Moving home tips
How to achieve a stress-free house move
Here at Create Homes, we are experts in moving. Over the years we have helped many families achieve their new home dreams, and been on hand to help and advise them, every step of the way. Here are a few hints and tips to make your moving process just a little bit easier....
PREPARING TO MOVE
1. Get de-cluttering
When you are moving into a brand-new home, it’s a good idea to de-clutter your stuff first. Start as soon as you can, and decide what to trash, sell or donate, so you don’t take items you don’t need with you to your new home.
2. Book your removal company early
Do your research now to get two or three quotes. To do this, you’ll need to know the distance you’re moving and approximately how much furniture you have. Secure your booking with your preferred company as soon as you get your moving-in date.
3. Plan your furniture layout in advance
Before moving-in day, it is a great idea to plan where all your furniture will go, room by room. Measure up your new home to make sure larger furniture, such as sofas, will fit where you want it to go in your new space. This will make the logistics so much easier on moving day. It also helps you decide where new any furniture you are buying would work well.
4. Take photos
Photograph the wires at the back of your television or any other electronic equipment. This is a great way to keep track of what goes where when you’re putting everything back together. You could also take photos of any design set-ups in your current home that you wish to recreate, such as your picture & ornament arrangements and bookcase displays.
PACKING
1. Get organised
If you are organised with your packing, it will make the moving and unpacking process so much smoother. Essentials for this process include: boxes, suitcases, labels, marker pens, packing tape, bubble wrap, newspaper, scissors, cleaning products and bin bags.
- Label precisely what’s inside each box and to which room it should go
- Put loose screws in a sandwich bag and tape it to any furniture you have dismantled
- Make sure that all power supplies are packed with the relevant appliance
- Protect your floor so that furniture doesn’t scratch it, either moving out or into your new home
- Pack a few spare lightbulbs for lamps in case any are broken in transit
NOTIFY AUTHORITIES
1. Change of address
Advise companies or organisations of your change of address, such as schools, banks, doctors, dentists and vets, at least two weeks before you move. You must also register your new address with your local council.
2. Insurance policies
Don’t forget to inform your home and car insurance providers of your new address and moving date. Check your contents are covered during the move with your providers and/or your removal company.
If you are putting anything in storage during your move, advise the company of your new address and check that your belongings are covered whilst they are there.
3. Move your utilities
It’s important to set up your utilities such as your electricity, gas, water and broadband early when moving home, which will save you a lot of stress once you’re moved in. Most providers are happy to transfer your current service over, so you shouldn’t have a break in service. For the best new deals, check price comparison websites. We will read the meters in your new home as part of the handover process.
Don’t forget to transfer your TV licence and TV packages to your new address too:
Update your TV licence address
You will also have to set up your new Hive account on your phone so you can control your central heating remotely as soon as you move in.
Download the Hive App to your phone so you are in control from day one.
Find out more about the Hive app
4. Get your mail redirected
For a small fee, you can ensure that all your mail is redirected to your new address - great if you forget to inform anyone in advance.
POST OFFICE REDIRECTION SERVICE
THE DAY BEFORE YOUR MOVE
1. Create your essential moving day kit
Pack all the things you will need as soon as you move in separately, such as an overnight bag and kitchen items for making that first cuppa in your new home. Don’t forget other items you’ll need such as medicine, face cream, toothbrush, toilet roll, a change of clothes, phone chargers & pet food etc
2. Protect your little ones
If you can persuade them, little ones are best kept out of the way on moving day for their own safety. Let family or friends have them for a sleepover and set up their room for their first night’s sleep a day or so later, so it’s less unsettling and more exciting for them!
3. Look after your pets
Don’t forget - moving can be stressful for your pets too! We have lots of tips for pet owners in our online blog:
MOVING DAY
1. Looking after yourself and your stuff
If you are using a removal company, they will be experienced in moving delicate objects and heavy items, but if you are doing it yourself, take extra care to protect yourself, as well as your belongings. Take your time and get as much help as you can from friends and family.
2. Here to help
We are here to support you in your house move. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly Sales Team if you have any problems or questions at all during the run up to your move, or on the day you move in. Our Aftercare team are also available to help you once you have moved in.
Good luck with your move. We wish you and your family all the best for life in your brand new Create Home.
Enjoy your new home!
THE CREATE HOMES TEAM
- Contact us using the form below.