Moving house can be an incredibly stressful experience, but with the right preparation and planning, you can make your house move as trouble-free as possible. Here are our 7 top tips for helping you get through smoothly.
1. Start planning early
Living in your new home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s the getting there that takes work. Between packing, organizing, and coordinating with movers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Your move requires a lot of preparation, so start planning as early as possible. Make a checklist of everything you need to do and start tackling tasks individually.
Before packing anything, list all the items or groups of items you need to take, and what rooms they will go in.
2. Hire professional movers
Do your research and find a reputable moving company. Be sure to read reviews – try Trustpilot – and ask family and friends for recommendations.
Check they are insured for loss or damages and what the limits are – you may want to take out extra insurance for particularly valuable or specialist items.
Most companies will visit your current home to assess the size of vehicle and number of boxes you will need. They may well be able to supply you with boxes – check if this is extra, or included in the price - but it may be cheaper and easier to buy them yourself – try any nearby storage services as they will often sell them.
3. Start packing
Start packing up non-essential items several weeks before your move date, so it’s one less thing to worry about. Keep important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and legal documents in a waterproof plastic wallet until they're needed again.
Moving is the perfect time to get rid of things you no longer need. Take the time to declutter your home – it's a dull task, but just focus on how much better you’ll feel when it’s done, especially if you can give items away to friends, sell them online, recycle them, or give to charity shops.
When packing, be strategic about what you pack and when. Pack items you won’t need immediately and save essential items for last – especially the kettle, mugs, and tea and coffee!
This is often forgotten, but make sure you label your boxes on all sides with not just a summary of contents, but which rooms they are destined for. It will save havoc on the day and the days ahead.
4. Take measurements
When moving into a new home, see if you can get access beforehand to measure up – including doorways and passageways so that large objects such as sofas can fit through them without issue. It’s better to do this now rather than later when furniture is being unloaded! The movers will appreciate knowing of any potential problems.
5. Prepare for your new home
Decide on what gas and electric companies you will go with – or if you’re sticking with your existing providers. Either way, after exchange let them have your new address and move-in date. You should also confirm your new address for Council Tax and to the DVLA to update your driving licence. If you know repairs will be needed from the word go, start checking for local tradespeople.
6. Change your address
As soon as possible after your move-in date has been finalised and contracts exchanged, take some time to update all relevant parties about your change of address, for instance banks and credit card companies. This will ensure any important mail reaches its intended recipient without delay!
You may want to consider organising a Royal Mail redirection service for the first few months. This has a cost, but will ensure everything gets to you.
7. Final checks before you go
Take time for a last-minute check of cupboards, sheds etc to make sure you’ve got everything! Have all your sets of keys ready to give to the estate agent, who will pass them on to the new owner. And take final water, gas and electricity readings to give to the utility companies.
By following these seven top tips for a trouble-free house move, you'll be well on your way towards having a stress-free transition into your new abode with minimal disruption along the way!
With proper planning and preparation, you'll have everything unpacked quickly and ready to settle into your new home.
At Proctors, we are not just local agents, we are local people, too. Proctors have provided a personal approach to buying, selling and letting since 1946 in the areas of Beckenham, Bromley, Park Langley, Petts Wood, Shirley and West Wickham. Our local knowledge is second to none, and we are committed to ensuring you get the support to help with your move.