If you know that you’re going to be moving house in the near future, then you might find yourself stressing over every detail. Fortunately, you can save yourself considerable pain with just a little bit of planning and effort. This will help you to get settled in more quickly, too. Let’s consider a few details worth attending to.
Double-check the paperwork
If the details of your transaction end up taking you by surprise, it can seriously disrupt your plans. For example, you might get the completion dates wrong, and end up not having your utilities connected. Make sure that you’re in constant dialogue with your solicitor, and that you have every important date recorded in a digital (or physical) calendar.
Set up your essential services early
There are certain key services that you can’t reasonably live without. Make sure that these are prioritised. Electricity, gas, water, and bin collections are all essential – as anyone who has ever gone without water will tell you.
If you’re reliant on your internet connection for work, then getting it sorted should be considered a special priority. Fail to do so, and you might face considerable inconvenience during the early part of your experience. Look for broadband in my area with the help of your favourite search engine.
Visit the property before move-in
If you arrive at the property and find that it’s not ready to receive you, then you might face considerable disruption. You can raise a dispute with the seller (or your new landlord), but this won’t save you from the stress of actually moving in. Therefore, it’s a good idea to conduct a short visit to check that everything is as it should be, just prior to your moving day.
Declutter and organise your packing
There’s no point in transporting those items that you aren’t going to be able to make use of. For this reason, you’ll want to conduct a thorough declutter before you get started. This will drive down the cost of your removals, since you might be able to switch to a smaller van. But it will also make it easier, and less stressful, to pack and unpack.
Invest in a black marker, and ensure that every box you use is clearly labelled. This goes especially for the essential day-one items, like toiletries.
Update your address everywhere
A number of people and organisations will need to be made aware that you’ve moved to a new place. These include your dentist, your bank, your employer, and the DVLA. You can use the Royal Mail’s redirection service to ensure that sensitive information is not being sent to your previous address.
Make a safety and comfort checklist
There are a few key details that can be easily overlooked. These include essential items like smoke detectors, cleaning supplies, and curtain poles. You might also change the locks, get the boiler serviced, and pack a few snacks to help you deal with the first few days.
Closing thoughts
The steps we’ve outlined are more than a matter of simple convenience. They can also help you to settle more quickly into your new surroundings, and help you feel at home!
