Moving Guide
At Christopher Anthony, we understand that moving home can be both exciting and overwhelming. Our guide aims to simplify the process and ensure you have a smooth transition to your new home.
Plan Ahead
- Create a Timeline: Start planning your move at least 6-8 weeks in advance. Break the timeline into manageable tasks, such as decluttering, packing, and coordinating with your movers. Having a checklist can help you stay organised and ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Budget: Estimate all moving costs, including professional removals, packing supplies, and potential storage fees. It’s also wise to set aside a contingency fund for unexpected.
Declutter
- Sort Your Belongings: Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Focus on items you haven’t used in the past year. This not only reduces the volume of items to move but can also make your new home feel fresher and less cluttered.
- Sell Unwanted Items: Consider selling items online (e.g., Facebook Marketplace, eBay) or local car boot sales. This can help you make some extra cash and lighten your load for the move.
Hire Professional Movers
- Research Moving Companies: Get quotes from multiple companies and check reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or Google. Ensure they are registered with relevant associations, such as the British Association of Removers (BAR), which can offer added peace of mind.
- Book Early: Once you’ve found a reputable mover, book your date as soon as possible to avoid last-minute issues. Consider their availability, especially during peak moving seasons.
Packing
- Start Early: Begin packing non-essential items at least two weeks before the move. Start with items you rarely use, such as seasonal decorations or out-of-season clothing.
- Label Boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs. Consider using a colour-coded system for different rooms to make unpacking easier.
Notify Important Parties
- Change of Address: There are a LOT of people to let know you’ve moved. Here are some of the the important ones, but there may be more:
- If you’re employed, your employer. If you self employed, HMRC.
- The local council
- Gyms, clubs, etc
- TV Licence, satellite tv & broadband provider
- Car insurance & breakdown cover
- DVLA
- Your GP and health insurance
- Life insurance, pet insurance and any other policies
- Banks, credit card and pension providers
- Utilities such as electric, gas and water
Although you need to notify as many of these people as possible, be sure to set up a Royal Mail post forwarding service to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Moving Day
- Stay Organised: Have an essentials box ready with items you’ll need immediately at your new home, such as toiletries, basic kitchenware, and important documents. This will save you from rummaging through boxes on your first night.
- Do a Final Walkthrough: Before leaving, check all rooms, closets, and cabinets to ensure you haven’t left anything behind. This is also a good time to take photos of the property condition for your records.
Settling In
- Unpack Efficiently: Start with the essentials and gradually work through each room. Setting a goal to unpack a certain number of boxes each day can help you feel accomplished without becoming overwhelmed.
- Explore Your New Area: Familiarise yourself with local amenities, parks, and transport links. Introduce yourself to your neighbours, which can help you settle in faster and create a sense of community.