A comprehensive checklist for when moving home

It has been said that the three most stressful experiences to go through are the death of a loved one, a divorce, or moving house. One would think that moving would be a new chapter, a new beginning, or the start of a new adventure, but the reality is that packing up your entire life into a few boxes and trusting a company with safely moving everything you own can be incredibly stressful. Let’s not even mention that unpacking in a new location and the whole process itself can be traumatic and tiring, to say the least.

Creating a checklist of things to take care of before packing, whilst packing, and when unpacking, will help streamline the move. Keeping your wits about you and starting well ahead of time will be advantageous and relieve the pressure you may feel when moving.

Your New Home

Moving to a new home is undoubtedly exciting too, as there are new things to look forward to - a fresh canvas if you will. Buying a home is a huge financial and long-term decision, and these decisions should not be made lightly. Making sure you have all the information you might need to make your home purchase the least stressful part of your move is incredibly important.

There are many homebuilders that can assist you with the entire buying process and premium homebuilders such as Redrow Homes will be your dedicated partner in finding your new home from beginning to end, and even after the sale.

Once you have found your new residence, you need to start planning your checklist and preparing to pack up your belongings at your current home. There are many considerations to make before physically packing up. Breaking up the list into three main lists could be the easiest to do, especially if you enjoy ticking off things on a to-do-list!

Prior to Packing

This list will contain what to do before packing. Included on this list should be items to sell, donate, moving quotes, moving inventory and pricing of moving necessities such as bubble wrap, boxes and so on. Plan how many days you need to pack and give yourself enough time to pack realistically. You do not want to burn out during this entire process.

This is also the perfect time to get rid of unwanted or unnecessary items, pieces of furniture or clothing you no longer want or need. Advertise the things that you can sell online or to friends and relatives for a great price and the profit you make might just pay for the boxes, tape and permanent markers you will need to pack up.

Donate items as soon as possible; the less there is to pack when the time comes, the better for your blood pressure. 

Practical Packing

Now you can, of course, pack up. Do not leave this to the last minute, because there is far more to do than you might think. Try and work out about how long it might take to pack each room and then double it, and you might be close to how long you really need. A good stock of great quality packing products, like cardboard boxes, box tape, bubble wrap and even some packing peanuts is where you should start.

Now make a list of the rooms in your house, and which would be the most practical to start with. For example, a room like the garage, which is full of tools and things you might need while you are packing should be one of the last rooms you pack up. The kitchen, which has pots, pans and Tupperware that you have not seen in years, let alone used for a while, might be the best place to start. Keep out a few mugs, plates, utensils and glasses to eat and drink from and get packing, box by box, cupboard by cupboard, room by room.

Aim to pack up a room or area per day over a few weeks with breaks in between so as to not become exhausted, dehydrated or irritated. Designate one room or area in the house to leave all packed boxes or items in so that not every room is cluttered with boxes, making it difficult to move around.

Whilst Packing

The most important list to make is after you have packed each box. Label the box for which area of the house the box needs to be placed in when moving, and more or less what is in the box. For example, ‘Kids Room’ plus ‘Box 1’ plus ‘Toys’. This streamlines the unpacking process.

This list should include which items are stored in storage, items in the car or on person and lastly, exactly what furniture and how many boxes go into the moving truck. Make sure to mark the boxes with numbers. Once you have numbered the boxes, ensure you have not missed a number which would make you think you have lost a box or worse, it has been stolen.

Make copies of this list, and keep one digitally to refer to if needed. You will need this list to unpack in your new home!

The Final List

Lastly, the list that will contain important details and dates for the big move. List the mover’s details with contact names and numbers. Confirm dates and times for uploading and offloading. Arrange with the counties of the current home and new home to disconnect and to connect essential services that will be needed by the moving date. 

Add to this list all the service providers that will need your change of address with contact details. Most importantly, call your insurer with the details of the move, transit and new address. Request a new quote on the new premises and you may even end up saving on your premium!

All the Bases Covered

Now that you have made your lists, actioned them and ticked them off, you can take a deep breath and relax knowing that you have done all that you could to make the move a breeze. Aim to take a little ‘me’ break after unpacking in your new home as a reward for all your hard work and steely dedication, because you have earned it!