Published: 03/05/2024
We have written a number of blog posts on the topic of moving house. Why? Because in reality (and sorry to bring the mood down), along with separation and loss of a loved one, buying and moving into a new property is one of the most stressful events that we will go through in our lifetime. And we really dislike that fact because it should be one of the best times! So, we have made it our mission as a local estate agent to try and reduce that stress as much as possible; this comes in the form of us helping you to buy and sell your home(s) and also supplying you with as much useful information as possible. Hopefully, some of our previous blog posts have given you some reassurance that a house move doesn’t have to be a negative experience. This blog is another little gem to add to the positivity bank.Moving home can be both exciting and stressful in equal measure. With so many tasks to remember and organise, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But please don’t panic. We are here to help make your move as smooth as possible…or at least try!
4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day:
Decluttering: You need to start early with this one as it is no quick task. Start by going through every nook and cranny of your current home and decide what you want to keep, bin, sell or donate. It is often the perfect time to make a little money to help towards the cost of buying new things. Trust us; you don't want to drag unnecessary stuff to your new home. Out with the old and in with the new.
Research Moving Companies:
If you are planning to hire professionals to help with the move, now's the time to start researching and getting quotes. Ask around for recommendations and read reviews online to find a reputable company that fits your budget. If you would like to know who we think is the best, then just ask; you can probably tell from our socials that we have a favourite.
Notify Relevant Parties:
Inform your landlord or letting agent (if you are renting) about your moving plans. There will usually be a notice period written into your tenancy agreement, so it is vital to keep those terms in mind when juggling overlaps in financial commitments. Also, don't forget to notify your utility companies, insurance providers, and any subscription services about your change of address.
Start Collecting Packaging Supplies: Stock up on boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials straight away, as you really can’t have too much. You'll need more than you think, so it's better to have extra than run out in the middle of a packing frenzy. If you don’t end up using it all, then there will be people in local selling groups desperate to take it off your hands.
2-4 Weeks Before Moving Day:
Begin Packing: Start packing up non-essential items like seasonal clothing, books, and decorative items – everyone has a box of Christmas bits shoved into the loft! Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in to make unpacking a breeze. Trust us when we say this is one piece of advice that you will be grateful to receive…having 300 unmarked boxes is not fun for anyone.
Arrange For Child and Pet Care: Moving day can be chaotic, especially with little ones or pets underfoot. Consider arranging childcare or pet sitting to keep everyone safe and out of the way during the move. They get a fun ‘play date’, and you get a less stressful day; everyone is a winner.
Update Your Address: Submit a change of address form to the post office and update your address with any relevant companies, such as banks, credit card companies, and benefit agencies.
Plan Change of Utilities: We all know that this part is a headache, but if you plan ahead, then maybe you can make it a dull ache as opposed to a full-on migraine. We can all live in hope. Arrange for utility services (electricity, gas, water, internet, etc.) to be transferred to your new address. Don't forget to schedule disconnection at your current place for the day after you move out. It sounds so simple when put like this…if only.
1 Week Before Moving Day:
Confirm With Moving Company: Double-check the details with your moving company if you've hired one. Confirm the date, time, and any specific instructions they may have. This is not something that you want to go wrong on the day.
Pack an Essentials Box: Pack a box with essential items you'll need right away in your new home, such as toiletries, snacks, cleaning supplies, and important documents. Keep this box with you during the move so you can access it easily, and DO NOT take your eye off it. With the number of boxes involved in a move, things can often disappear for a number of days before they reappear again, usually in the first spot that you look.
Moving Day: Write an Inventory: Before the movers arrive, take inventory of all your belongings to ensure everything gets loaded onto the truck and arrives safely at your new home. Taking pictures is also useful, especially of any breakables, so there is no debate about fault if the worst was to happen.
Supervise The Move: Be present during the move to oversee the process, answer any questions the movers may have, and ensure everything goes according to plan. Think of yourself as the project manager or delegate the task to someone else. Once everything is out of your old place, thoroughly clean it to leave it in good condition for the next occupants.
Lock Up and Say Goodbye: Before you leave for your new home, double-check that all doors and windows are locked, and bid farewell to your old place with excitement for the adventures ahead.
After Moving Day:
Unpack Strategically: Famous last words, but it’s worth doing if you can. Start unpacking room by room, focusing on the essentials first. Take your time, and don't feel pressured to unpack everything in one go. Maybe allocate yourself a room a week or a certain number of boxes a day; whatever works for you is right for you. And remember that everyone has at least three boxes left over that remain in the corner of the room for the first six months…you aren’t alone.
Settle In and Enjoy: Take some time to settle into your new home and explore your new neighbourhood. Get to know the local shops, restaurants, and amenities to make it feel like home sooner rather than later. It is also the perfect excuse to go out for dinner as much as possible; if the pans aren’t yet unpacked and you have no idea where the plates ended up, then you don’t really have a choice, do you?
And there you have it – your ultimate countdown checklist for moving home! Crack open the wine and take some time to celebrate your next chapter.
Moving home can be both exciting and stressful in equal measure. With so many tasks to remember and organise, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But please don’t panic. We are here to help make your move as smooth as possible…or at least try!
4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day:
Decluttering: You need to start early with this one as it is no quick task. Start by going through every nook and cranny of your current home and decide what you want to keep, bin, sell or donate. It is often the perfect time to make a little money to help towards the cost of buying new things. Trust us; you don't want to drag unnecessary stuff to your new home. Out with the old and in with the new.
Research Moving Companies: If you are planning to hire professionals to help with the move, now's the time to start researching and getting quotes. Ask around for recommendations and read reviews online to find a reputable company that fits your budget. If you would like to know who we think is the best, then just ask; you can probably tell from our socials that we have a favourite.
Notify Relevent Parties: Inform your landlord or letting agent (if you are renting) about your moving plans. There will usually be a notice period written into your tenancy agreement, so it is vital to keep those terms in mind when juggling overlaps in financial commitments. Also, don't forget to notify your utility companies, insurance providers, and any subscription services about your change of address.
Start Collecting Packaging Supplies: Stock up on boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials straight away, as you really can’t have too much. You'll need more than you think, so it's better to have extra than run out in the middle of a packing frenzy. If you don’t end up using it all, then there will be people in local selling groups desperate to take it off your hands.
2-4 Weeks Before Moving Day:
Begin Packing: Start packing up non-essential items like seasonal clothing, books, and decorative items – everyone has a box of Christmas bits shoved into the loft! Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in to make unpacking a breeze. Trust us when we say this is one piece of advice that you will be grateful to receive…having 300 unmarked boxes is not fun for anyone.
Arrange For Child and Pet Care: Moving day can be chaotic, especially with little ones or pets underfoot. Consider arranging childcare or pet sitting to keep everyone safe and out of the way during the move. They get a fun ‘play date’, and you get a less stressful day; everyone is a winner.
Update Your Address: Submit a change of address form to the post office and update your address with any relevant companies, such as banks, credit card companies, and benefit agencies.
Plan Change of Utilities: We all know that this part is a headache, but if you plan ahead, then maybe you can make it a dull ache as opposed to a full-on migraine. We can all live in hope. Arrange for utility services (electricity, gas, water, internet, etc.) to be transferred to your new address. Don't forget to schedule disconnection at your current place for the day after you move out. It sounds so simple when put like this…if only.
1 Week Before Moving Day:
Confirm With Moving Company: Double-check the details with your moving company if you've hired one. Confirm the date, time, and any specific instructions they may have. This is not something that you want to go wrong on the day.
Pack an Essentials Box: Pack a box with essential items you'll need right away in your new home, such as toiletries, snacks, cleaning supplies, and important documents. Keep this box with you during the move so you can access it easily, and DO NOT take your eye off it. With the number of boxes involved in a move, things can often disappear for a number of days before they reappear again, usually in the first spot that you look.
Moving Day:
Write an Inventory: Before the movers arrive, take inventory of all your belongings to ensure everything gets loaded onto the truck and arrives safely at your new home. Taking pictures is also useful, especially of any breakables, so there is no debate about fault if the worst was to happen.
Supervise The Move: Be present during the move to oversee the process, answer any questions the movers may have, and ensure everything goes according to plan. Think of yourself as the project manager or delegate the task to someone else. Once everything is out of your old place, thoroughly clean it to leave it in good condition for the next occupants.
Lock Up and Say Goodbye: Before you leave for your new home, double-check that all doors and windows are locked, and bid farewell to your old place with excitement for the adventures ahead.
After Moving Day:
Unpack Strategically: Famous last words, but it’s worth doing if you can. Start unpacking room by room, focusing on the essentials first. Take your time, and don't feel pressured to unpack everything in one go. Maybe allocate yourself a room a week or a certain number of boxes a day; whatever works for you is right for you. And remember that everyone has at least three boxes left over that remain in the corner of the room for the first six months…you aren’t alone.
Settle In and Enjoy: Take some time to settle into your new home and explore your new neighbourhood. Get to know the local shops, restaurants, and amenities to make it feel like home sooner rather than later. It is also the perfect excuse to go out for dinner as much as possible; if the pans aren’t yet unpacked and you have no idea where the plates ended up, then you don’t really have a choice, do you?
And there you have it – your ultimate countdown checklist for moving home! Crack open the wine and take some time to celebrate your next chapter.