Moving house can be an incredibly stressful time. With so much to do it is easy to forget a few things or find yourself unprepared for any surprises. If you are moving from a flat or home there are some key things to keep in mind for a smooth transition. There are important things to have sorted before moving from any property. We’ll give advice that will save time and money so that when you move it’s not only easier but much more affordable.
What to Consider Before Moving
We’ll go over some of the most important things to organise before moving house. This can be anything from what to bring first, what to throw away as well as what to look for. Planning and paying close attention to details can make all the difference and help reduce stress for an easy move. Here’s a list of some of the important things.
– Organising addresses and utilities: It’s very important to make sure any subscriptions or bills have been properly adjusted. Many companies, banks and services require you to fill a change of address form. Check carefully and well in advance so you don’t miss any important payments or documents.
– Cancel Subscriptions: Similarly, it is also important to make sure you know whether it is even possible to simply change addresses. Often some subscription services like magazines and streaming may require you to simply cancel and restart the subscription in your new home. This is particularly important if changing cities or countries and certain services are no longer available.
– Check for damages: If entering a new rental agreement it is paramount that you set aside some days to examine the place for existing issues. Make sure you take plenty of pictures and make clear the state of the new property before you move in.
– Fixing existing issues: Equally, when moving out of a flat or home make sure you fix anything that might need it. Whether it’s painting the walls, sorting out a leak, it is usually much cheaper to have these things done before you move out. Even if you’re not great at DIY, landlords or estate agents may simply take the difference out of your deposit without researching cheaper options.
– Don’t waste any food: Make sure you meal plan carefully before moving. By not overbuying and planning correct amounts you won’t have to waste any food that might go off. It’s also worth separating perishable and non-perishable ahead of time. If you do have food to spare look into giving it away to neighbours, homeless shelters or food banks.
– Donate, Donate, Donate: This also works into packing on a budget. Unwanted items are more things to pack and move costing time and money. De-clutter your home and give away any unwanted items to a good cause.
Packing Strategies
There are some basic but useful tips to make the move go efficiently and smoothly. Whether it’s what to move first or how to pack basic items here are some key tips to consider.
– Defrost and move fridge first: When moving a fridge you need to consider its size, weight but also timing. After you have disposed of any perishable food you will need to defrost it overnight before moving. You will also want to make sure it’s one of the first items to move. This is because not only is it considerably heavy and its size will have you contemplating its best place in the kitchen, when you’re in your new house you will want it running as soon as possible. You want to give it time to start up again so you can save money by storing food again as early as possible.
– Pack smart: This is true especially if moving without hired help. You don’t want to injure yourself when moving. Mark boxes carefully and notes not just which room they belong in but whether or not they are heavy. If possible move things like books into smaller boxes, if all put into larger boxes that weight will add up and you could hurt your back trying to move them.
– Take pets first: Moving houses can be very stressful for cats and dogs in particular due to the new smells and environment. It is recommended that you take them to the new house first and designate a specific room for them. Bring their favourite toys, blankets or even some worn clothes so they have familiar smells. Keep the door closed so the noises and potential movers don’t frighten them as much.
– Make a survival box (or two!): Even with the most efficient labelling and organising the first few days are bound to be a bit chaotic. For most people trying to find that specific item in a sea of boxes can be a nightmare. Make sure you set a few boxes aside to put in anything you know you will need in the first few days. This can anything from clothes, food, books, work items or your children’s favourite toys
More tips to save money
Our final advice is how to shave off final costs. Of course, this is all dependent on various factors including time, preferences, the amount to move, and your specific budget. However, with all the advice listed and the advice to follow we’re sure these tips can help any mover.
– Do it yourself: If you can it is always cheaper to do as much of the moving rather than hiring professionals. Even if you save just the furniture for moving companies, hiring a van with some dollies and straps for just a few days can save you hundreds. This is because moving companies charge by time and amount of items, and the less they have to move, the less they’ll charge. Plan ahead, be flexible, and pack early – this way hiring your own moving van for an afternoon or two can make the process efficient, smooth and much cheaper. This also gives you time to unpack a bit and plan where furniture is going to go in the long run.
– Shop around: If you are using a moving company be aware that almost all reparable ones offer free estimates. Don’t feel pressured into using the first company you find, get a few prices from your local movers and take into account exactly what they include, such as disassembly and reassembly costs.
– Recycle boxes: Look into friends, supermarkets or anywhere where used boxes are abundant. If they are in good shape then simply use those! Not only is this environmentally friendly but it will save you the money you’d spend in a hardware store buying new.
– Call in favours: As stated the more flexible you can be and the more time you allow yourself, and this will always save money in the long run. If you have spread the moving over time, use this to your advantage and call in favours to friends and family. Make the odd afternoon of it so there’s less pressure. Order some pizza and drinks and get as much done whilst in good company. If your friends have trucks or large cars, even better. This way you’ll save time and can avoid any further moving costs or extra days off work.
– Time and Flexibility: You may have noticed that this has been a running theme. Well, it can’t be stressed enough – remove stress by giving yourself the proper time! Plan a budget well ahead of the move and give yourself plenty of days to get it done. With proper planning and enough wiggle room, you’ll be able to do things like donating, organising, hiring vans, and looking into various companies. More time means more opportunities to budget and saves costs. Don’t leave it all for the final days!
We’re sure your move will go smoothly and efficiently with these tips and with enough planning you too can save some money. Don’t let the stress of moving house ruin what otherwise could be some exciting times. Good luck, and we hope the advice given here has been useful.
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