5 Things to do BEFORE you move

So you are going through the conveyance process and are expecting to exchange and complete soon, the daunting task of packing up your entire life is a massive daunting task but breaking it down into steps and being organised can help you manage this tricky and sometimes stressful time. Here is a list of 5 steps to do when prepping to move out;

Pre book the following stuff:

• The internet supplier to your new place - it always takes time to get the modem sent over and a date for the engineer set up. If you are close to completion, most sellers are happy to let you post your new modem at the property (we all know how long it can take to get this sorted - up to 4weeks at busy times)
• The moving team and van - never under estimate how much space you need, its better to end up with a larger van than necessary than to have to do multiple trips or have to get stressed on moving day due to the miniature van that has shown up. Also it is SO worth your time to get someone to move your stuff for you. Even if you are young and relatively fit, moving that dining table or mattress on your own is an absolute pain in the neck (not to mention the back!), make your day easier and just get a reasonably priced moving company to do it for you.
• Pay to get your mail redirected - it is yet ANOTHER cost to moving, but so worth it, as it gives you a grace period to make sure you don't miss out on anything that you forgot to notify of your move.

Notify- Let your current internet, gas, electricity, water suppliers know that you are moving with plenty of notice. At the same point remember to let these other people know that you are moving:

• Bank
• Phone company
• Council tax
• HR at work or any professional registration companies
• Car and or Home insurance
• Any subscriptions or delivery services (flowers, wine, food, magazines, milk- you get the drift)
• Home Alarm team
  

​Packing - now there are whole books written on this - but as a short summary:

1. Pack things by Room (Kitchen, Bathroom, Living room) and label the contents of the boxes (be specific - Stemware, DVDs, books, towels)
2.  Vacuum packing bulky things like pillows, duvets, blankets, towels is genius.
3. Heavy things in smaller boxes, lighter things in bigger boxes - your (or your movers) back will thank you for this. Also you don't really want all your books and papers (or dinner set) falling out of the bottom of a weakened box mid move.
4. Consider the time frame that you expect to need the item by, you are more likely to need your teabags before you need that jar of smoked sea salt. Pack the items that you need access to sooner together, this is more useful for basic clothing, food items and toiletries which brings me onto my next step

Capsule living  - your first few days to weeks in your new home will be chaotic until you get all settled, so slimming down your life to a capsule of what you own  (even if it is just for a week) will really help give you time to get organised.

1. Create a capsule wardrobe of things that you wear all the time and simply cannot live without. Quality basics including good underwear and socks and one good jacket that goes with everything and one or two pairs of shoes)
2. You can apply this capsule concept across the board, to the cupboard food items that you simply must have, or the best pan that you will always use, or your favourite mug. Having all these things easily accessible and in one handy place will make your nesting process in your new home a million times easier and quicker.

​​De-clutter - This is most possibly the most important stage. This is your opportunity to go through ALL your belongings weather you like it or not. So take the time to actually vet items. Decide if you really need something or not, if you haven't used it in 2 years - chuck it (Some people say 1year). I moved house 3 times before I got rid of a pair of trousers that I am NEVER going to fit into again. Don't do the same mistake. Same goes for all your books, media equipment and technology and those random old spices that you don't even know how or what to use for. Donate it, sell it or bin it. It is liberating, and better still when you get to your new house you wont have to wonder what to do with them all over again or where to store them. Give yourself time to do this, and for heavens sake don't leave the packing for a morning of your move when you are hungover and in a mad rush.


There you go. 5 tips to help you on your preparation journey for a move! Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

Head to the next post about the top 5 things to do AFTER you move in!