A study has shown that people in the United Kingdom typically move six times before they are 45. The research has also revealed that younger people are more likely to move house more frequently, and 54% of people under 25 have lived in three or more places. While some have mastered the art of packing and moving, others need a bit more guidance on this matter, especially when it comes to picking the essentials for the first day in a new home.
What to do before you move house
Moving home can be one of the most stressful things that you can do, but some things, such as paperwork, need to be done in order to ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. First, you should get your mail redirected to your new address by Royal Mail. You should also inform your banks and insurance companies that you’re moving so they can update their records. Next, make it a point to check if your new home is insured for your protection. You should also move your TV license, digital TV, and broadband. Before you leave, take final meter readings and notify your suppliers before you move. Once everything is out of the way, you can now shop for the 5 things that you need on your first day in your new home.
Keys and locks
The first thing that you should do is to change the locks in your new home. It’s likely that the previous owner may have given relatives and friends a set of keys to the property, so changing the locks is a smart thing to do to avoid any surprises.
A well-stocked tool box
Often, you’ll only know that something needs to be fixed in your new home the moment you move into it. It makes sense to have a well-stocked tool box for this purpose, so make sure that you have a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, a hacksaw, a small power drill and drill bits, a staple gun, a set of wrenches, and a tape measure in your tool box.
Window coverings
You will need to maintain your privacy once you’re in your new home, so make sure that you have enough window coverings on your first day in your new house. Decide whether to put shutters, roller blinds, window films, or voiles on your windows, as these window coverings have different effects. Some can completely block out the light, while others partially block the light while still maintaining your privacy.
Water
If you can drink straight out of the tap, then this won’t be a problem at all. But if you don’t like the taste of your drinking water, consider installing a filtering system to make it more palatable, or have lots of bottled water on hand.
Prepared food and snacks
Making a meal on your first day in your new home may be the least of your priorities, so it would make sense to bring prepared food and snacks on your moving day. Choose meals and snacks that can be reheated in the microwave and don’t require too many utensils.
These are just some of the things that you need to have on moving day. Bring these essentials in your first load and put them somewhere where you can find them right away. By doing so, you’re sure to have less stress as you move into your new home.