Moving house is an exciting but stressful time, especially if you are downsizing. The key is to be as prepared as possible and from the moment you know you are moving, start your countdown to moving day. If you’re planning to move this year here are my tips to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible:
Have a plan
Don’t leave everything to the last minute, as this is when things do become stressful. Instead start planning your house move at least three months prior to the planned move date if possible. Write a check-list of everything that needs to be done and when you will do it. Try to stick with the plan as far as possible.
De-clutter
This applies to everyone who is moving but even more to those who are downsizing. If you are moving to a smaller home there is no way that you can take everything with you and paying for expensive storage is money down the drain.
So take some time going room by room (including garage and shed) and deciding what is staying, what is being thrown away and what could be sold or taken to a recycle centre or charity shop. A useful tip is to put different colour stickers on items that are staying, being thrown away or selling/recycling.
Contact removal companies
It’s wise to speak with removal companies early and get some quotes for packing up and moving your belongings to your new home. Try local businesses near your current home and new home, as well as the bigger removal companies to see who can offer you the best deal. Once you have found a suitable company book them in so that’s one less thing to have to worry about.
Shop for new furniture
Often people who are downsizing will find that some of their old furniture won’t fit in the rooms of their smaller home. If this is the case it can be a good idea to shop for essentials such as beds and sofas as soon as it’s confirmed you are moving. This way you can try and get them delivered, either on the day you move in or as close to it as possible.
Contact banks/insurance and investment companies
Make a list of all the bank accounts, insurances and investments you may have. People often forget about things they have taken out, so it’s useful to go through all your paperwork and make a note of what you have. Once you have this write to them all and inform them of your change of address.
Contact utility companies, phone, TV, broadband & subscription services
Call utility companies and let them know your moving date and new address to send final bills. Take meter readings on your final day. It’s also useful to take a photo of the meter reading so you have a record. Do the same with your TV, phone and broadband providers, as well as your subscription services such as Netflix and Amazon.
Don’t leave calling them until the last minute as they can take time to change addresses or cancel services. Make sure to tell TV Licensing too that you are moving so that you are covered in your new home.
Family, friends, pets and others
Write change of address cards for all your friends and family ready to send closer to the time. If you have pets change the address with the microchip company and let your vet know too. You may also wish to contact a vet close to your new home to start the registration process. Also start to make a note of everything you get sent through the post and if it’s a company you wish to stay in touch with let them know you are moving.
Redirect post
Remember to redirect post for everyone that lives in your household in good time. You don’t want to miss out on letters and packages still being sent to your old address. Royal Mail’s re-direction service is through this link. It’s useful also to leave your new address with the selling/rental agent or new owners/renters of your house so that they can forward mail if necessary.
Cancel milk/papers/other regular deliveries
A bit closer to your move date cancel these and pay any outstanding bills. Or change delivery address if it’s an ongoing subscription that you wish to keep and you are moving close by.
Pack an essentials box
It’s useful to keep a box with items you will need on your first night such as kettle, mugs, utensils, tea, coffee, plates, tea towel, snacks, toilet rolls, soap, washing up liquid, bin liners, tin opener, any medication, pet food, towels etc. Also ensure your bedding is easily found so you can make up your bed (or blow up bed if you are waiting for a new bed) as soon as you arrive.
The big day
Hopefully if you’ve followed these tips then when it comes to moving day you won’t have too much left to do, except say your final good byes to your old home and neighbourhood. Remember to do one final check just before you leave and make sure all the doors and windows are locked and the heating is off. Then it’s just time to lock the front door and you are off to start a new and exciting chapter in your life!
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
