Make your forthcoming house move as smooth as possible with our handy checklist of things to take care of before you head for your new abode…
Moving home can be both an exciting and daunting experience. Whether moving to a new city, downsizing or upgrading to a bigger house, it can be overwhelming to think about the task ahead. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure a smoother transition when moving. Here are eight important things to do before you move to make the process more organised and as stress-free as possible…
Declutter your current home
Moving can be the perfect opportunity to downsize and declutter your belongings. Before packing, go through everything you own and decide what you want to keep, donate, or sell. This will help you avoid packing unnecessary items, making moving more accessible and less expensive. You can also make some extra cash by selling things you no longer need.
Pack smartly
Invest in good-quality packing supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Label all your boxes with the contents and the room they belong to. This will make the unpacking process more organised and less hectic. You can also pack an essentials box for the items you need immediately after moving, such as toiletries and a change of clothes.
Hire a professional removal firm
Are you tempted to rely on a friend with a van so that you can save money? Don’t risk it. They may be cheaper but less reliable as they’re doing you a favour rather than providing a professional service. And there’s always a risk of them getting injured while moving your furniture. Professional movers can help you pack, load and unload your belongings. A reputable firm will also take extra care of fragile items and pack them accordingly and will re-assemble items like beds that were broken down before you move. Research local removal firms and read reviews to find the best company to suit your needs and budget.
Update your address
Before moving, make sure you update your address with all your service providers, including banks, credit cards, insurance, and utility companies. This will ensure that you don’t miss any important bills or mail after moving into your new home. You can also inform your family, friends, and employer about the change of address to keep them updated.
Take care of your utilities
Another essential task to do before moving is to take care of your utilities. Arrange for your electricity, gas, water, and internet services to be disconnected at your old home and reconnected at your new home. This should be done at least a week before moving to avoid any inconvenience.
Clean your new home before putting furniture in it
Before moving into your new home, clean it thoroughly if time permits. You can hire a professional cleaning company or do it yourself. This will help you settle into your new space more comfortably.
Plan where your pets will be while you move
Make sure you have a suitable travel carrier for your pet, and think about having them stay with friends or family on the day you move so that you can minimise their stress levels and focus on the task at hand. Ensure they are microchipped in case they escape when you bring them into your new home.
Update your insurance
Make sure your contents and buildings insurance are transferred to your new home and that the level of cover still meets your needs. Your current home contents policy should cover your new property’s items and protect them during the move. Most policies do this, but some don’t, so check with your insurer before you move. If your contents insurance covers your house move, you won’t need to take out insurance to cover the action itself, but if not, you can take out removal insurance.
Talk to your insurer before you move so that you’re clear on whether you’re covered. You might also be able to transfer your buildings insurance to your new home, but it may be cheaper to cancel the policy and set up a new deal on your new property. Again, speak to your existing insurer before you move.