take their next step along the property ladder before summer, we are here to help make that move easier and more achievable.

“We know very well the ups and downs of moving to a new home. That is why we want to share these tips to help all property hunters enjoy the journey to a new home to the fullest.”

 Ahead of moving day, Barratt and David Wilson Homes recommend starting early.

A spokesperson said: “There are no hard and fast rules when to start preparing for a move, but early organisation is crucial. Creating a moving checklist with achievable dates and deadlines around four to six weeks before moving day is a great way to start.

“Accumulating clutter is perfectly normal, but preparing for a move is the perfect opportunity to finally get rid of the things no longer used or needed.

“Sorting belongings into keep, donate, sell and recycle piles before moving can go a long way to lighten the load of everything taken to a new home, cutting moving costs, simplifying unpacking the other end and crucially lowering stress levels.

Keeping all important documents like IDs, contracts and insurance documents to hand is very important. It’s easy to pack up documents and lose them in a sea of other boxes, which can cause unnecessary stress if they are still needed. A clearly labelled folder for paper documents or a digital file is the best strategy to prevent this. It is also important to inform banks, schools and utility suppliers of the change in address, as well as taking meter readings at both the old and new home.

“Organising boxes correctly when packing up a room is a crucial step to a stress-free move. Boxing certain items up together and labelling it clearly with the contents and room, like ‘study – books’ goes a long way to relieve confusion when unpacking again. Using colour-coded stickers or tape for each room makes sorting even easier still.

“It’s a good idea to clean as you go, and not to leave cleaning to the last day. When packing away draws and cupboards it can be prudent to clean them at the same time, especially if they will no longer be used. The days leading up to moving and moving day itself can be daunting, so small actions that can alleviate some of the work required can drastically reduce stress levels.

The final preparations before a big move can make all the difference. Packing an essentials bag with items like chargers, mugs, tea bags, toiletries, pyjamas and anything else that might be needed helps avoid late night box hunting after a long day. If possible, arranging for childcare and pet care for moving day can also take away the hassle and ensure everyone is comfortable during the transition.”

By sharing practical advice this National Stress Awareness Month, Barratt and David Wilson Homes aims to help movers take control of the process and protect their wellbeing during what should be an exciting life event.

For details about any developments in the area, visit the websites at Barratt Homes in Wiltshire and David Wilson Homes in Wiltshire.

 

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