11 House Moving Tips to Ensure a Smooth Relocation

Moving homes can be a stressful process. As the day approaches, you may find yourself feeling anxious about the impending change. However, whether you’re relocating to a new home across town or the country, there are some basic things you can do to make the experience less stressful. Below, experts in the field share 11 house moving tips to ensure a smooth relocation.

#1 Choose a Good Date for Your Move

Many people prefer to take days off when moving houses. Making your move on a Friday will give you ample time to unpack and merge the process with the weekend.

Based on statistics provided by man and van services from bookings received across a decade, 17.69% of clients choose to move on Friday, making it the second most selected day of the week to move houses. Saturdays come in first place with 24.21%. Sundays are an option chosen by 13.77% of clients, but they aren’t at the top because they’re immediately before the start of the work week. All in all, 55.67% of the people chose the weekend for moving, while only 44.33% opted for the remaining 4 weekdays.

Additionally, the statistics show that people prefer to have their removals service either early in the morning, between 8AM and 9AM (19,98%) or in the afternoon between 2PM and 3PM (18,35%).

#2 Declutter and Clean

Decluttering your home before you start packing will give you a better idea of how much you’ll have to move to your new home. You’ll also be able to determine termite if all your possessions will fit in the new home and book storage if needed.

Naturally, it can be hard to let go of items, but it’s often necessary, especially if you’re downsizing. Start by asking yourself, “Have I used this in the last month or year?”. If the answer is negative, there are a few options:

• Gift it to a friend. If you have items you no longer need or want but are still in good condition, give them to a friend or relative.
• Arrange a garage sale. An easy way to get rid of a lot of items in a short time is to organise a garage sale. You’ll also benefit by earning money for the removal process.
• Book storage. If you can’t decide on some items, get a storage unit and store them there until you’re ready to make a final decision.

#3 Get Quotes and Compare Moving Companies

It’s recommended to contact several moving companies. Give yourself enough time to compare their rates and pick the best offer depending on your needs and budget. Make sure to confirm what services you’ll get in the package. Many companies offer packing, removals, and unpacking separately, and the clients can tailor their service.

#4 Contact your Utility Suppliers

Depending on your contract, you may want to transfer your current tariff to your new address. Notify and clear all bills for your former address with your utility supplier and take notes of the meter readings in your new property. Your suppliers will likely ask for this information.

#5 Label your Boxes

If you decide to go with the moving company’s packing service, they’ll do everything for you. This option will provide you with extra insurance during loading, transportation, and unloading.

However, if you prefer to pack yourself, make sure to obtain good-quality boxes and packing materials that can protect your items during the move. Take the time to pack your items room by room and label each box accordingly. This way, you’ll know what the contents are and make unpacking easier.

Additionally, prepare boxes with essential items for the first days in your new home for easier access.

#6 Let People Know you Are Moving

Notify your workplace, bank, insurance, pension and credit card companies, the council, electoral roll, TV licensing, doctor and dentist, DVLA, national insurance offices and redirection services. These are all places that need your new address when you move. This is important, so you won’t get any documents accidentally mailed to your old address and miss important deadlines, for example.

#7 Explore your New Property

Stopcock, which is the valve for controlling the main water supply, gas and electricity meters, thermostat and fuse box are all things you need to know where to find in your new place. Being familiar with your household is key to avoiding complications. For example, if you experience a leaking tap, you’ll want to know where the stopcock is so you can shut it off and prevent flooding until a plumber arrives. This is also important in case any construction or fixes need to be done.

#8 Deep Clean your Home

Putting in the effort to clean your home is essential, whether you are a tenant moving out or a property seller. Typically, letting agencies have cleaning checklists you can request and follow. Alternatively, you can also hire a company to do it for you.

If you’re a renter, a thorough cleaning will ensure you receive your deposit back. If you’re an owner moving out, it’ll help you sell your property faster.

#9 Unpack Room by Room

Unpacking room by room instead all at once will help you make the move in process smoother. If you’ve followed tip 5 and labeled the content of each box, you’ll know which box goes to which room and unpack accordingly.

#10 Consider Changing the Locks of Your New Property

Changing the locks of your new home isn’t mandatory but will give you a sense of security. Consider hiring a locksmith, investing in new locks, and getting a new set of keys.

#11 Plan for Daycare or Pet Care

If you’re moving with pets or children, take their needs into account by hiring pet care or daycare. This will reduce the stress of having children run around on the moving day or pets getting in your way. It’s also a good idea to visit the area of your new home with your child before you move in, so they can get used to it. Additionally, look up the local schools and submit any required documentation in advance.

Use this opportunity to also check the parking situation. Be organized and make sure there’s space available for the moving van in both your old and new locations.

Final Words

Relocation and moving is often a complicated process, especially if you haven’t put the time to plan it thoroughly. To help you stay organized for your upcoming move, whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, make sure to create a checklist, research, and take into account the tips given above for a smooth transition.