Comprehensive Step-By-Step Guide To Moving Home
The toolkit you'll need when moving to any new home in the UK
There’s a lot to think about when moving home. Use this step-by-step guide to help
moving-in be as smooth as possible.
To get extensive information about your new property, click here to get your Premium Report.
Step 1 - Planning Ahead
It sounds simple, but as soon as you have a 'move' date in place, start planning. You can never start this too early. Ideally do this on the computer so you don't lose your to-do list and keep up with your key dates of when to do things by. Make a to-do list, create a moving budget, and decide on the date of the move.
Top tip:
Any.do is a great APP for creating to-do lists, notes, and setting reminders for yourself. We also think CamScanner is a great option for keeping track of your important documents as part of the moving home process.
Step 2 - Declutter
Before packing, declutter your home by getting rid of things you no longer need or use. This will not only reduce the amount of things you need to pack and move but will also save you money on removal costs.
Top tip:
Platforms such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are not only a great way to help get rid of things you no longer need, but people will often pay and come and collect things directly from you which means no trips to the dump or costly arrangements with the Council to remove larger, bulky items.
Step 3 - Choose a reliable removal company
Choosing a reliable removal company is crucial to a smooth and stress-free move. Read reviews, get recommendations from friends and family, and ask for quotes from several companies before choosing one.
Top tips:
A site visit from your removal company is recommended before your move date. This will mean no surprises in terms of where they can load up their vehicle, what needs packing up, how larger items will be treated and importantly you will be clear on both the costs, service being provided and timeline. You don't want to wait until moving day to find out there's been a change of plan!
Step 4 - Packing & Packaging
Pack carefully: Invest in quality packing materials (bubble wrap, packing tape, and sturdy boxes) to ensure your belongings are protected during transit. Get quotes from the removals company and specialist, professional packers as even though it'll cost more, the time savings and reduced stress might well be worth it!
Top tips:
Do not make the mistake of not clearly labelling your boxes with which room's belonging are contained in them. You may even want to put coloured labels on boxes to easily identify which box contains what - this is incredibly helpful when you're looking at 40 stacked boxes!
Step 5 - Notify relevant parties about your move
Notify relevant parties of your move, such as your utility providers, bank, and employer, to ensure a smooth transition. You can also set up a mail redirection service to ensure you receive any post that is sent to your old address.
Top tips:
For a detailed checklist and free click-through functionality support to notify key authorities and companies about your change your address, access our free report.
Step 6 - The moving day
Prepare for moving day by defrosting your fridge/freezer, disconnecting and labelling any appliances. Have snacks and drinks readily accessible for the day (ideally those that don't need cooking). It's also recommended that you make plans for children and pets to be looked after that day so that you can fully focus on the move and not worry about them getting in the way.
Top tips:
It's always good to have extra pairs of hands at both your old house and new home to help guide proceedings. It's a really exhausting day so get all the help you can.
Step 7 - Taking meter readings
Always take gas, electricity and water meter readings at both your old home and your new place. Ideally take photographs of the readings that can be easily accessed and used as evidence of when you moved.
Top tips:
If you can, shop around for new energy deals before you move. When you move to a new address you'll automatically be put on a tariff with the supplier that the last people which lived there use. Our free report has a section on recommended suppliers in your new home.
Step 8 - Clean your old home and unpack in your new home
Clean your old home before leaving to ensure that it is in a suitable condition for the next occupants. This will also help you to get your full deposit back if you were renting. Once you have arrived at your new home, start unpacking and settling in as soon as possible. This will help you to feel more at home and less stressed.
Top tips:
There's a lot of cleaning and dust to be dealt with on moving day so be prepared well in advance with suitable vacuums and cleaning products so you aren't running around sourcing them on moving day.
Moving home in the UK can be a stressful experience, but with the right planning and preparation, it doesn't have to be. We hope that by following these steps, you can make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Now what?
For the best free checklist on the market that'll help you organise your home move with any UK property click here or for a more comprehensive house report with everything you could imagine click here.
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