Let’s set the scene. It’s moving day. You wake up, full of optimism, ready to conquer the world—or at least the mountain of boxes in your living room. Then reality hits: your sofa is heavier than you remember, the kettle’s already packed (rookie mistake), and your best friend who swore they’d help is suddenly “feeling a bit off.”
Welcome to the grand circus of moving—a logistical high-wire act performed without a safety net. But don’t worry, we at Expert Removals have seen it all. From the panic packers who start the night before to the strategists with colour-coded spreadsheets, we know exactly how to turn chaos into calm.
In this guide, we’ll break down the moving day madness, dig into the emotional rollercoaster, and—most importantly—show you how to get through it with your sanity (and back muscles) intact.
Why is moving so stressful? The psychology behind the chaos
According to a 2023 survey by Which?, 60% of people find moving house more stressful than divorce. Yep, you read that right. Splitting assets with your ex? Manageable. Packing up your entire life and realising you own three toasters? Utter mayhem.
But why?
Moving disrupts our sense of stability, forces major decision-making (keep the armchair or let it go?), and introduces uncertainty—where is that one essential document you now suddenly need? Psychologists link this to our brain’s aversion to change and loss of control.
How can you make moving less stressful?
- Start early. Last-minute packing leads to regret, broken belongings, and questioning your life choices.
- Declutter before packing. Studies show we only use 20% of what we own regularly—so why move 100% of it?
- Hire professionals. (Ahem, we know a great moving company).
- Keep essentials separate. Medications, chargers, coffee—unless you want day-one regrets.
- Expect hiccups. There will be something—but a good moving plan keeps it manageable.
The logistics: What do most people forget on moving day?
Moving day has a way of revealing blind spots in even the best-laid plans. Here are the top forgotten items (according to 1,000+ moves we’ve completed):
| Forgotten Item | Impact Level (1-5) | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Phone/laptop chargers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Keep in a personal essentials bag |
| Keys (old & new) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Double-check before leaving |
| Toiletries & toilet paper | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Pack a bathroom essentials kit |
| Fridge & freezer contents | ⭐⭐⭐ | Eat it, gift it, or move it in a cooler |
| Important documents | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Store in a labelled folder |
| Toolbox (for reassembling furniture) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Pack separately for easy access |
It’s always the little things that trip you up. You can have your sofa wrapped in precision-perfect plastic wrap, but if your phone charger is buried under 15 boxes… well, good luck.
The heavy lifting: Should you DIY or hire a moving company?
Look, we get it. The DIY route is tempting. Maybe you’re thinking:
- “How hard can it be?”
- “My mate has a van.”
- “I’ll just lift with my legs.”
But here’s the reality: 60% of DIY movers injure themselves, according to the NHS. Meanwhile, 35% of all moving-related insurance claims involve damage caused during self-moves.
DIY moving vs hiring professional movers: A data-driven comparison
| Factor | DIY Move | Hiring Expert Removals |
|---|---|---|
| Time required | 2-3 days minimum | 4-6 hours for a standard move |
| Risk of damage | High (lack of expertise) | Low (trained professionals) |
| Stress levels | Extreme (logistics, lifting, driving) | Low (we handle everything) |
| Cost | Lower upfront, but hidden costs (van rental, petrol, injuries) | Transparent, all-inclusive pricing |
| Convenience | Non-existent | High—you barely lift a finger |
Unless you’re a certified furniture-lifting champion, hiring movers isn’t just easier—it’s smarter. Your back (and belongings) will thank you.
How much does it actually cost to hire movers?
Ah, the million-dollar question (or, thankfully, far less than that). Here’s a quick cost breakdown for an average 3-bedroom house move in Dublin:
| Service | Average Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Small apartment move | €400 – €800 |
| 3-bedroom house move | €1,000 – €1,800 |
| Large house move | €2,000+ |
| Packing services | +€200 – €500 |
| Furniture disassembly & reassembly | +€150 – €300 |
Pro tip: Mid-week and mid-month moves are cheaper than weekend or end-of-month relocations.
The emotions: Why does moving make people cry (and laugh)?
It starts with excitement, morphs into panic, then ends in relief (or exhaustion).
Common emotional stages of moving
- Excitement: “New chapter, new me!”
- Overwhelm: “Why do I own this much stuff?”
- Frustration: “Where did I put my passport?”
- Resignation: “Let’s just throw everything in boxes.”
- Exhaustion: “Never again.”
- Joy (eventually): “We made it. Drinks?”
We’ve seen grown adults sob over lost socks, laugh hysterically when their couch gets stuck in a doorway, and spontaneously dance when the last box is unloaded. Moving is a full-contact sport—physically and emotionally.
Final checklist: The ultimate moving day survival guide
Before we leave you to it, here’s your expert-approved last-minute moving day checklist:
✔️ Confirm move-in time with landlords/new owners
✔️ Defrost fridge/freezer 24 hours before moving
✔️ Pack an overnight bag with essentials
✔️ Label boxes with the room they belong to
✔️ Take photos of electronics before unplugging (for easy reconnection)
✔️ Keep snacks and water handy (trust us, you’ll need them)
✔️ Relax—because with Expert Removals, you’re in good hands
Final thought: Moving doesn’t have to be mayhem
Yes, moving day is a wild ride. But with the right preparation, the right mindset, and the right team (cough, Expert Removals, cough), you can actually enjoy the adventure.
So, if you’re staring down an upcoming move, let’s chat. We’ll handle the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively—so you can focus on settling into your new home without the chaos.
🚛 Expert Removals – Moving made easy, memories made happier.
📞 Call us today for a stress-free move!
Tel: 01-8829970 / E: info@expertremovals.ie
