Moving house soon? Maybe it feels like you don’t know where to start when it comes to the arrangements, or perhaps you’ve already got everything in order and you’re feeling just a little bit smug. Whichever camp you fall into, take a look through our list of the most common things many people forget about when it comes to moving, to make sure you’re as organised as you think you are.
1, Organising removals insurance
Probably the most overlooked, but crucial, aspect of moving is removals insurance. You might assume that your existing home insurance policy covers your belongings in transit, but that’s not always the case. Accidents can happen, and even the most careful movers can experience unexpected issues such as breakages, loss or damage.
To protect your possessions – and your peace of mind – check whether your removal company offers insurance. Ask for all the details so you’re clear on exactly what it covers – and what it doesn’t. If needs be, take out a separate removals insurance policy that covers your items during the move.
2, Booking an expert removal company
Many people underestimate how much work is involved in moving, leaving them scrambling for last-minute help. Rather than trying to find a way to do it all yourself, book expert removals from the off. And it pays to sort it early – reputable removal companies are often booked up many weeks in advance, especially during peak season (usually summer).
A professional removals team will not only handle transportation but can also assist with packing, lifting heavy items and ensuring fragile belongings are kept safe.
3, Being realistic about packing
It may seem like a cost-saver to do your packing yourself, rather than pay an expert team to do it, but many people find it’s a false economy. Booking a packing service can save you huge amounts of time and stress, which will almost always balance out the monetary cost.
It could mean you don’t have to book several days off work to pack ahead of moving day, and it’ll definitely mean you can rest easy knowing your items have been properly packed so they’ll stay safe in transit. By having one less thing to worry about, you’ll free yourself up to think about other aspects of the move, whether that’s looking after children or pets, or liaising with estate agents.
4, Making a moving or packing checklist
Whether you opt to do your own packing or book a professional packing service, there are a lot of things that go into moving house and it’s tough to keep track of everything. Creating a moving checklist in the run-up to the big day helps make sure you don’t forget important tasks and will help you stay organised. Include things like decluttering, cleaning, labelling boxes and essential communications with others involved in the move. It’s also a good idea to make a detailed timeline of how your moving day will unfold, and share it with everyone who’ll play a part.
5, Arranging childcare or pet care
Moving days are busy at best and chaotic at worst. If you’re moving with young children or pets, the process can be even more challenging. To make things easier, arrange in advance for someone you trust to look after them on the day – or for a couple of nights – while you focus on the move. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or a professional, keeping children and pets out of the way will help the day run more smoothly.
6, Updating your address
Changing your address is easy to overlook in the flurry of moving preparations. So make sure you update your details with banks, insurance companies, HMRC, DVLA, and any subscription services you use. Setting up a mail redirection service with Royal Mail can also help ensure you don’t miss any critical correspondence. You can add these updates to your moving checklist to make sure they get done.
7, Checking parking restrictions for moving day
Imagine the removal van arriving at your new home only to find nowhere to park outside. It’s the last thing you want on an already busy and somewhat unpredictable day. Take control of everything you can, and check local parking restrictions well ahead of moving day, especially if your destination is located in a city or on a busy street. If necessary, speak to your removal company about applying for a temporary parking permit from your local council to secure a spot.
8, Remembering first night essentials
After a long day of moving house, the last thing you’ll want to do is rummage through dozens of boxes for your toothbrush or a clean pair of pyjamas. Prepare a ‘first-night’ bag with everything you and your family will need, including toiletries, bedding, a fresh change of clothes, phone chargers, favourite toys for children or pets and any necessary medications. This will make settling into your new home much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Contact Spire Removals today to tick ‘book expert removal company’ off your list.
