Things You Can’t Forget to do Before You Move, but Many Homeowners do

On a scale of one to 10, how prepared are you really for the move to your new home? Even the most organised individuals may miss a few important preparations, so better to consult the experts for your transition.

Experts just for moving house? Yes! From furniture trailer hire to arriving at your new home, you should do all you can to attend to the list below. You don’t want to bear the consequences some of them carry if ignored and left off your to do list.

Buying and Booking Moving Day Resources

The day can come closer very quickly and before you know it you have to load the van, trailer or truck. But it’s not only about loading. What about protecting your assets against damage?

For moving furniture on a truck or with a trailer you’ll need carboard sheets, bubble wrap or blankets to separate large items and prevent them from damaging each other during transportation.

Getting these items before the big day is essential. What if the store doesn’t have stock? Don’t ruin your assets just because you didn’t take time to plan.

And of course, booking the trailer well in advance is non-negotiable. You don’t want to get stuck with a model that’s too small or uncovered if you know you may drive in wet weather.

Planning is everything when moving!

Changing the Locks at Your New Home

Homeowners get so wrapped up in preparing to move from their existing home that they forget the importance of managing matters at their destination. How many people do you think had keys in the past to access your new home? The previous owners may have given copies of keys and remotes to their family members. Now you need to safeguard your privacy by changing those locks.

Having an Inventory

Staying in control is essential throughout the moving process. Unfortunately, you may not be with your belongings the entire time. Perhaps you’re not the one driving the vehicle pulling the furniture trailer or perhaps your assets are being shipped. Having an inventory—a detailed one—is your best tool. Whatever is on the list before loading must be there after. At the very least, this empowers you to do an insurance claim if something is lost or stolen.

Important: talk to your insurance broker and the moving company about what’s needed to insure your items for the trip.

Letting EVERYONE Know You’re Moving

Being focused on the move could distract you from what’s necessary to enjoy the same daily rhythm once you’re in your new home. For example, do you realise how important it is for people and businesses to know your correct living address?

Here we’re talking about all the services that you enjoy on a daily basis. This ranges from having access to TV services you enjoy to having your prescription medication delivered—on time. So, make that list and double check that everyone knows where you’re moving and when!

Plan for the Food in Your Fridge

Your fridge may be the last thing you unpack so things don’t spoil but it should be one of the first things you planned for. How will you safely transport those food items over a long distance? Or is it best to donate it? Proper planning can involve a meal plan that uses most of the leftover ingredients and only stocking up once you reach your destination.

See how much more practical and less wasteful a dynamic plan makes a move?

Manage Hygiene at Your New Home

We would like to think others maintain the same level if hygiene we do, but here it’s better to underestimate people. You’ll never know how the previous owners lived before you move in and what the repercussions of their habits could be.

Messy kitchens can lead to rat infestations and having a wood pile could have been a home for termites. Even if you don’t see the mess or the wood now, what is lurking and hiding? Ideally, a proper clean and a visit from pest experts should be part of your moving plan and budget.

Declutter!

During all these steps and throughout packing, you should act with a goal of minimising clutter. Most people tend to hoard items they never use. You’ll save money by using a smaller furniture trailer and you’ll create a more spacious new home if you discard or donate them now.

Decluttering may have psychological benefits too. Why not make your move your new start in life? It’s more liberating than you think.

Golden rule: if you haven’t used it in six months, let it go.

Final Thoughts

Your move can set the pace and atmosphere for how you experience your new home. Your new chapter is almost here. Make sure it’s an organised, beneficial one by having a good start to it.