Moving house is definitely up there with life’s most stressful experiences, with a massive number of things to arrange and consider. It is important to make sure that you have a plan in place for the run-up to the big moving date. Estate agents, Greenaway Residential have put together a checklist to help you break down the tasks and make the day easier for you.
Clear Clutter
This can be considered as one of the most difficult but important steps. Clearing away items that you don’t use anymore, or clothes you don’t wear, will make moving a lot easier for you… and lighter! Do you use it daily? Does it hold value to you? If the answer is no, then consider binning it or if in good enough condition, take it to the charity shop. By cutting down on your belongings you are not only saving packing time, but you will also be grateful when it comes to unpacking when you have moved into your new home.
Book The Removals Company
If you have decided to book a removal company to help with the move, then it is a good idea to book this quite early on in case there isn’t any availability for when you want it. There are different options available, for example, if you don’t have masses of stuff to move then you could keep it simple and just hire yourself a van. Remember that you’ll probably have to make several journeys including the final one to return the van – So this option is only practical for short distance journeys. However, a removals company can ease the mental and physical stress of loading and unloading on moving day.
Start Packing Early
Packing can be stressful and you might underestimate how much stuff you actually have – that is why should do yourself a favour and start packing as early as you can. The best approach for packing is to start with the stuff that you aren’t going to need leading up to the big day, for example, DVDs and books. Make sure you label the boxes – This is a mistake that so many people make! By labelling which box goes in which room you are going to save yourself heaps of time when it comes to unpacking. Gradually pack your home up using this method and you’ll be done in no time at all!
Consider Valuables and Breakables
Most of your belongings will be okay to go straight into boxes, but there is bound to be the odd breakable amongst your stuff. It is worth packing these first, and keeping them separate from the rest of your belongings, use bubble wrap or extra packaging and then label these boxes as fragile. For anything valuable or breakable, if possible, transport items in your car, rather than in the van as some removal company’s insurance might not cover you for items above a certain value.
Changes of Address
There are so many things you have to consider when moving house, it is important that you don’t forget any of them. Making sure you have changed addresses on important documents is something that can sometimes be forgotten – But is extremely important! Once you know the exact date that you are going to be moving home, contact your bank and any other authorities to change your address. As well as changing your address, it is important to notify your existing utility companies so you are not stunned with extra bills when you are settled in your new home.
Pack Your Essentials Bag
There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning and realising you can’t have your morning cuppa! Save yourself this frustration, and pack a bag of essentials for during the move and the first night in your new house. Consider things such as; change of clothes, tea bags, mugs, phone chargers and of course your toothbrush and toothpaste!
If you follow this checklist then you will be settled into your new home in no time at all – And hopefully a lot less stressed!
