While an exciting experience, moving home can often be stressful, hectic and a downright nightmare without the right preparation. The list of things to do before making your big move can often be endless, leaving you questioning where to begin. To help everything run more smoothly, take a look at these tips on five essential things to do before you move into your new home.
Get the right packing materials
Old cardboard boxes can only go so far when moving items to your new home, so it’s vital to think about the specific materials you’ll need. Make sure you purchase a high quality mattress bag to stop any damage being made, and if possible, hire a moving team to help transfer large items and pieces of furniture.
Have a clear out
Leaving things until the last minute is never good, especially not when it comes to moving day. About a month or so in advance, start looking through drawers and cupboards for old bits and bobs that can be taken to a charity shop or put on ebay. This way, you can save yourself some packing space and maybe even earn a bit of cash in the process!
Update your details
You might have already thought about updating your address for mail or letting your banks know you’re moving, but there’s likely some little details you’re forgetting to arrange before your move. Changing your details on the electoral roll and car insurance plan, moving your TV license, and notifying your gas, water and electricity suppliers on your move are all little things that can slip your mind when things get too hectic. Make a list of all these things and aim to check them off in advance for ease of mind.
Book some time off work
While you might think you have everything boxed off, it’s easy to underestimate just how time consuming moving house can be. Make sure you book at least a few days off work for organising, packing and sorting everything out, and avoid leaving it till the weekend if you’ve hired a removals company for help. Fridays are an extremely busy day of the week for removal companies, meaning you might struggle to find a company to help you or costs can end up higher.
Don’t forget about the pets
Moving home can be stressful for pets, so if you have a furry friend in your household there are a few things to consider. If you have a local vets that your pet is registered with, it’s worth looking around for a new vet centre if your new house is too far away. When it comes to moving day, consider having a friend or family member look after your pet in their own home to help them avoid all the commotion. If this isn’t an option however, try creating a quiet space in a room of your new home and keep your pet in here, having a family member check on them every so often.