Moving house is always challenging and stressful. Fortunately, there are always a few techniques one can use to make it so much easier. The most common of which is thoroughly planning your entire move.
Now, the task of planning a move can be overwhelming all in itself. And so, to help you with this feat, we’ve come up with a moving house checklist, which you may use either as a guide for your move or inspiration for your own moving checklist.
Part 1: Planning Your Move
Set A Budget
Moving can be extremely costly, especially when you don’t have a set budget before beginning the process. Hence, before anything else, it would be crucial for you to determine how much you are willing and able to spend for the entirety of the move. This will include packing materials, transportation services, packing services, rentals, food, lodging, self-storage, fuel, utility deposits, and any other fees you may need to pay along the way.
If you are moving for work, inquire about the possibility of you getting a relocation allowance, or your employer subsidising a fraction of your moving costs. Still in search for a job that suits your skillset? Check out these job opportunities!
Determine Your Moving Schedule
Once you’ve got the budget figured out, it would be essential for you to figure out a moving schedule that is most efficient and most affordable. While plotting your schedule, make sure to consider the size of your home, the number of items you have to pack, the size of the team working on these moving tasks, and any other obligations you may have.
Too much or too little time allotted for the moving process may result in a lot of stress, wasted time, and lost money.
Part 2: Preparing For The Move
Hire Removal Services or Book Your Van Rental
Determine if you will want to hire professionals to help you with your move or if you would rather move your items yourself. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so it would be crucial for you to identify which is more beneficial for your upcoming house move.
If you choose the former, contact at least a couple of removals companies to survey your home and provide you with a quote for their services. Also, make sure that the quotations given to you are complete and accurate. After all, the last thing you would want is to deal with invisible charges and surprise fees that come up once the move has been completed.
Meanwhile, if you decide to perform the moving process yourself, you will have to reserve and book a moving truck or van ASAP. There will be several options for you in terms of size, features, and capacity.
Organise Moving Paperwork or Permits
When you are moving, there will be some paperwork that you will need to file and permits that you will need to secure. Getting these things done and out of the way as early as possible will mean less hassle and less work for you while you settle into your new home. Moreover, by doing this, you wouldn’t have to worry about getting fined for filing something too late
During this step, it would also be vital for you to legally and officially change your address. You will have to update your information with your bank, doctor’s office, insurance company, local government, and many more. Additionally, you will also have to update the address on your IDs and any subscription or delivery service you may have.
While you are at it, also make sure to notify friends and family about the change in your address and location.
Check The Provisions On Your Insurance Coverage
Will your insurance policy cover your belongings during the house move? If not, figure out if you will need to have your policy updated or if you need to purchase an additional removals insurance policy.
Arrange For The Transfer And Activation Of Utilities
Reach out to your utility service provider (water, power, gas, telephone and internet, etc.) and let them know about your move. If you are moving close by, your utility company may easily be able to transfer your account to your new address.
However, if you are moving to somewhere far, you might have to arrange for the disconnection of these services and the installation of such at your new place. Doing this before the actual move gives you ample opportunity to arrange a smooth transition that will not involve service outages of any sort.
Prepare Your Kids Or Pet For The Move
Whether you have a child, a pet, or both, you will need to take the necessary steps to help them prepare and adjust for the big house move. This is a process that will take some time, so be sure to be patient with them.
Part 3: Packing For The Move
Gather Your Packing Supplies
It would be best for you to begin identifying and purchasing the packing supplies you will need for the big move as early as possible. Some items you will want to get are cardboard boxes, packaging tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, and many more.
Always remember to spring for slightly expensive, high-quality items rather than cheap, flimsy ones. You may also consider making use of items in your home as alternative packing and wrapping materials.
Declutter
Go through your belongings and sort them into three piles: items you wish to keep, items you wish to donate, and items you want to sell. Doing this will not only make it physically easier for you to pack and move, but it will also help you minimise your moving costs.
Read more about decluttering for moving house here.
Create A System For Your Packing
Packing is one of the most challenging aspects of a house move. Hence, it would be crucial for you to implement a packing system that can make the whole thing much more manageable. For example, to keep track of all your belongings and make sure everything is packed in its rightful container, you will want to pack up one room in the house at a time. Start from the room that is least used and make your way forward to prevent your daily routine from being too disrupted.
It would also be helpful for you to start the packing process as early as possible. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about rushing to get your entire home packed so close to moving day.
Prepare An Essentials Pack Or Box
You will want to keep essential items that you will need during your first couple of days at your new place. This pack should include medication, clothing, chargers, cash, food, and some toiletries. Having these on hand will relieve you from the hassle of rummaging through all your boxes just to find one thing!
Make Use Of Moving Labels For Boxes
Often, people fail to recognise just how helpful moving labels for boxes can be. These things will make it easier for someone to keep track of their belongings and unload and unpack the items brought over to their new home.
Sometimes, you can even take your knack for organisation a whole new level and use number and colour-coding techniques alongside your moving labels.
Part 4: Settling In
Ensure Your Safety And Security
Once you’ve moved into your new home, the first thing you will want to do is ensure your safety and security. That means changing all the locks and security codes, if necessary. You will also want to make sure your security system and smoke alarms are all in perfect order.
Explore and Assimilate Into Your Neighbourhood
Once you have settled into your home, the next thing you will want to do is get to know your new neighbourhood. Familiarise yourself with the local practices, beliefs, and traditions. It would also be a good idea to introduce yourself to your neighbours and start putting down roots in the area. You may also have your neighbours recommend shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, supermarkets, and many more!
Meanwhile, here are some tips you may use to navigate the difficult time you may be experiencing.
Author bio: This guest post is courtesy of WhatStorage, a Bournemouth-based price comparison site for moving services in the UK. WhatStorage offers price comparison services for self-storage facilities, removals companies, and man and van service providers.