Moving home can feel exciting, as you may be eager to create new memories on your own, with your partner, or with your family. However, the process can also feel stressful, as it often requires considerable time, energy, and coordination.
If you want to reduce stress, avoid problems, and stay organised, here are six things to do before moving home.
1. Declutter Your Home
Start decluttering your property at least four weeks before moving home. Spend time sorting through your belongings, grouping them into the following categories:
- Sell
- Keep
- Donate
- Throw away
Clearing clutter means you will have fewer boxes to take with you during the move, reducing both moving costs and packing time.
2. Hire a Professional Moving Company
Once you have decluttered, you can arrange the right moving vehicle to transport your belongings to your new address or a storage unit.
However, don’t accept the first quote you receive from a professional mover. Instead, request quotes from several moving companies at least four weeks before your moving date to help reduce costs.
After securing a moving company, start packing your possessions into heavy-duty boxes, using bubble wrap and packing tape for protection.
Don’t forget to label the boxes with the correct rooms to help the movers place your belongings in the appropriate areas.
3. Move Your Items into Storage
On rare occasions, you may need to vacate your home before your new place is ready. If this is the case, you have the option to store your belongings in a fully alarmed self storage London unit. A storage unit will provide a safe and secure space for your furniture and other possessions, and you can access them day or night to suit your moving schedule.
4. Notify All Service Providers
With many tasks to complete before a big move, it is easy to overlook small but important details. Avoid unnecessary stress by changing your address before you say goodbye to your home.
For example, you must arrange for your water, electricity, gas, and internet providers to disconnect services on your moving date, preventing unexpected bills after you move into your new property.
Don’t forget to update your address with your bank and the Post Office, too.
5. Clear and Clean Your Appliances
The last thing you want is for your fridge freezer to leak all over the moving van. Prevent this by emptying and defrosting your appliances in advance.
Also, deep clean your fridge, oven, and microwave, and keep the doors open to avoid unpleasant odours while transporting your belongings to your new address.
6. Take a Final Walk-Through
Before posting your keys through the letterbox, take a final walk-through of your home to ensure you haven’t left anything important behind. Check each room carefully, including behind doors, inside cupboards, and in the garage.
Also, make sure you have turned off all the lights, lowered the heating, and locked all windows and doors for the new owner. You will feel more at ease knowing the house is secure, and it also gives you a chance to say goodbye to the property.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
