Is moving house without stress possible? Yes! It’s all in the preparation and ticking items off the checklist. Get it right from the start, and you will be sipping a cup of tea with your feet propped up on a box as the movers haul things into the truck. The average Scot moves house every 20 years. So, what should you be doing and not doing when relocating your life and family?
Planning ahead
All momentous decisions require planning. And house moving is one of them. Remember the triple core of moving – timeline, budget and research. Find out the Date of Entry (DoE) or the Handover date in the case of new builds. Develop a timeline that starts from the conveyancing process to the DoE. Leave a buffer for unexpected issues that might arise. Start with tasks that take longer to complete or those that require notice in advance.
Determine the budget for the house move. Get quotes from several movers. Can you rent a truck for a DIY move? Research everything from how to pack fragile goods to where you can get packing items. Usually, full-service moving companies provide packing material, but they can be expensive.
Packing and decluttering
The big clear-out! It makes the moving process more lightweight. Consider selling, donating or recycling items like furniture, toys, household appliances and clothes. Decluttering saves you money, time and effort.
Pack with a plan. Room by room or category by category – pick a method. Never go about packing without deliberation. Pack from top to bottom to keep things organised. Start at the loft and end in the shed. Start packing things from least used to most used. That way, you can continue to use everyday items until the very last minute. These may include towels, bedding, a kettle, cups and plates.
Have a priority packing list for vital documents, family heirlooms and precious items. Some of these can go with you on the moving day.
Research amenities
Get information on doctor surgeries, schools, vets, banks and the local council before arriving at your new home. You must register at these establishments, including on the electoral roll. And remember to order your wheelie bins from the council before moving into the new home.
You will want to shop after arriving, especially for food. Find out which stores sell meat, fish, veggies and fruit. Get acquainted with the local bakery and chemist. You may want a takeaway or a pub meal on your first day. So, it is a good idea to research amenities like the local chippy, restaurants and pubs in the neighbourhood.
Notifying the relevant parties
First-time buyers will have to notify their landlord of the end of the tenancy at least 28 days before moving to a new home. Notify schools and employers as necessary. Update your address at HMRC. Sign up for mail redirection with the Royal Mail. Notify utility suppliers, banks and insurance providers. Update your TV licence. Change your address with the DVLA and get a final council tax statement.
Exploring the neighbourhood
Take your time to cruise around the new neighbourhood. Stroll along the high street. Pop into local cafes, pubs and eateries. Shop around in the stores and supermarkets. Take the bus and train to discover transport links. Visit leisure centres, gyms, libraries, community centres and village halls. Apply for memberships. If you have pets, find out about the best places for dog walking.
Getting involved in the community
Settling into your new home is much more fun when you have already familiarised yourself with the neighbourhood. Get familiar with the social scene, such as sports clubs, community groups and local charities. If you are moving to a town or village, there are plenty of ways to get active in the community. Join social media groups to keep an eye out for events. Developments come with a community of their own. When you move into a new home, you also get a community that starts a new life together. It makes assimilation plain sailing.
Stress-free living in GS Brown homes
Moving house is the start of something new. It doesn’t have to be stressful. There are numerous ways to avoid stress by planning, organising and familiarising with the new environment. So, there is time and opportunity for you to enjoy the prospects and hope of the new abode. Designed with modern specs and superior energy efficiency, these offer high-quality contemporary living. Spacious and elegant, our homes blend beautifully with their tranquil surroundings. With the NHBC build mark warranty and customer support every step of the way, there is accountability and assurance. Move stress-free to a GS Brown home for stress-free living.
