The Stress Free Guide
to Moving House
home moving articles and tips
Moving house can definitely be considered up there in the list of most important, and therefore stressful, times in anyone’s life. Luckily for you, there are a wide variety of quick and easy measures that can be taken to ensure your move is as hassle free as possible.
Who to Inform
There are many people and organisations who it is important notify before your big move; family, friends, your bank, insurance companies, your work and your utility and service providers (electric, gas, phone, internet, TV etc) all require your address to be up to date on their systems in case they need to get in touch. For a comprehensive list you can always ask your estate agent to help or do some research online. It may be helpful to make a written list and tick them off one by one as you contact them, to make sure no-one is missed out.
Removals
There are two routes you can go down when it comes to removals, DIY or outsourcing.
Should you choose to do it yourself there are several things you must consider. How big a van will you need? If it is a large vehicle, do you feel confident driving one, especially if it is a long distance move? Do you own your own van or will you need to hire one? In case of a hired vehicle, always take stock of the condition before you begin the move; note down any faults such as dents and scratches just in case the rental firm tries to charge you for them on return. Make sure to invest in quality boxes and do your research, you might save a few pounds on cheap boxes only to find they break halfway through the move.
If you choose to hire a contractor to do your removals, ask around amongst your friends and family for a recommendation. Always check that the firm is registered with British Association of Removers (BAR) or the National Guild of Removers and Storers (NGRS). These two organisations can also recommend a company in your area if you are unable to find a suitable one otherwise. Don’t assume that cheapest option is the best; while you want to make sure you get value for your money, your possessions are important to you and scrimping on their transit might result in breaks or losses, so look around for the best deal. Also, always be sure to check that your possessions are adequately insured, in the worst case scenario that something is broken or lost at least you will be financially covered.
Moving In
Speak to the previous tenant or owner of your new house if possible; they may be able to provide you with useful information about the local area and services such as rubbish collection and recycling systems. They might also be able to inform you how to operate the new heating system for example, saving you agonising late night phone calls when things won’t work properly. Once you are moved in it is important to remember to change the locks; who knows who the previous owners might have given a key to. Speak to the local authority and ensure that you have permission to park removal vans outside for long periods of time (if you chose to a hire a removal company they might have handled this themselves, so speak to them first).
And last but not least, why not go and say hello to your new neighbours? A good first impression can often set you up for years of friendship, or at least a cordial relationship. If being overly sociable is not your thing however, you might want to at least notify them that you have moved in.
