5 Things You Need to Remember When Moving House
Moving to a new place involves a lot of planning and forethought. From packing and unpacking to finding a professional mover, there’s a lot you need to figure out. So what are the most crucial things you need to remember when moving house? You’re about to find out in this article!
Some people postpone the move to their dream location because they don’t want to go through the hassle of packing up their entire home. This is one reason why only 20% of millennials moved out in 2020 compared to 26% of generation X in 2000.
That said, moving out isn’t as scary as the data suggests. When done with proper help and the right mindset, it can be a fun and relaxing activity.
To make sure your moving day goes according to plan, here’s an excellent checklist you can tick off to keep everything neat and tidy.
1. Packing List ─ Moving Day Essentials
It seems unlikely, but it’s easy to forget valuables since there’s so much to commit to memory. A packing checklist helps make sure nothing is left behind. Here’s our list of essentials you need to keep in mind for moving day:
- Essential documents (e.g., birth certificates, degrees, academic certifications, work experience recommendations, bank slips, and marriage licenses).
- Laptop and charger
- Credit Cards
- Medication
- Jewelry
- Phone and charger
- Personal collections of figurines, family heirlooms, or other sentimental items
- Toilet paper
- Toolbox
- Furniture
- Crockery
- Lighting
Make sure you move furniture and delicate items to maximum protection boxes to prevent damage or breakage. Some sensitive items, such as dinner sets and cups, should not be wrapped in paper. You can rent plastic and carton boxes or free boxes from local markets to transfer your items.
Packing time depends on the amount of stuff you’re packing. To expedite things, set aside unneeded belongings you can keep handy in a bag or purse. These may include garbage bags, scissors, snacks, flashlights, wipes, and other small items.
2. Changing your Address and Informing Relevant Authorities
Sounds straightforward, but it requires going through many different channels.
Depending on where you live, the places may vary. For example, if you’re in Australia, you’ll have to contact your state government licensing provider to register your new address. You’ll also need to reach out to the electoral commission and Australia Post to confirm the new electorate and redirect your mail. In the US, USPS takes the place of Australia Post.
Some other places you may need to notify, regardless of where you live, include:
- Your Bank
- Your Car Insurance firm
- Your Magazine provider to redirect subscriptions
- Your Internet and phone provider
- Your utility provider (Inform them of your final meter readings to prevent an unfair charge).
- Your Family and friends
- Your GP and Dentist
- Your extended warranty company
- Your Local council to sort out tax-related issues
- Your TV licenser
3. Cleaning House
Your last act before moving out should set a good precedent. Cleaning the house as a courtesy to the new owners is the honorable thing to do. Also, if you’re moving out of a rental, cleaning is mandatory to get your deposit back. Some tasks you need to keep in mind include:
- Cleaning the doors and windows
- Cleaning light switches and outlets
- Vacuuming the carpet
- Dusting the curtains, including the ledges
- Deep cleaning the bathroom
- Moping floorboards
- Mow the lawn and remove clutter (mulch and leaves).
4. Finding a Professional Mover
Moving can take an emotional and physical toll. Swallowing the bitter pill of leaving a place you once called home can be tricky. Hiring a professional moving service makes things easier.
Removals and storage services take the emotion out of moving and streamline the entire process. There’s a reason 33% of people prefer professional movers to hire a rental truck or take things into their own hands.
Here are some tips you should look into before choosing a moving company:
- Get a price estimate: Invite the mover to your home and get an in-person assessment. This ensures that the quote you receive is as close to reality as possible.
- Ask for references: Reputable movers take pride in their names. They are more than happy to provide you with references upon request.
- Inquire about Insurance coverage: Get written confirmation of your covered belongings. If you have homeowner’s insurance coverage, check to see whether it’s in effect during transit.
5. Notifying Family and Friends
Informing relatives or friends living in the new destination is a great call. Moving out ensues an exhaustive moving-in process. You need all the help you can get.
Your kind helpers can also help you learn more about the ways of the new place. This could make settling in feel a lot easier than it is.
You can compose an informal mail or get in touch via social media. Making a Facebook event is another easy way of broadcasting your plans.
Lastly, don’t forget to reward the people who’ve worked tirelessly to help you in the transition. Creating bonds is all about appreciation and reciprocity.
Takeaways
Moving out doesn’t need to be stressful and challenging. Take one step at a time, stay organized, and take professional and volunteer help wherever you can, and things will turn out for the best!
If you are thinking of buying a new home to move into, you can make this process problem-free by hiring a team of independent property valuers to provide you with a pre-purchase property valuation. This valuation will provide you with a researched and accurate market value of the potential property and ensure that you are paying a fair price. You will be able to move in knowing you have made a well-informed decision regarding your new home, which is one less thing to think about!