Anyone who has ever moved home will have experienced that triumphant moment when they have unpacked the very last box in their new residence.With your new property looking like a show home, the sense of accomplishment and relief will no doubt be palpable. You’ll also probably pat yourself on the back and wonder how on earth you managed to retain your sanity during such a stressful process. Yet, one thing you might not do is spare a thought for what your ancestors went through back in the day when they relocated.
Most people today use professional companies who offer specialised lifting equipment, experienced labour, and trucks to help you transfer from A to B. While this does incur moving costs, it also makes the process go in a much quicker and more seamless way than if you didn’t have them available to you.
This begs the question of what did your grandparents, great-grandparents and even their grandparents do without being able to call on these amenities?
Well, we are about to reveal all in our guide to how the moving industry has evolved over time.
Medieval Times (500 to 1450)
The Middle Ages was a time when most ordinary folks resided on the land they cultivated, while wealthy and powerful people, such as royalty, lords, and knights, lived in impressive castles.
Typically, the only situations in which the former moved home was if they rose up the social ladder. If they were lucky enough to be able to do so, they would move their possessions on carts that were pulled by oxen or horses. However, this was very risky because they were very susceptible to robbery from bandits and highwaymen during the transit.
Wealthy nobles and knights carried swords as essential weapons for protection and combat. While swords were once a necessity in battle, historically inspired decorative swords are now popular among history enthusiasts, reenactors, and those looking to bring an authentic medieval touch to their displays.
Exploration and Colonization period (1450 – 1800)
Thanks to the likes of Christopher Columbus and Captain Cook, this period is when much of the world was discovered. During these times, people made some seriously long moves, starting new lives in foreign countries like the USA, Australia, and Jamaica, where they could own land and even trade spices, gold, slaves, and other commodities to live more comfortably.
Moving was a one-way ticket for the colonists who wanted a change of scene to a new continent and all their possessions were transported in a few trunks on wooden ships that took months to reach the final destination. Again, the danger of theft was always lurking, this time from pirates.
Industrial Revolution (1700 – 1840)
The Industrial Revolution was a real game changer for the moving industry, not least because it was a time when Pickford’s, the world’s first removalist company, was launched around 1646. While this family business initially transferred rocks from quarries, they were soon able to tap into the increasing trend of people moving from farms to cities. This was due in part to innovations like steam trains, that also helped people to move their possessions faster and further afield.
First Part of the 20th century (1900 – 1945)
The 20th century might have featured two world wars, but it was also a time when the moving industry was forever changed by the invent of cars and planes. Thanks to those developments, people could even more easily relocate to other parts of the country or world – and could take their belongings with them or send them via big ship. This era also saw the birth of standardised moving boxes, which provided a much better way to transport possessions than simply putting them in whatever containers you had on hand.
Post-World War II era (1945 – 1970)
After the end of the Second World War, many countries invested in rebuilding the road infrastructure, which had been destroyed by bombing and man-made explosions. At the same time, there was also a huge boom in suburban development, which were both major factors in the birth of the professional moving industry in the form we recognise today.
Late 20th Century (1970 – 2000)
During the latter part of the 20th century, two major innovations occurred that changed the face of moving forever: shipping containers and computers. The former revolutionized the way international and long-distance moves were coordinated, as all your possessions could be loaded in one box.
Computers made the logistical process much smoother and reliable. They also enabled removalist companies to track the status of moves with pinpoint accuracy.
Digital Age (2000 – Present)
The era of Wi-Fi, smartphones, and the internet has streamlined the entire process of moving. Now you can pretty coordinate much of it online, without have to speak to a human being until moving day! For instance, you can take a virtual tour of your new home without even having to be in the same country or state as it.
Additionally, you can get a quote or book the services of a removalist company, read reviews about them, use apps that can assist you in measuring your furniture, and even read blog posts that provide an essential checklist for moving into your new home.
Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.
