Some aspects of moving really are a breeze. Most of us are, for example, old hands when it comes to readying our clothes for the big day. It’s straightforward and we’ve done it countless times in the past. But from a psychological stand-point, it’s worth confronting the difficult challenges first, rather than hiding from them in the hope that they go away (they won’t). Facing up to them head-on will empower us and make moving feel easier. So here’s the first part of our run-down of the most difficult belongings to get on the road and into your new home.
Plants
Many of us think of our green and flowered friends as being robust, especially houseplants that don’t need to be taken out of their pots. But nothing could be farther from the truth. These babies are delicate, and that’s putting it mildly. Not only that – they’re messy, scattering earth on your other belongings. They also don’t like the change of temperature caused by a long drive and can express that dislike by dying on you. After all the tending and love you’ve given them, talk about ungrateful! If you’re moving plants, then do your utmost to take advice and read up on the intricacies involved – there’s an art to it that anyone can get the knack of.
Pets
Alas, moving house along with Fido and Fluffy is never a cinch. Live animals need to be kept safe and sound in the run-up to the move, during transit and in the aftermath as they adjust to completely new surroundings. There’s also the matter of finding vets near your new home and getting all the paperwork together. So whether you’re moving dogs, cats or (trickiest of all) fish, birds and reptiles, apprise yourself of as much information as possible well in advance.
Musical instruments and gym equipment
It’s of course widely known that pianos aren’t very simple to get from A to B. There’s the sheer bulk and fragility of them, plus the fact that they can go seriously out of tune during the process. But guitars and drum-sets present their own complications, too and, like gym equipment and golf sets, require prudent care to make sure they’re in good shape for the road and safe from harm. Experienced help is recommended, rather than hope-for-the-best DIY.
“Many people have been affected by the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower in north Kensington and some have lost everything. We need your help to give them immediate support.” (Red Cross)
