Andrea Fawell from Kebbell is well versed in sharing her advice and helping home owners prepare for their move. Here, Andrea gives 14 handy tips for how to prepare for moving, and how to keep it as stress-free as possible. So whether you are a first time mover, or just needing a re-cap in the art of 'the move', you're in the right place.
Andrea says:
1. Book in advance
"Organise the removal company well in advance as they get booked up. Contact a few to get comparison quotes and look at their reviews online. Review their insurance policy and ask what they will not take, for example perishable food, paint and other chemicals you have tucked away in the garage. Choosing packing and unpacking options can be a fantastic investment because they are professionals, so they will ensure things don’t get broken on the move and they don’t have emotional attachments to items so they will be able to pack much quicker than you."
2. Ask to get in early
"Moving into a new home may mean you have access to the property before moving day. See if you can organise contractors to fit blinds and arrange delivery of new furniture while the house is empty. If not, ask if you can take measurements for curtains and other fittings or furniture so you can organise deliveries soon after you move in."
3. Declutter ahead of time
"You don’t want to spend time and money packing and transporting stuff you will ultimately discard anyway. So now is the time to have a big sort out."
4. Get the gear
"Order boxes, protective bubble wrap, marker pens, labels and duct tape. It is probably worth buying an extra pair of scissors so you’re not calling out ‘where are the scissors?' every two minutes."
5. Start packing in advance
"If you are doing the packing don’t leave it to the last minute. Start packing nonessentials weeks beforehand. Be mindful not to overfill boxes with heavy things like books. Combine boxes of books with lighter items such as cushions. Label all boxes with which room they should go in at your new home, so the removal company knows where to put them. Write a content’s list of what’s inside, especially your kitchen boxes. You will want to be able to unpack the essential items like mugs, tea and coffee long before the popcorn maker and cake tins. You will thank your future self for taking the time to do this!."
6. Prepare children
"Start preparing young children a few weeks in advance of what to expect on move day. Is there a children’s book about moving to a new house you can loan from the library?"
7. Cook with your freezer food in mind
"Start emptying the freezer. The fridge-freezer will need to stand and settle for 24 hours before being plugged in, so frozen food won’t make the move. In fact have as little food in your house as possible. Less food means less to move, it is surprising how much it all adds up."
8. Organise your utilities
"Take a photo of your meter readings as you leave (and when you arrive). Organise your broadband a few weeks before you move so you don’t have an agonising wait for the internet after moving in. Give notice to any supplier who needs it."
9. Change of Address
"Don’t forget to organise your forwarding address at the post office. Make a list of everyone you need to tell your new address details to, including your bank, doctor’s surgery, credit card companies and loyalty cards too. If you use internet banking, you can normally update your details online. Otherwise you can fill in a form and either post it on or take it to your local branch."
10. Ask for help
"Call in the family to help you on the big day. Perhaps they can take care of the children or do school pick-ups or have them overnight the day before and after the big move. If you are planning to do any painting, organise a painting party with promises of a delicious lunch for all helpers."
11. Pack an 'essentials' bag
"Pack an 'essentials' bag to keep with you. This should contain things like mobile phone chargers, toiletries, snacks, kitchen cleaner, bedding for the first night and some tea and coffee for your first morning in your new home."
12. Have a folder for useful documents
"Keep vital documents like passports and mortgage deeds in a folder and keep it with you to avoid any chance of them being lost in the move."
13. Say cheese
"Take a photo of the back of your TV so you know which wire goes where."
14. Know where things are
"Ask the sellers of your new property where the stopcock (valve for controlling the main water supply), thermostat, fuse box, and gas and electricity meters are, and make sure they leave instructions for appliances."
Andrea Fawell looks after sales and marketing for Kebbell. Discover more about the properties on offer from Kebbell.