10 Things to remember when moving home

Moving house can be one of the most stressful things we go through in our lives. There’s so much to think about from getting packing materials to clearing out junk and scheduling the moving day itself. I will be moving this year and I have so much clutter to sort through, I am hoping to get a headstart during the lockdown and there’s not much else to do!

Today I’m going to give you a rundown of 10 things to think about when you’re moving to make life a little easier for you. 5 concern your old home and 5 are for your new one!

Read The Meter

Many people forget to submit final meter readings at their old property which can cause issues with utilities companies. Be sure to read the meters on the day you move out and submit the readings so you can finalise any amounts owing so you don’t end up overpaying or getting into trouble.

Label Essential Item Boxes

While it might seem obvious, there are many times that I have thrown essential things into a box and when it came to unpacking discovered I didn’t know where they were. Be sure to label boxes which hold things that you need immediately when you get to your new accommodation, like your toothbrush and toilet paper. It can pay to put these things in a separate box or bag and pack it last so it is easily accessible.

Book a man and van

Moving in dribs and drabs using your own vehicle might seem like a good idea, however, having done this in the past I really think it’s worth it to hire a man with a van so everything can be moved in one go and you don’t have to keep going back and forth multiple times. Be sure to book a van for furniture removal well in advance and decide what size van you need – bigger is always better than smaller!

Defrost The Freezer

A big tip is to defrost the freezer a couple of days before you travel to avoid it sitting in a hot truck, leaking over all of your other possessions and getting them damp.

Defrosting a freezer is easy these days with many modern appliances have automatic defrost setting where the water collects in a tank. Switch your freezer off and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Entertainment for the kids

Any journey can make kids fidgety and more prone to act out, especially if it’s a long trip to a new home. To avoid a nightmare with the children on top of the general stress of moving house consider entertainment ahead of time and rather than pack everything keep some toys, games, and music accessible in the car to avoid boredom.

New Furniture

To make your new home really feel like yours it needs to be comfortable. If you plan on clearing out old furniture and treating yourself to new pieces like I am, then why not consider upgrading where you can? If you are unpacking and spending hours making sure that the house is perfect then you need to know that you can have a great night’s sleep. I plan on getting a new bed and mattress that will help me to forget your to-do list at least until the morning.

Add Plants

An empty new home can feel a little sterile so why not consider adding some mood boosting greenery? Not only do plants add light, colour and fresh air to a room, they can also add fragrances which can relax or invigorate you. If you’re not great with plants try some easy to look after ones such as succulents, a peace lily or lucky bamboo.

Soft Furnishings

To make your new home extra cosy it is a good idea to treat yourself to some comfy cushions and blankets for beds and sofas. I am a fan of having a warm, snuggly blanket on the back of my sofa for movie nights and nothing says welcome to your new home like a sense of luxury and hygge which comes from lush textiles.

Cleaning Products

No matter how clean the previous occupants left the house you’re moving into you will probably want to give it a once over for peace of mind before you start unpacking. Cleaning products are essential in order to get your new house in tip-top condition. If you are unsure of which products to buy maybe start with bleach, dusters and disinfectant.

Photo Gallery

Adding personal touches to your new house will make it feel like a home in no time. Why not make your own photo gallery showcasing memories of your family, friends and loved ones? Choose picture frames that match your interior style or your personality and really add warmth to your home.