Moving in the UK – Top tips to avoiding mistakes and regrets

When moving to a new house, you should never push things until the last minute. When packing for the move, you should try knowing what is it you are going to take, and what needs to be delicately handled when packing. Unless you travel light, there is a good chance you will not be able to unpack all your things in a single day. This is why it is important to know the things you are going to need as soon as you get to your new home. 

This can be an uphill task for many, but proper planning will make it much easier. Below are some great tips to use when moving.

1. Be organized

You should have a do and don’t list and have information stored together in a file.

When you have decided to move, start by writing down the things you need to do and when. It is normal for people not to be this organized, but you should not leave it more than three weeks before the day of moving. 

2. Choosing the right removal company

The removal company you choose will mainly depend on the size of your home and the budget you have set for your move. If you are a large household, it is a good idea to take a look at the British Association of Removers (BAR) for registered movers. You can also ask for recommendations from your family members and friends.

You should have three different quotes from three different companies so you will be able to choose the option you feel like suits you the most. You should never choose the cheapest because you might end up regretting when it is too late.

If you have a light load and you are looking for a van and a man, then you should ask around for recommendations so you don’t have to deal with any cowboys. Make sure the one you choose has insurance because things can go wrong during the process of moving home.

3. Avoid packing at the last minute

This is something that many people deal with, and it’s all because they aren’;t ready to get started. 

To make the process easier, break it down to smaller parts than you can easily work on. You can start by working with each room separately, and start by packing things that you don’t use on a regular basis.

If you feel like this is not something you can do, then consider hiring movers to do it for you. They will be able to finish the entire thing in a couple of hours.

4. Ikea bags will be your best friend when moving

They might not be your BEST friend, but they will come in handy when it comes to things that don’t need to be put inside a box. Zipped laundry bags can be used for shoes, clothes, moving linens, and non-breakables.

5. Remember to label the boxes

This is something that seems obvious, but many people tend to forget about. You should put the labels on two or more sides so you will be able to read it when the boxes are piled. 

You can make an inventory of contents in each box, especially when there are some things you plan on putting into storage.

6. Is the furniture too large to fit into the new house or too large to leave

This can sound like an obvious thing, but you can be easily caught out. Whatever you were able to put in should get out, but there are some furniture you built yourself that is going to give you headaches.

Leave some time for disassembling and checking with the movers if the windows or doors need to be removed. Movers will be ready to help you out with this.

7. Creating a plan; for the new home

You should have a rough idea of where furniture is going to be placed. Don’t stress too much about it because you can move it, but this will save you a lot of time. 

8. Labeling your electricals

You can use sticky colored labels when there are many wires going to one device, then make sure they match on each end.

9. Packing essentials in boxes

Pack the kettle, coffee, tea, and milk last, so you will be able to unpack it first. You should also know where your duvet and bed-clothes are.

You should use one box to put phones, remote controls, phone chargers, and any other items you might need to use as soon as you get to the new house. You should always keep important papers and valuables with you too

10. Making your bed as soon as possible

You will be able to sleep at the end of the day without having to start stressing.