Moving house can be a really stressful process for you and your family, and if you’re getting ready to move then you probably already understand what a difficult time this can be! There are plenty of ways in which you can prepare for your move, and with these handy hints and tips we can ensure that you have the easy and stress-free move that you deserve!1)    Plan ahead.The sooner you begin to plan the less stressful your move will be. There are lots of jobs that are going to need doing, so take the time to sit down with a pen and paper and assess what you might need for moving day and make a to-do list and packing schedule.2)    Hiring a removal service.The next step is to find a removal service. There are lots of removal companies out there, but try to follow the recommendations of friends or relatives to ensure that you’re not going to be scammed! A good removal company will take the time to come to your home and assess your needs – don’t listen to over-the-phone quotes as these can be very inaccurate and this can cost you more money!3)    Finding the right packing materials.When you have your removal company booked for your move it’s time to start sourcing packing materials. Buying your removal boxes, padding and wadding is a great idea for your belongings, but if you’re on a budget consider reinforcing second-hand boxes and using things such as newspaper or magazines to pad out your fragile items in their boxes.4)    Downsizing your home.Before you start to pack anything you should give your home a thorough clear-out. This will help to ensure that you’re only taking items with you that you actually want! Separate your items into different piles- one for packing, one for throwing away and one for donating to charity. Any old items of furniture or clothes that are in excellent condition might be able to be sold on, so why not see if you can make a profit doing this?5)    Packing your belongings.When it’s time to start packing up you should start with the least-used rooms in your home before moving onto more essential rooms. When labelling your boxes a numbering system can help to show you how important your boxes are, so that you’ll be able to easily and quickly unpack essential items in your new home with little to no effort!6)    Your kitchen.Your kitchen needs a lot of work to get it packed up, especially when it comes to your food items and large appliances! Your fridge and freezer need to be defrosted and ready for transport, so make sure to use all the food in here in the days leading up your move! You might also want to take an inventory of the food in your cupboards so that you can eat or dispose of perishable items without having to worry about transporting them.7)    Moving day.Moving day will arrive eventually and it’s important that you’re well-prepared! Everything should be boxed up safely and securely, and furniture should be ready to move as well. Your movers can provide indispensible help, so don’t forget to run any questions you might have by them. Keep to a schedule  on moving day so that no jobs get forgotten about, and remember to pack an essentials bag for you and your family, so that you have easy and immediate access to food, snacks, medications, toys and any other necessities!