Things Everyone Should Do Before They Move House

Declutter

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Moving house can often be a stressful experience, whether you're living alone or within a family setting, and it can be difficult to adhere to all moving protocol. A great starting point, is to declutter your home. This can be done via sorting through your possessions, and deciphering what you want to keep, donate or throw away. By decluttering your home, you will be left with only the essential/sentimental items that need moving.

Create a moving checklist

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After decluttering your space, it is important to make a moving check-list, as this will help you stay on-top-of what you have done to prepare, and what else is required of you. Having a checklist will also allow you to manage your time more efficiently, especially when it comes to remaining weeks (before your moving date). By writing everything down, you will also be less likely to forget key errands/tasks that need completing.

Change of address

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Whenever you move, you are obviously going to have a change of address, and it is important to make a note of your prior and future addresses. By making a note of these, you will have them on-hand for future reference e.g. when changing service providers and redirecting mail. After moving, it can take a while for you to settle, and you're more than likely going to forget your new address, so it is best to have a note of it (whether that's on your cellphone or on a piece of paper).

Notify utility/service providers

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This next point relates to the previous point, as you will need to notify your current utility and service providers of your change in address (and move in general). Dependant on whether you're renting or not, you may be able to stay with the same providers, especially if they are providing you with the best price and quality of service. However, you may need to take into account the possibility of changing providers.

Pack efficiently

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The next obvious task to tackle, would be packing your belongings. Now it is important that you pack as efficiently as you can, as this will decrease the levels of stress you're likely to experience. It is important to be aware of the weight that your boxes can hold, and try to pack heavy and light items together (so the weight is distributed as evenly as possible).

Hire a removal company/truck

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Now, you're going to need som form of transport in order to move yourself and your items to your new home. This can be done a variety of ways, and might not even cost you as much as you'd initially thought. If you have vehicle of your own, this will help reduce the cost of hiring a removal team/truck, as you'll be able to pack some of your belongings in said vehicle. For larger items, it may be advisable for you to hire a truck, as it will be easier to transport them safely.

Notify friends and family

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When you make the decision to move, it is important to notify your friends and family. By notifying them, they'll be aware that you may need some assistance with moving, and will probably provide you with a helping hand. Notifying them of your move, will also make them aware that your address is changing, and they will have to travel to (possibly) a different area to visit you.

Transfer medical records

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Something that can often be overlooked, is the transfer of your medical and/or dental records. This is often something that is done after you have officially moved, and started to settle within your new home. The transfer of these records can take a little while, so it is best to arrange this prior to your move. Fortunately, the majority of record transfers can be completed online.

Update legal documents

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Another key part of moving, is to update your legal documents. The documents in question, will include: your driving license, your passport/visa and work visa (if applicable). It is important to keep these details up-to-date, otherwise your documents can/will be considered illegal, because your legal address will be incorrect. This is something that can take a couple months to complete, so it is important to arrange this as soon as possible.

Secure important documents

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Staying on the topic of documents, it is important to secure any important documents prior to moving. This is in reference to documents surrounding your new home, lease and/or tenancy agreement (applicable if you're renting). This is also in reference to your legal documents (see prior point), as you are unlikely to be able to sign a tenancy agreement/lease without the required documentation.

Clean and repair

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Prior to moving, it is important that you perform a deep-clean of your home and sort any repairs that may need completing. If you're currently renting, this is of paramount importance, as it will help ensure that you gain your security deposit back (usually referred to as the 'down payment'). This may require you to hire a cleaning service, and/or maintenance service to help you with these final touches.

Measure furniture

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This next point may not be as obvious as some of the others, but it is important to add onto your checklist. The task in question, is measuring your furniture. By measuring your furniture, you will be able to plan the layout of your interior better, and you will be able to decipher whether certain pieces of furniture will require transportation via a hire vehicle or not.

Aquire packing supplies

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Linking back to packing efficiently, in order to do this you will need to purchase suitable packing supplies. Packing supplies will include: sturdy cardboard boxes, scissors, packing tape/parcel tape, bubble wrap and trolley (for heavyweight possessions e.g. furniture). The majority of these items can be found within your local supermarket, or they can be hired (trolley).

Dispose of hazardous materials

 

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Another task that may be overlooked during the moving process, is the disposal of hazardous materials. This is in reference to any materials/waste that are harmful if left unattended e.g. certain medical waste, general/food waste, potential construction materials etc. You should research the best way to dispose of said materials, and possibly hire a service that can dispose of them safely for you.

Cancel subscriptions/services

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The majority of people have entertainment subscriptions/services, but it is important that you either cancel or transfer these when you move. By doing this, you will ensure that future billing is set to your new address, and the new occupants in your prior home don't have access to the service(s). By cancelling and rejoining certain subscriptions/services, you may also be able to save some money on your monthly costs.

Forward mail

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Another key aspect of moving, is to ensure that you forward any mail to your new address. By forwarding your mail, you can ensure that any future letters/correspondences won't accidentally be sent to your prior address (much to the annoyance and confusion of the new occupants). Forwarding your mail is actually a lot easier than most people think, as it can be done online or via a simple phone call.

Check local regulations

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Checking your local regulations may not be something that springs to your mind, when you're in the process of moving, but it is pretty important. This refers to your local area's policy for recycling/garbage collection, law enforcement/potential grounds of fining and the general running of the area e.g. neighborhood watch. By doing this, you'll be able to gain a better understanding of how the area operates.

Say goodbye to neighbors

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This is something you will often do a couple of day before, or the day of, your moving date. Whether you've lived somewhere for a matter of months, or several years, you've probably formed some strong bonds with certain neighbors, and it is important to take the time to say goodbye properly. You may see some of your neighbors as good friends, and will want to provide them with your new address.

Take inventory

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Taking inventory is extremely important when moving, as you need to make a note of the possessions you have, and compare it to what your new home already has installed. This will allow you to prepare for the absence of certain items e.g. microwave, toaster, kettle, refrigerator etc. Once you have taken inventory, you will find it much easier to organize your packing.

Take care of plants/pets

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If you have any plants and/or pets, it is important to put suitable care in place for them. For the majority of plants, you will be able to transport them with you, and get them watered/placed once you're in your new home. For animals however, it is advised that you don't take them on long journeys, as this can extremely unsettling and stressful. It is best to ask a friend or family member to care for them whilst you move and begin to settle in.

Change locks

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This next point only really applies to people that own their current property. It is advised that you change the locks of your home before moving, as this will prevent multiple copies of your keys being made/used for malicious intent e.g. robbery. Of course, if you're renting your property and want to prevent this, you can hire a service (however you may have to pay your landlord extra for this).

Set up new home services

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Setting up new home services, is in reference to maintenance providers e.g. construction, extermination, landscaping, plumbing, electrician etc. It is best to research the services within your new local area, as you'll be able to accurately compare prices, and find yourself the best deal for each service you actually require. Some providers may provide multiple services in one, which is definitely something to look into as well.

Explore the neighborhood

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This is perhaps the most exciting part about moving, and that is exploring your new neighborhood. Not only is this ideal for getting your bearings, it is a great way to see what the area has to offer e.g. quirky independent restaurants, nightclubs, bars/pubs, local nature spots, general attractions etc. Exploring the local area is also a great way of meeting potential neighbors, and making new connections.

Take note of moving day details

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Perhaps one of the most obvious points on this list, is to take note of your moving day details. This applies to you moving out of your current home, and moving into your new home. Some places have set times for moving in new residents, and you may be given an allocated time slot for this. The best way to make a note of these details, is by inputting them onto your cellphone's calendar and/or planner.

Take photos

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Taking photos is something you should do prior to moving into your new home, and moving out of your current home. Taking photos will allow you to have evidence of any potential damages and/or repairs that are present within your home (before moving in). It is important to keep these images, as they can be used to dispute an extra charges a landlord may impose upon you for 'necessary repairs'.

Notify current landlord

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If you're renting a property, or you have any form of landlord, it is important you notify them of your plans to move (especially if you're moving before the end of your agreed lease/tenancy). By notifying them, you are providing them ample time to find suitable new occupants for your vacant property. Once you make the decision to move, you should notify your landlord straight away.

Bank arrangements

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This next point links back to some of the others on this list e.g. transferring medical records, forwarding mail etc. Bank arrangements should be made before moving, as this can ensure that you're able to transfer and/close any accounts you may have. By notifying your bank of your move, they will be able to change your address within their system, and send any relevant paperwork (bills/statements) to your new address.

Insurance policies

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Insurance policies can be a life-saver when the unexpected happens, and it is important to look into what policy may be the best for you. Policies can range from vehicles, home, life, travel and medical. It is advised that you look into home insurance, as this can help cover the cost of any potential damages and loss of possessions, you may experience. Life and medical insurance may be part of your employment contract, so it is best to double-check this as well.

Final walk-through

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Before you finalize moving out, you should do a final walk-through of your property to ensure that you haven't missed packing any possessions, cleaning certain areas or missed any potential areas of repair. This will prevent you from having to contact your landlord to arrange collecting belongings and/or sending them more money for any surplus charges.

Meet your neighbors

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Meeting your new neighbors is another key element of moving, and it is something you may be able to do prior to moving in e.g. when you're exploring the neighborhood and/or viewing the property. This is a great way of gauging the kind of people you will be living within close proximity of, as well as beginning to form potential friendships with like-minded people.