Your Moving Home Checklist – Avoid Pitfalls and Enjoy Your Move
At Carman Friend, we appreciate that moving home is indeed, “one of the most stressful things you can ever do!” Apparently it only ranks behind giving birth, getting married and completing a Wordle on a night out.
Of course, moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a stressful experience if not properly organised. Whether you’re relocating across Chester or to a different part of the country, having a well-structured checklist can make the process smoother and more manageable.
In today’s blog, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive moving home checklist to ensure your transition is as seamless as possible.
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Create a Timeline
The first step in your moving journey is to establish a timeline. Decide on your moving date and work backward from there. The team at Carman Friend will give this to you as soon as they have it so… be sure to write it down somewhere.
This timeline will serve as a guide for all your preparations, helping you stay on track throughout the process. From when to arrange the vans for moving to booking a meal out on the first night – no one wants to get stuck doing the dishes straight from the box!
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Budget Your Move
In Chester, like in many other areas, moving can be costly, so it’s essential to set a budget.
You want to think of expenses like packing supplies, moving services, transportation, and potential storage fees. Having a budget will help you plan your finances accordingly and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Top tip: budget for boxes. You can buy packs for as cheap as £19 on Amazon which is better than rummaging through the bin shed at the back of a supermarket!
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Declutter and Downsize
You want to go full Marie Kondo here. (And for those of you who don’t know who Marie Kondo is, be prepared to binge on Netflix this weekend!)
You have to be brutal with decluttering. If you didn’t know you had it, bin it. If you haven’t used it in more than 3 months, bin it!
For other things, you can donate, or sell items you no longer need. Downsizing will not only make your move more efficient but also save you money on packing materials and transportation.
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Hire Professional Movers
We are a Chester estate agents and if there is one that we have seen over the years it is this… Professional movers are some of the wisest things to invest in!
If you’re not planning on a DIY move, start researching moving companies well in advance. Get quotes from multiple movers, check their reviews, and ensure they are licensed and insured. Booking a reliable moving company early can help you secure your preferred moving date.
From that grand piano which you keep telling yourself you’re going to start learning to play to the priceless vase, professional movers get it sorted and with care!
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Notify Important Parties
Inform relevant parties about your upcoming move. This includes your current and future utility providers, the post office for mail forwarding, and any subscription services you may have. (This includes your streaming services as they can block you on new IPs!)
Don’t forget to update your address with banks, insurance companies, and government agencies. Think of your Driver’s Licence as a good start!
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Gather Packing Supplies
As previously mentioned, you want to think about buying some boxes and sites like Amazon, Ebay and even Alibaba can really pack out a great deal.
These inevitably come with tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers. Consider obtaining specialised boxes for fragile or valuable items. You can often find free or discounted boxes at local stores or online marketplaces.
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Start Packing Early
Begin packing non-essential items well in advance. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Packing room by room can help keep things organised and make unpacking a breeze.
Of course it can cause arguments so, before you start packing things which aren’t that important, maybe go through the house and stick a post-it on the items which need to be left till last!
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Pack an Essentials Box
We asked around the office and the essentials were, tea, digestives, gin, prosecco and the dog… Worryingly no-one mentioned their children or toiletries…
When we say, “pack an essentials box” we mean, prepare a box of essential items that you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home.
That would mean things like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen utensils. Keep this box with you during the move for easy access.
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Update Your Address
It’s already been touched upon but a change of address is going to be essential for those important documents.
Change your address with the post office, and update your address on your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration. Inform your employers, banks, and insurance providers of your new address as well.
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Notify Friends and Family
If you really want to… We jest but, sharing your moving date and address with friends and family is also for your protection in some ways. Should you have any emergencies and you rely on friends and family to help out they can reach you easier.
Equally, after the move you won’t miss out on any important communications from them and can even having people know where to attend the housewarming party.
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Arrange for Child and Pet Care
Take chaos, add a level of stress and then mix in anxiety and you have the perfect recipe for a bad day getting worse when you throw a child, a pet or both into the arena.
So it’s not just a good idea to arrange child and pet care, it’s almost essential. Please don’t leave them at our office in Chester Centre… we can’t cope!
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Take Care of Special Items
If you have valuable or fragile items, make special arrangements for their transport. Consider packing them separately or using custom packaging solutions to protect them during the move.
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Disconnect and Connect Utilities
Schedule the disconnection of utilities at your current home and the connection of utilities at your new home. Ensure everything is in working order before moving day.
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Clean Your Current Home
It’s always a good idea to do this! Before leaving your old home, give it a thorough cleaning. This will not only make it more appealing to the next occupants but also, leaves the people moving in with less of a chore – which you too shouldn’t have if the people moving out from your new home do the same thing.
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Complete a Final Walkthrough
Before you lock up and leave, do a final walkthrough to make sure nothing has been left behind. Check all cabinets, closets, and rooms to ensure you haven’t overlooked anything.
Yes, people like to leave all sorts of things, including money!
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Plan for Moving Day
On moving day, be prepared for a busy day. Have snacks and drinks on hand for you and your movers. Stay organised by referring to your checklist, and communicate with your moving team to ensure a smooth process.
And as we previously pointed out, this may be a great time to go for a meal in the evening or get a takeaway in. Hey, you burn a lot of calories moving so one night won’t hurt!
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Unpack Methodically
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, unpack room by room, starting with the essentials box. (Top tip: make sure you have toilet paper in every bathroom!)
Take your time to arrange furniture and decorate as you go along. Don’t rush the process; it’s your chance to make your new space feel like home.
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Update Emergency Contacts
Make sure your new neighbours and local authorities have your contact information in case of emergencies. Familiarise yourself with local emergency services and healthcare facilities in your new area.
Things like knowing where your nearest defibrillator is – for emergencies you may encounter – is precisely one of those good things to know. Use a site like this one to check.
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Explore Your New Neighborhood
Take some time to explore your new neighbourhood and get to know your surroundings. Find the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential services you’ll need in your daily life.
Say hello to your new neighbours and make sure to remember their name, that awkward thing of spending months saying the wrong name can be avoided at this point!
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Settle In and Enjoy
Finally, take a moment to relax and enjoy your new home. Moving can be exhausting, but with careful planning and organisation, you can make the transition as smooth as possible. Embrace the opportunities and adventures that come with your new beginning.
Moving homes can be a daunting task, but with a well-structured checklist and careful planning, you can reduce stress and ensure a successful transition. Remember to create a timeline, set a budget, declutter, hire professional movers, and notify important parties. Gathering packing supplies, packing early, and updating your address are also essential steps.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for your upcoming move.
At Carman Friend we understand just how daunting a move can be. We’re here to help wherever we can and can advise on movers and insurers for your day. Drop us a line to see how we can make your transition better.
