Our step-by-step guide to getting prepared and packed

23 Nov 2024

Moving house doesn't need to be stressful. Follow our step-by-step guide below and get prepared and packed. We're here to help the big day run smoothly!

Declutter.

Don't pay for items to be moved that you'll throw away once you're in your new place. Get thorough and sort through everything, the loft, under the stairs, spare rooms, and even your garden shed. Leave no stone unturned. You'll be surprised at just how much stuff you have accumulated over the years; you'll likely discover things you don't need or want in your new home.

Think about where your furniture will go.

When viewing your new home, take photographs!

From these photographs, you can visualise yourself in the property and your furniture. Consider whether you will use current furniture in your new place.

It might be worth arranging to get some dimensions for each room. You can use this to determine what will fit and where there isn't room. If you decide not to take your furniture, sell or donate it to charity before you move. The sooner you begin this task, the longer you'll have to sell unwanted items for a fair price rather than having to rush and give things away as you approach your moving date.

Will you be using a Removals Company?

If you're currently living in a smaller property, for example, a ground floor or a one-bedroom flat, you could hire a small van or rope in your family and friends to help you. This shouldn't cost too much.

If you're moving by yourself, hire the largest van possible to ensure everything will fit. It's also good to ask for a van with a low kerb height or let-down tailboard to help to load and unload.

It's a good idea to consider how many possessions you have. Could you imagine yourself picking up each one of them and carrying it upstairs or into your garden, kitchen etc.?

Removal firms can ease the mental and physical stress of loading and unloading to a deadline.

If you decide to use a removals company, start looking at the earliest opportunity, this will give you time to get competitive quotes.

Pick out your valuables and breakables.

While most of your belongings can be packed up and put into bags or boxes, you may want to take extra care over any items of sentimental value or delicate items.

It's good to consider packing these items first, separately from the rest of your belongings. A good tip is to take these items with you in the car rather than in the van you've hired or with the removals company. It's also worth noting that the removal company's insurance may not cover you for items above a specific value.

Getting started!

The trick is to get started as soon as possible. The following tips may help you when moving as well as unpacking.

• Get your materials together - Boxes, bubble wrap, tape etc. Boxes can be picked up for free from local shops; re-using them is a great way to recycle.
• Layers of newspaper or crumpled paper can help move plates or anything you feel could be scratched in the move.
• Don't overpack your boxes.
• Spread heavy items between boxes, making things easier to carry.
• Write an indication of what is inside each box and which is the right way up!

If you're worried about packing, some removal companies may pack your belongings for you, but this will come at an extra cost and need to be booked well in advance; they may also unpack for you.

Notify companies of your move.

Before moving house, you'll need to let your utility providers know you're changing your address. It's also good to let your bank, insurers, doctors and other companies you're signed up to know.

What will you need for your new home?

Whether you need a new washing machine, TV, or Lawn Mower, it's worth ensuring you leave plenty of time for your new products to be delivered. Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in demand for new appliances. Delays are still apparent; however, this has started to die down. Some furniture companies may also allow you to choose a delivery date that could align with your moving date.

We hope you've benefitted from our preparing and packing Top Tips, don't forget to print out our blog and use this as a handy checklist. Happy Moving!

Phone: 0333 323 1091

Email: enquiries@sortlegal.co.uk