10 Things To Consider Before Moving House

Moving house is an adventure that marks the beginning of a new chapter in life.

However, it's also one of the most stressful experiences you can go through without proper planning. To ensure a smooth transition from your old home to your new abode, there are several crucial aspects to consider.

From choosing the right removal company to updating your address with essential services, this article tells you everything you need for a hassle-free move.

At The Box Co. we offer competitive removal prices all over the UK, including packaging and packing services. Click here to get a free quote today.

What do I need to consider when moving house?

Start Early

Begin planning your move at least two months in advance. This early start is crucial for a successful move, providing you with enough time to sort through your belongings, declutter, and decide what to take with you.

Starting early also allows you to address any repairs or improvements your current or new home may need before moving day. This proactive approach helps in reducing the last-minute rush and stress, ensuring a more organised and efficient move.

Download a Moving Checklist

Use a moving house checklist to keep track of all tasks. A well-structured list acts as a roadmap through the complexities of moving, ensuring you won't forget important steps like redirecting your mail or updating your address with government bodies.

This checklist can guide you through each phase of the move, from initial planning to settling into your new home, helping you manage your time and tasks more effectively.

Update Your Address

Notify government agencies, financial institutions, insurance providers, and utility suppliers of your move.

Remember to redirect your mail through the Royal Mail's redirection service to avoid missing out on important correspondence. Updating your address with all relevant parties is crucial to ensuring a seamless transition to your new home, keeping your personal and financial information secure and up-to-date.

Choose the Right Moving Date

Picking the right day can significantly impact the cost and ease of your move. Weekdays and mid-month dates often offer more availability and lower rates from removal companies.

Choosing an off-peak time can lead to substantial savings and a less hectic moving experience, as companies are less busy and can provide more attention to your move.

Declutter Your Home

Moving house is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Sell, donate, or dispose of items you no longer need, reducing the volume of goods to move and potentially lowering moving costs.

This step not only lightens your load but also gives you a fresh start in your new home, free from clutter and unnecessary items.

See our guide around Decluttering.

Pack Wisely

Start packing non-essential items early, using quality packing materials. Clearly label each box with its contents and designated room in the new house, facilitating a smoother unpacking process.

Effective packing minimises the risk of damage during transit and makes setting up your new home more efficient and straightforward.

See our guide on how to package delicate items safely here.

Secure Important Documents

Keep all important documents, such as passports, house deeds, wills, and insurance papers, in a safe, easily accessible place throughout the move.

This precaution prevents crucial documents from being misplaced or lost during the hustle and bustle of moving, ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork on hand when needed.

Take Inventory

Make a detailed inventory of your belongings before they're loaded onto the moving truck. This record will be invaluable in the event of loss or damage during transit.

An inventory aids in tracking your possessions, making it easier to file insurance claims if necessary and ensuring nothing is forgotten or lost.

Prepare for the First Night

Pack an "essentials" box for your first night in the new house, including toiletries, change of clothes, bedding, and necessary kitchen items like a kettle and tea bags.

This box ensures you have immediate access to the basics without needing to unpack everything on the first day, providing comfort and convenience right from the start.

Inform and Update

Beyond updating your address, inform friends, family, and relevant institutions about your move. Also, ensure your online shopping profiles reflect your new address to prevent future delivery mishaps.

Keeping everyone informed not only helps in maintaining important relationships but also ensures the continuity of services and deliveries to your new address.

Where do I start when moving house?

The best place to start when moving house is by downloading a moving checklist to guide you.

This checklist serves as a roadmap, ensuring you cover all necessary tasks from the get-go. The next critical step is decluttering your home. This process not only simplifies your move by reducing the number of items you need to pack but also provides an opportunity to start fresh in your new space.

If you don't want to throw things away, think about putting them in storage. 

If you are looking for self-storage, The Box Co. provides cost-effective storage solutions. Get a free quote today.

Following decluttering, begin gathering packing supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Starting these preparations early helps avoid the stress of last-minute packing and ensures you have everything ready for the big day.

Early preparation is the cornerstone of a smooth moving process, allowing you to approach moving day with confidence and peace of mind.