How to Move House
Even if you’ve done it before, it’s extremely hard knowing how to move house. There are many moving parts, do’s and don’ts, and things to remember. To take some of the stress away, here’s a handy guide.
How to move house step-by-step
- Declutter
- Follow a checklist
- Find a removals company
- Create an inventory
- Think about where furniture will go
- Use quality packing materials
- Get packing early
- Start in the least used rooms
- Pack room by room
- Set aside your essentials
- Don’t overpack boxes
- Label correctly
- Set up utilities early on
- Take photos
- Check thoroughly
- Update address
- Register to vote
- Change the locks
#1 – Declutter
If you have a house to sell, you likely thought you decluttered when you listed it with an estate agent (to make a good impression for buyers). However, chances are there are still plenty of unused items that don’t need to be brought with you. So, before you even attempt to start packing, get donating, throwing away or selling.
Be thorough here, as you’ll not only save yourself the hassle of bringing things you don’t need to your new home, but it will also save you money come removals – you’ll already have offloaded plenty of items beforehand!
Cleaning before you move will help you get through your to-do list much more easily!
#2 – Follow a checklist
Putting together a moving house checklist can help make sure you don’t forget anything important, as there will be lots happening during the run up to the big day.
Include items such as:
- Letting various people/companies know you’re moving
- Sorting out certain possessions
- Ordering packing materials
Knowing what needs to happen, and when, is very helpful at every stage.
#3 – Find a removals company
Finding a removals company early on is key, as they can get booked up. To save money on moving home, book midweek (if possible).
You could choose to DIY your move, and if you do, be sure to allow yourself more time. Also check your insurance policy, are your possessions covered in transit?
#4 – Create an inventory
Now it’s time to create an inventory of all your belongings to make sure nothing gets lost or forgotten. Your removals company could do this for you if they’re hired to pack, but it’s something you may want to manage yourself. Labeling items by room can be a good way to organise everything.
#5 – Think about where furniture will go
Don’t just start throwing things into boxes at random, make life easier for yourself when you come to unpack it. Plan where furniture will go, organise it together, and pack accordingly.
#6 – Use quality packing materials
Wondering how to pack for moving house? There are many things you’ll need to make the moving process easier, from bubble wrap for keeping belongings safe to different sized boxes.
Get high-quality cost effective packing supplies below – delivered straight to your door!
You can also get creative here, e.g. laundry baskets can double up as a great way to transport items, such as towels or bedding.
#7 – Get packing early
It might sound obvious, but too many of us leave things to the last minute, get going early instead. It’s a good idea to start packing from the moment you set your moving date.
You’ll need a plan of action. What are you packing, how are you packing it, and what packing supplies do you need?
#8 – Start in the least used rooms
The attic, spare bedroom or garage can all be good places to start. Begin with the items you use the least, or that are out of season, then work your way around the house.
#9 – Pack room by room
Make your life easier by doing things logically. Going room by room can be a good idea, and it’s an easy way of keeping furniture/ certain possessions together.
#10 – Set aside your essentials
Don’t pack away anything you’ll need to have to hand, or use every day and night. Instead, set these aside in a separate box, such as:
- Medication
- Phone chargers
- Change of clothes
- Toothbrush
- Toilet roll
- Pillows/bedding
#11 – Don’t overpack boxes
A common packing mistake is to overload boxes. If one is getting heavy but there are empty spaces, top it with lighter items, such as pillows.
#12 – Label correctly
Label boxes with:
- What room they’re going to
- A brief description of what’s inside
- Fragile (if needed)
#13 – Set up utilities early on
One of the most important things to do when moving into a new house is to set up your utilities as early as possible. You might be able to save money each month by switching energy providers, so it’s a good idea to get looking.
After all, the cost of moving house can add up, so it helps to save money where you can! Take meter readings when you move in to avoid paying for utilities you haven’t used.
#14 – Take photos
If you feel any particular set ups will be difficult to recreate in your new home, take photographs. This could be:
- Shelving placements
- Ornament layouts
- Electronics/wires
#15 – Check thoroughly
On moving day, it’s a good idea to leave any cupboard doors open, to make sure you’ve packed everything. Check, check again, and check a third time that you have everything. Here’s where your inventory will be the most important, ensuring everything finds its way to the moving vans.
#16 – Update address
Before moving in, you’ll need to update your change of address to all the relevant parties, such as:
- Council tax
- Royal Mail redirection
- Bank
- Doctor’s surgery
- Dentist
#17 – Register to vote
Update your change of address to ensure you can still vote and that you’re on the electoral register.
#18 – Change the locks
A job that’s too often forgotten about is the need to change the locks. You don’t know who could have keys to your new property, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Top tips for moving house
Here are some things everyone should know when it comes to moving home:
- Dismantle things in advance (e.g. a bed) it can take longer than you think
- Put all of the nuts and bolts together in a bag, taped to the item
- Use packing paper, towels or other light/small items to fill empty spaces in boxes
- Check what items your removals company consider hazardous and won’t transport
- Keep precious items with you, such as jewelry
- Cover furniture with protective items or blankets
- Tape any doors/shelves on larger items of furniture closed, such as wardrobes, to prevent swinging
- Use up all fridge/freezer food before you move. Avoid food shops too close to the big day as it’ll likely be wasted
- Don’t forget to defrost the freezer before moving day
- Keep pets and kids away from the move (if possible)
- Take any tinned or cupboard food with you, or donate to a foodbank or homeless shelter
- Newspaper won’t stop plates from breaking in transit
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We can connect you with the right team to help you move as easily and smoothly as possible. Whether you need a man with a van, storage, removals or more – get a competitive quote below.
Last Updated: November 1st, 2024
