It’s a fact that moving house is one of the most stressful events that you can undertake in a lifetime, competing with death, divorce and job loss.
However, it is relatively easy to reduce any stress that just the thought of moving day can incur by keeping up the communication, some simple pre-planning and choosing the right removal company to help you through all the stages of your move.
Communicating your Move
Before you actually physically move house, you will have undergone the emotional stress of putting your existing home up for sale, unless you are renting or a first-time buyer, and had numerous discussions with estate agents and solicitors. During the moving process, you will need to keep these communications going so that the moving process continues and does not fall flat. This communication will help you to stay up-to-date with the progress of the sale of your home, as well as with the purchase of your new home – plus it will keep you informed of how the “chain” is performing if you are involved with one.
Communication also means booking and discussing your move with a removals company. A recent RightMove survey said that of its customers that had asked for removal quotes 58% start looking at removal companies over a month before they move, whilst only 8% start looking 1-2 weeks before they move. The earlier you talk to a removals company, the less stressful your move will be, as you will be able to do all of the following:
1. Have time to arrange a free home moving survey so that you can talk your move through with a professional.
2. Have time to get comparison quotes in from at least 3 different BAR* approved removal companies.
3. You will get the best rates and type of removal service you want.
4. You will get the moving date that you want.
5. You will get your preferred removal company you want (as the good ones are always booked up more quickly.)
Preparing for your Move
Whilst your removals company will obviously do most of the hard work, there are few things that you need to prepare yourself to help make your house move less stressful. This involves a variety of jobs, so it is a good idea to stay focussed by making a list or using a Moving House Checklist.
These are just a few things that you will have to do before you even start thinking about any packing:
1. Write a list of fixtures and fittings you are taking with you – the solicitors may want a copy of this
2. Notify the service companies, such as gas, electric and water of your move and take meter readings so you are up-to-date with your usage.
3. Notify the council and medical services, such as your doctor and dentist, if you are moving to a new area.
4. Arrange for your satellite TV, and the internet, to be disconnected and reconnected nearer your moving date.
Pre-packing to Move House
Even if you have booked the removals company to pack your entire house for you, there are a few things that you can do to help make the packing process easier.
1. Moving house is a great time to have a little sort out. Through our Declutter and Donate scheme, we can provide you with boxes or bags to put items you no longer want to one side so that we can donate them directly to charity when you move home.
2. Start to sort out some of the items in your garage and attic – you may be amazed to find what has been hidden away.
3. Start to run down your freezer, as it is never a good idea to move these appliances full of food.
And if you want to do a little packing of your own, that is fine. A good removals company will be able to supply you with spare boxes so that you can put some of the non-essential items away at your leisure.
Preparing your Family to Move Home
It is worthwhile to remember that moving house can be a stressful time for all members of your family, especially children. With this in mind, we have put together a dedicated moving with kids guide so that you can prepare your kids for the “Big Move”. There are also some great books about moving that you can get to read with your children so that they understand the house moving process better. These will help you to make moving home it into the great adventure it should be, whilst allaying any concerns that your children and teenagers may have about moving away from friends, areas that they know or the new house in general.
Pets will also need plenty of care and attention. It is best to try to keep all pets calm and securely contained on the actual day of the move. Our moving with pets guide has lots of helpful advice on keeping your pets happy, and not stressed when moving home.
On the Actual Moving Day
If you have picked the right removals company, your moving day will be stress-free. They will have called you to confirm your move details and tell you what time to expect the removals team. This team will then introduce themselves on arrival, double-check that the instructions they have been given are correct and then get on with laying carpet protector and door protection (if required) to ensure your move is carried out to the highest of standards, including packing everything by trained staff, using professional-grade cardboard boxes and wrapping materials.
All you will have to do is to make sure you have arranged a suitable time to collect the key for your new home. The removal team will then meet you at your new home to unload, unpack (if you have chosen this service) and leave you to relax and settle in.
A Stress-Free Move!
So with a little preparation and the right removals company on the job – you can eliminate the stress of moving house completely, and even enjoy the process a little.
It’s easy to get started today! Get a free moving quote from Bishop’s Move.
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*British Association of Removers isdedicated to promoting professional excellence in the Removals Industry andrecognised as the voice of the professional moving industry. It is at the forefront of developing and maintaining professional standards and services for the benefit of its members and their customers. Go to www.bar.co.uk for more information.
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