If you’re planning a move in Moray, you’ve chosen a fantastic place to settle.
Nestled between the Highlands and the sea, Moray blends stunning landscapes with a strong sense of community.
From charming towns like Elgin and Forres to the breathtaking Moray Coast, it’s a location that offers both peaceful living and easy connections.
Moving here is exciting, but let’s face it, relocating can also be an incredibly unsettling time without proper planning, often leaving you feeling swamped and drained.
That’s why we’ve put together these ten professional tips.
With the proper preparation, you can avoid common headaches, save money, and actually enjoy the process of starting your new chapter in Moray.
1. Start Early and Stick to a Timeline
Moving house is one of those things where procrastination will come back to bite you.
The earlier you start, the easier it is to spread out the work into manageable chunks.
Create a moving calendar and set weekly goals; for example, one week could be dedicated to sorting through clothes, another to contacting your utility providers, and another to booking your removals company.
Don’t aim for perfection, just keep things moving steadily.
Even 15 minutes a day can chip away at your to-do list. By the time moving week rolls around, you’ll be organised instead of overwhelmed.
2. Declutter Ruthlessly
This is your golden opportunity to shed the stuff that no longer serves you.
Be honest: do you really need those boxes of wires or that second coffee machine?
Start by making three piles: keep, donate, and recycle. The less you move, the less you pay, and the quicker you’ll settle into your new home.
Local charity shops like the British Heart Foundation in Elgin or recycling points listed on the Moray Council website make it simple to give items a second life.
Decluttering also makes unpacking at your new home easier; you’ll only be opening boxes filled with things you genuinely want and value.
3. Gather the Right Packing Materials
Using sturdy materials makes all the difference between a smooth move and a box disaster.
While you can get free cartons from supermarkets or local Facebook groups, make sure they’re strong enough to handle the weight.
Stock up on quality tape, bubble wrap, and markers, you’ll thank yourself when that box of glasses arrives intact.
Towels, blankets, and even socks make great eco-friendly padding.
Keep a small kit handy with scissors, tape, and pens so you’re not scrambling around mid-pack.
Investing a little thought here avoids frustration and protects your belongings for the journey.
But remember, if you use Moray Firth Moving & Storage, your packing materials will be included in your move price.
4. Use Smart Labelling
Think of labelling as your future self’s best friend.
When every box is clearly marked with its room, contents, and any “fragile” notes, unpacking becomes so much less frustrating.
There is nothing more annoying than having to go through your boxes repeatedly to find things.
Colour-coded labels or stickers can be a lifesaver too, blue for bathroom, red for kitchen, and so on.
If you want to get really organised, number each box and keep a simple inventory list. That way, if a box is missing on the other side, you’ll know immediately.
Here again, when you use Moray Firth for your relocation, our removal team will create an inventory, carefully number each box, and add it and its contents to the list as they pack.
It also helps you or your removals company know exactly where to place everything at the other end, saving time and effort.
5. Book a BAR-Registered Removal Service
Not all movers are created equal. Booking a BAR-registered company ensures you’re working with professionals who meet strict industry standards.
It means you’ll have insurance options and financial protection if plans change unexpectedly.
With Moray Firth Moving & Storage, you’re dealing with a team that understands local roads, parking quirks, and the unique challenges of moving in Moray.
Don’t just chase the cheapest quote; peace of mind is worth far more.
Once you’ve confirmed your dates, get everything in writing so you can relax knowing the logistics are covered. Learn more at BAR.
6. Plan Your Parking and Access
Awkward driveways, tight village streets, or narrow staircases can easily cause chaos on moving day for you and your neighbours.
That’s why it’s smart to scout both your current and new property in advance.
Take photos, note down parking restrictions, and even check with the council if you need a permit.
Let your movers know about anything unusual, whether it’s a steep staircase, limited parking, or tricky turns into your new driveway.
A bit of foresight allows the removals team to bring the right equipment and vehicles.
It may seem like a small detail, but it’s often the difference between a smooth move and hours of delay.
7. Get Everything in Writing
When you’re dealing with movers, landlords, or utility companies, verbal promises aren’t enough.
It is essential to maintain a paper or digital record.
Your removals quote should clearly outline what’s included: packing, insurance, storage, travel times, difficult access, and any special arrangements you made with the house move surveyor.
Ensure you know who’s responsible for what on moving day, as misunderstandings can lead to both stress and additional costs.
Even an email confirmation is better than a vague phone chat.
If problems arise, having everything documented provides a solid foundation to rely on. It also helps keep everyone accountable and your move transparent.
8. Pack an “Open First” Box
Imagine arriving at your new home after hours of lifting and unpacking, only to realise you can’t find the kettle or your phone charger.
That’s where an Open First box comes in. Pack it with essentials like tea, coffee, mugs, loo roll, snacks, and cleaning supplies. Include chargers, a change of clothes, and maybe even some bedding.
Clearly label it so it doesn’t get buried under a mountain of boxes.
Having these basics ready makes your first evening comfortable, rather than chaotic, and gives you breathing space to tackle unpacking the rest of your belongings at your own pace.
9. Do a Final Walk-Through
Before the movers lock the van, take one last slow lap around your home.
Open every cupboard, check the loft, look behind doors, and don’t forget the garden shed.
People are often surprised by how many items get left behind in hidden spots.
At the new house, walk through with the movers and make sure you’ve got working utilities, keys for all locks, and that any agreed-upon repairs or checks have been done.
Doing this together means there are no surprises, and you start life in your new home with everything in place.
It is a good idea at this point to make a note of the meter readings. Better still, take a photo so that there can be no misunderstandings or mistakes later.
10. Leave the House Clean for the New People
Not only is it good manners, but it is also often part of your contract to leave your old home clean for the next occupants.
A quick tidy-up makes a big difference: vacuum the carpets, wipe down surfaces, empty bins, and give the bathroom and kitchen a once-over.
If you’re short on time, consider hiring a local cleaning service to do the heavy lifting.
Not only does this help avoid disputes with buyers or landlords, but it also leaves a positive impression.
Moving is stressful enough, but walking into a fresh, tidy home gives the new people the best possible start.
And if you ever need to pop back for stray post, you can do so knowing you left the place spotless.
11. Unpack Strategically and Breathe
Unpacking can feel just as overwhelming as packing up did, but you don’t need to do it all in one go.
It is easy to get carried away trying to make the new home as perfect as possible as soon as possible.
You have plenty of time, so take a breath and start with essentials, your Open First box, then the kitchen or bedrooms, so you can cook and sleep comfortably.
Achieve small wins by completing one room at a time, rather than spreading yourself too thin.
Take breaks, order a takeaway, or even step out to explore your new neighbourhood in Moray.
Remember, settling into a home is a marathon, not a sprint. The beauty of Moray is that life moves at a relaxed pace, and you should too!
Are you Moving House in Moray Soon?
At Moray Firth Moving & Storage we know only too well how disruptive a house move can be.
By following our eleven practical tips, you’ll not only reduce stress but also set yourself up to enjoy your new chapter in Moray.
For expert local help, reach out to Moray Firth Moving & Storage and let the professionals handle the heavy lifting while you focus on making your new house a home.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and take the first step towards your new adventure!
- Call us at 01309 580 030
- Fill out our quick and easy contact form here.
A member of our team will be more than happy to help you get settled in no time!
Take the time to have a look at our other blogs designed specifically for those moving home, they are packed with practical and helpful information:
