Your pets are part of the family and taking care of them during a move deserves thought, as do other key aspects.
Moving home is often a pleasure, except for the process itself. Financial and legal requirements call for a watchful eye, moving day and a few either side can be demanding, your possessions need good care.
Items in your home are the aspect which can take up the most time, depending on whether you physically move yourself, pack for yourself, or use a removals company to handle part, or all of the task.
Whichever the case, you will be involved to a degree and can make the move more enjoyable by avoiding a few common mistakes:
1. A Cheap Removal
A professional removals company will be competitive, a sign of efficiency and customer care. Just bear in mind you are hiring someone to manage all your possessions, which you don’t want lost, broken, arriving late, out of place, or uninsured.
Good practice entails cost and this must to an extent be reflected in price. Strike a balance but choosing a remover requires care and research.
2. Not Decluttering
Going through everything you own is time consuming, yet also an opportunity. From ancient paperwork, or DIY items, to furniture you no longer want, we all have oddments which are past their time.
Moving them is wasted effort and cost, when they can be disposed of safely, raise a few pounds on Ebay, or for a local charity shop.
3. Awkward Packing
If you are packing for yourself, a small amount invested in good boxes and materials is well spent, as is time to move items out of difficult spaces.
Packing in a loft, or shed may seem efficient but giving yourself more space and light is useful, not least with decluttering. You also avoid any issues with getting boxes down via a loft hatch, or unwanted contortions elsewhere.
4. Overloaded Boxes
Heavy items should go in small boxes, or be distributed around others. Books are a good example, which are easy to pack neatly and seem to be a quick way to fill box space, until you try to move them.
Similar thoughts apply to tools, canned items and more. Please take care of your back, you want to be fit to enjoy your new home.
5. Not Labelling Boxes
A large felt tip, or stick on labels will preserve valuable information, in terms of room location and the contents of a box. A stack of anonymous boxes inside your new home can be quite stressful.
There are variations, box numbers and inventories, colour coded stickers. Whatever method suits you, including indications of fragility.
6. Failing To Measure
Knowing the measurements of doors leading into and within your new home, or of any large furniture will matter. Decisions you had in mind on where to place items can also be confirmed, or amended.
If you have images, or video of spaces and one accurate measurement, there are websites, or apps where you can upload and work out others you require.
7. Not Changing Address
Letting a range of people know well in advance, such as banks, or schools is important and preserves confidentiality. There will still be many more to cover, with a few slipping through the net quite common.
Using reliable services and a checklist for change of address makes sense. This will avoid complications, or stress for all your family.
8. Trying to do Everything
Moving is not inexpensive and we all try to save money but there will be times when using tradesmen, or extra removals assistance makes sense. For safety, efficiency, peace of mind and to avoid a last minute rush.
Try to put together a detailed plan and decide which aspects you can realistically manage. A quote from a professional removals company can add to the process, as they should send a removals surveyor to your home.
Visits are normally free, you get an accurate idea of costs and advice on aspects you wish to handle, which may make them easier. Pointers from packing materials, to avoiding packing flammable materials will help.
You can see more on preparing to move and safe packing in our downloadable removals guide, or contact us if we can assist with a successful move.
