Moving home can be stressful as there is a lot to organise before and on moving day. With careful planning, moving can be less of a strain. Here are 21 top house moving tips to help you organise the move.
1. Start early
It is advisable to commence the house moving planning process early. Construct a comprehensive action plan outlining tasks and their deadlines. Procrastination may result in undue anxiety just before the move. Make gradual progress over an extended period rather than attempting to accomplish most of the tasks on moving day.
2. Book the removals company
Once you know the date of your move, you must secure a reputable removal service. In the case of purchasing a new house, the completion date will most likely coincide with your scheduled removal day. If you are renting, there are two options available: moving in on the same day as your lease commences, or opting to do extensive cleaning before settling in.
If you need a trustworthy removal company, a professional and experienced team should be able to take care of moving all your belongings safely and securely.
3. Reduce your belongings
Before your move, it is recommended that you thoroughly sift through all of your belongings and discard any items that you do not need. Identify unnecessary possessions, such as a DVD which has remained unseen for half a decade or an outdated dress that no longer fits and has been worn no more than once. Gather unwanted articles and choose to either donate them to charity shops or offer them as gifts to acquaintances who may find use for them.
4. Pack early
Many tend to procrastinate when it comes to the daunting chore of packing. However, initiating the process early on can alleviate the need for a last-minute rush. One effective approach is to divide the task into manageable portions by packing a couple of boxes each day over several days.
Alternatively, you may consider using our services at Merseyside Movers & Storers and have us handle your packing needs so that you can focus on other important matters.
5. Organize bags and boxes
Plastic or cardboard boxes are indispensable for moving. However, bags also serve a useful purpose, particularly when it comes to transporting clothing, footwear, linens, and other non-fragile belongings.
6. Label boxes
Assign a label to each container indicating the designated room. It may be useful to compile an inventory of the contents in each box for easy reference and organization.
7. Valuables
Ensure the safekeeping of your valuables and important documents on the day of relocation by taking them with you. This includes crucial papers such as tax documents, birth certificates, passports, driving licenses, and marriage certificates, as well as precious items like jewellery and cash.
8. Dismantle furniture before moving
Contemporary furnishings can be dismantled, making them easier to transport. However, during the process of assembling furniture in a new home, misplacing essential hardware such as nuts, bolts and screws can prove to be exasperating. To avoid this predicament, simply place all necessary fixings for each item of furniture into a transparent strong freezer bag that is distinctly labelled with the corresponding piece’s name.
9. Light bulbs
Don’t assume that the previous occupants of your new abode will have left behind any light bulbs. Bring along a few spare bulbs in case there are some missing. These surplus bulbs will not go to waste, as they may prove useful for future needs if they are not immediately required upon arrival.
10. Voting registration
If you’re moving to a new voting area, you should know your vote does not automatically transfer upon relocation, as you must register at your new address. Failure to be listed on the electoral roll makes you ineligible to cast your ballot in local or national elections. All eligible members of the household must complete voter registration.
11. Arrange utilities
It is important to contact your utility providers well in advance of the move to facilitate the transfer of your account to your new residence. These utilities include electricity, gas, water, broadband and phone services. It could be a suitable time to explore alternative suppliers for potential cost savings during this transitional period.
12. Change address
Of all the house moving tips, this may be the most important.
It is imperative to inform both organizations and acquaintances of your updated address. This list should include banks and other financial organisations, medical professionals, insurance providers, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the electoral registry, and the television licensing authority. Additionally, if you are employed by a company or self-employed, it is necessary to notify the appropriate government tax agency such as the Inland Revenue or HMRC.
For a small charge, the Post Office can redirect correspondence to your new location to ensure that no crucial letter is overlooked.
If there happens to be a stack of letters at the new home, it is imperative to bear in mind that it is against the law to open any letters or packages not explicitly addressed to you. If you know the previous occupiers’ new address, you may redirect their mail. Alternatively, you could write “recipient unknown at this address” on the envelope and deposit it into a mailbox, notifying senders not to dispatch any further letters.
13. Arrange home insurance
It is important to arrange insurance coverage for your new residence. To ensure comprehensive protection, both property and contents insurance will be required. The most straightforward approach to securing this coverage is by requesting your current insurer to transfer the policy to the new address, as long as this is reasonably priced.
14. Register with healthcare providers
If you relocate from your current locality, it is advisable to promptly register with a new general practitioner and dental practitioner either prior to or just after the move
15. Check your car
If you plan to use your car for transportation to your new residence, particularly if it is a considerable distance away, it is wise to inspect the coolant level, engine oil levels, and tyre pressure. If possible, have your car serviced before moving.
16. Take care of children
If you have children of school age and are relocating outside their school catchment area, they must be enrolled in a new school. It is advisable to initiate this process several weeks before the move.
On moving day, be vigilant of potential hazards such as unassembled furniture, bulky boxes, sharp tools, hazardous cleaning solutions and electrical appliances left unattended in rooms – all of which pose significant risks for young children. Consider entrusting the care of your small children to trusted relatives or close acquaintances during the initial days following the relocation. This allows you ample time to unpack your belongings and securely store away any potentially dangerous items.
For families with young children accompanying them on moving day, packing some easily accessible toys can help keep them entertained while adapting to their new surroundings.
17. Take care of pets
It’s important to give cats and dogs time and space to adjust to their new surroundings. Providing a comfortable and familiar environment, such as their favourite toys or bedding, can also help ease the transition. Establish a routine for feeding and exercise which provides a sense of stability for your furry friends. Remember, patience is key when it comes to helping your pet feel at home in their new home.
18. Have an essentials box
Certain items are indispensable and should be unpacked first. Before departing from your previous residence, pack the most important items that you’ll want to use as soon as you arrive. This may mean packing the kettle, along with coffee, tea and milk in a single box. Upon arrival at your new house, make it a priority to unpack this box so that you can enjoy a warm welcome brew before you start organising your new house.
Other crucial necessities include phone chargers, as well as toiletries. If you have pets accompanying you on the move, be sure to place their food bowls alongside poo bags and cat litter inside an essentials container.
On moving day, ensure that your mobile device is fully charged.
19. Make a list of important locations
Essential locations within your residence include the stopcock, gas and electric meters, carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarms, as well as the boiler. It is advisable to create a record of these specific item locations in your current home for the benefit of new occupants. It’s a good idea to visit your new house prior to relocating and take note of these important spots.
20. The final walkthrough
On moving day, conduct a final walkthrough inspection of your old home. Thoroughly scour every nook and cranny, in each room, every closet, including the garden shed and beneath the staircase. Ensure that you have not forgotten any belongings.
As you depart, remember to bid your old home farewell.
21. Make the bed
Prioritise the task of making your bed in your new home. It is advisable to unpack and set up your bed sheets and duvet as soon as possible, allowing you to retire comfortably at the end of a long day without any additional stress. This way, you can have an early night’s rest, feeling refreshed and ready to continue with further unpacking tasks at hand.
Moving home is a significant life transition that may appear complex and anxiety-inducing. These house moving tips should help you organise the move in an effective, well-planned manner.
At Merseyside Movers & Storers, we have a team with extensive knowledge of the entire home moving process. Our experienced team is committed to ensuring that your move into a new residence is as seamless and effortless as possible.
