If you’re preparing to move home, you’re probably feeling a little stressed and unsure about how to cope with your ever-growing to-do list. Rest assured, we’re here to help.
As Alexander Graham Bell once said, “preparation is the key to success”, and this is certainly the case when it comes to planning a smooth, stress-free move.
Remember why you want to move and enjoy the experience; this is the start of a new chapter and should be an exciting time. Use this simple guide to prepare for moving day, and download a FREE moving checklist you can print off to help along the way.
1.Planning & Preparation
The key to a stress-free move is to plan ahead. Sounds simple but without a checklist the moving process can be overwhelming, even more so at Christmas. Remember these key tasks and you’ll feel ready for moving day in no time.
1.1 Confirm your completion date
The conveyancing process can be lengthy. Until you’ve exchanged contracts and paid the deposit nothing is set in stone. Speak to your solicitor to get an understanding of your completion timeline.
Once everyone in the chain is ready, the completion date will be confirmed and entered into the contracts. At this point all parties are legally bound to the sale and you can begin to see the finish line. The completion date will usually be your moving date so, now this is in the diary, your moving plans can all come together.
1.2 Book your removals company
As soon as you know the moving date be sure to book in the removals company you need to support you on the day. Include friends and family, they’ll want to help, and use this date as an incentive to have everything ready in time. Don’t forget to prepare for the unexpected… Do you have a back-up plan if it’s snowing for example?
1.3 Organise your packing, start early
Set a reminder and pop a star on the calendar at least 2 weeks before the big day. Remember, “the secret to getting ahead is getting started” (Mark Twain). By organising your time and methodically working through your packing, without rushing, you’ll feel energised and ready for your new home come moving day.
1.4 Tell your service providers you are moving
Inform all providers, including your utilities company and phone/TV/internet provider, of your moving date as early as you can. This will ensure you do not pay for services past your time in the current property and give you the opportunity to get services transferred to your new home as soon as possible. You can use a service like Royal Mail’s Redirection to handle your personal post and make sure everything is sent to the correct address.
2. Packing & Moving
You’re prepared and looking ahead to moving day, now is the perfect time to think about de-cluttering. Do you need to take every item with you? This could be a great opportunity to streamline your clothes and kitchen crockery for example, particularly if you’re downsizing. As you pack and get ready for your new home, remember these tips for a stress-free moving day.
2.1 Write detailed labels for your boxes
Be as specific and detailed as possible on your labels. Avoid simple instructions like ‘Kitchen’, and try elaborating to ‘Kitchen - spices for corner cupboard’ for example. This will help once you arrive in your new home and make the move-in process much quicker.
2.2 Keep your valuables safe
If you have valuable possessions, jewellery and documents be sure to keep these safe during the move. You should pack all breakables with adequate protection, but also consider transporting these items yourself where possible. If you can’t keep track of their location, they could be misplaced or broken during the move process.
2.3 Arrange a holiday for your pets
While you’re packing and preparing to leave the property take a moment to check-in with your pets. They may be feeling anxious with all the changes going on around the house and need a little extra attention. When it comes to moving day, consider arranging for a friend, family member or professional service to look after your pet. You don’t want to be distracted on the day or playing hide-and-seek with your cat!
2.4 Tell your friends and family you’re moving
Christmas is the perfect time for sharing news and what could be more exciting than a new home! Be sure to tell your friends and family that you’re moving soon, a simple change of address message in your regular Christmas cards is a great way to spread the word.
Download our FREE checklist to use as you plan for your move, print a copy and tick it off as you go!
You’re ready to begin the next chapter in your new home but before leaving your old property why not leave a little note to the new owners? Share a few tops tips, including information about bin day, how to turn on the boiler and the best local amenities. This will help you say goodbye and ensure the new occupants get off to a great start in their new home. If you’re moving at Christmas, you could pop it all in a festive card.
Did you know we have other free checklists available? Take a look at this round up of our favourite moving guides available from Homewise!
If you’re still searching for your next home, we can help. Learn how our team could help you achieve your dream move.
Alternatively, you can use our online Budget Booster! It's simple, quick, easy to use and could help you better understand your budget in just a few minutes.