Moving house is a momentous occasion, whoever you are. Whether you have closed on your first home purchase, are moving out for your first taste of independent living or are moving somewhere larger to start a family, it is a busy, stressful but ultimately rewarding phase of life. Still, moving can be much more trouble than you might anticipate; here are some quick tips for making your next move as smooth as possible.
Draft a Checklist
There are many moving parts when it comes to moving home, and eve the most switched-on of people can have trouble keeping track of everything that’s going on. Between finalising purchase contracts or rent agreements, switching addresses for vital subscriptions and utilities, arranging the removal of belongings, and indeed the packing of your belongings themselves, it’s easy for something to fall through the cracks. With this in mind, your first step should be to draft a checklist of everything you need to do. This way, you won’t miss anything!
Budget for Ancillary Costs
Moving home is an expensive process, and not just with regard to the costs associated with securing your new home. There are some significant costs attributed to the act of moving itself, as well as some hidden costs that can result from attempting to cancel or transfer any utilities to your new address.
To prevent these costs from surprising you during your move, you should budget for them in advance; create a savings pot with your bank, or open a new account in which to sequester moving funds. A bit of research into moving companies and potential cancellation fees will give you an idea of what to save.
Buy Up Essential Items for Your New Home
With a new home comes a new chapter in your life, and an opportunity to completely refresh yourself and your homestead from the bottom up. This means it may finally be time to let that scratched-up frying pan from your university days go…
In all seriousness, a house move is a brilliant excuse for better aligning your belongings with your needs and aesthetic – plus, there will be some essentials without which your first few weeks could be much more difficult than they need to be. Your new home might have an induction hob included, in which case you will need to choose wisely between induction pan sets so you can actually cook!
Pack a ‘Moving Bag’
Lastly, a simple tip for packing that could save you serious headaches when you come to complete your move. While you’re packing, you should set up a rucksack, luggage case or duffel bag as your ‘moving bag’. Into this bag will go the same things you would pack for a holiday, from changes of clothes to toiletries and important items like passports, card and cash.
Your moving bag should also receive everything you’re likely to need in your first few days: pots and pans, cutlery and crockery, bedding and smart devices. This way, you won’t be forced to rip through tens of sealed-up moving crates to unearth a fork and a plate for your inaugural takeaway dinner on night number one!
See some more of my organisation posts here!
I will move into a new house in the near future. This post actually helped me with that daunting task, thanks.