Moving Home Checklist

Ten tips for a smooth home move

Moving home should be exciting – especially if you’re a first time buyer. But more people seem to talk about how stressful it is, rather than how excited they are. And in a recent study by Just Move In, 52% of people said moving home is one of the most stressful life events. Even more stressful than getting married, going to an interview or having a baby!

It’s all in the planning

It’s true. When it comes to moving, there’s is a lot to think about. But if you start early and get organised, it can all be much easier – and even enjoyable. We’ve helped hundreds of people move. So here is our roundup of the top ten things you can do to make it less of a stress-fest.

1. Make a list

This will get you off on the right foot. Sit down and write a list of all the things you need to do. That could be organising your mortgage, dealing with paperwork, clearing out your clutter, deep cleaning rooms, packing or changing your address, right down to booking a removals firm. It may look a bit daunting at first, but you can tackle it all bit by bit, and nothing will be forgotten.

2. Declutter

It makes no sense to pack up and move things you don’t need. So take it cupboard-by-cupboard or drawer-by-drawer and sort through everything. Those jeans you haven’t worn for ten years – do you really need to keep them? And what about all those CDs that you haven’t listened to since downloading Spotify? If there’s anything you want to sell, Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Music Magpie are all a good bet. Or see if your local charity shop is taking donations.

3. Get packing

Even if your move is still a few months away, you can start to pack up things you won’t need for a while, like books, CD’s and DVDs. Nearer the time, you’ll need to work your way through all your possessions, room by room. Choose sturdy boxes, carefully wrap any breakables in paper or bubble wrap, and tape up the boxes securely. Make sure the boxes aren’t too heavy to lift easily, and don’t forget to mark each one with what’s inside and which room it has to go in.

4. Book a removals company

If you’re planning to use a removals company, ask for recommendations locally and get two or three companies to give you a quote. The price will be based on the amount of furniture and possessions you have, how far you’re moving and what day you want it to happen. Most firms also offer a packing service and will quote for taking down and reassembling beds and wardrobes for you too. A service you’ll appreciate at the end of a long moving day. 

5. Pack a survival box

Pack a box of anything you’ll need to get you through moving day. A kettle, cups, tea bags, coffee and milk, will all be essential (for you and anyone helping you move). And throw in some snacks to keep you going if it’s a long day. Just in case you need it, it’s also a good idea to keep all your moving paperwork, passport and any other important documents to hand. And finally, have a vacuum cleaner and some basic cleaning kit ready so you can do a final freshen up before closing your door for the last time. 

6. Notify your utilities

You’ll need to let your gas, electricity and water suppliers know that you’re moving, as well as your broadband provider. Then on the last day at your current property, you’ll need to take a final meter reading before moving out. And then take note of the meter reading when you move into your new home. If you’re not sure who your current suppliers are, dig out past bills, or check with your landlord.

7. Council tax

To make sure that you pay the right amount of council tax, you’ll need to update your details. You can normally do this quickly online and will just need to supply your old address, the date you’re leaving the property, who is moving in, your new address and the name of the solicitor dealing with the sale.

8. Pack an overnight bag

If you don’t get the keys to your new property until later in the day, it may take you well into the evening to get the final boxes in and your beds set up. To save you rummaging through boxes to find your toothbrush and PJ’s, pack a bag with all your essentials for the first night and morning. Then you can get a good night’s sleep and be raring to go the next morning.

9. Change your address

Once you’ve moved in, you’ll need to let everyone know your new address. That includes your banks, broadband and mobile phone provider, utilities, doctor, dentist, optician, insurance companies, gym or magazine subscription. The list goes on, but most can be done quickly and easily online – so draw up a list and get them all done in one fell swoop.

10. And relax…

Congratulations! It’s been a busy day but thanks to your brilliant organisational skills, it has all gone without a hitch. So all that’s left to do is set up the TV, order a takeaway, pop the cork on a bottle of fizz and settle down for a cosy first night in your new home.

If you know anyone who is thinking about moving soon, remind them to speak to us at Logical Mortgages and we’ll lend a helping hand. Get in touch….