Moving into a new home is an exciting experience for many of us. But there’s also a lot to think about if you want to stay organised before, during and after your move. Take a look at the six common mistakes new homeowners make when moving house, and be sure to avoid them yourself…
1. They don’t change their address
We’ve reached a time when most mail isn’t sent in the post these days, but via email. It’s still worth making sure, however, that sensitive documents such as bank details and direct debit bills are going to be sent to the right property once you make your move. Aside from anything, you don’t want to forget to make an important payment because you never actually receive the bill.
2. They underestimate the length of the moving process
Moving house takes time, and it’s never as easy as it seems on first thought. You should expect to spend a few days to a week packing your belongings, scheduling cleaning, moving everything from A to B, finalising documents and unpacking in your new location. It’s definitely worth taking time off work for to avoid any last-minute stress.
3. They forget to change their locks
Whether the previous tenants of your new home claim to have returned all of their keys or not, you have no way of knowing whether any duplicate copies may have been made and handed out to their friends, neighbours or family members. Your local locksmith can use manual key cutting machines to fashion you a whole set of new locks and keys so you don’t have to worry about a visit from unwanted intruders.
4. They don’t label their boxes
You wouldn’t understand the frustration of not knowing where you packed your tin opener until you’re in your kitchen, trying to make beans on toast, with twenty unlabelled boxes of utensils in front of you to rummage through. Labelling your boxes takes only seconds to do, and you’ll be thanking yourself for it later. You should also make sure that any valuables are clearly marked s fragile, to avoid them getting battered in the moving process.
5. They put off finding a new healthcare provider
If you’re moving a substantial distance away from your old home, it’s vital that you get yourself registered with any healthcare providers closer to your new location as soon as possible. Some clinics have fairly lengthy waiting lists before you can be accepted as a patient, so it’s worth preparing in advance and not leaving it until the last minute.
6. They fail to thoroughly research their moving company
Moving house is stressful enough as it is without having to deal with a moving company that has let you down. Make sure the company you choose has plenty of positive reviews to its name, and the credentials to show that the staff are fully qualified to carry out the job. Knowing that your move is in good hands will help you to feel more relaxed about the process.