An eight-week countdown to moving house
Although moving house is often listed as one of the most challenging experiences in our lives, it’s possible to hugely reduce stress levels with advanced planning. At Cruden Homes, we’ve helped countless people to settle into brand new homes, and we know that a weekly schedule before a house move can greatly reduce the pressure on the day itself…
Eight weeks to go
Book a removal firm and request a stack of large cardboard boxes (or order some online). It might seem premature to start packing up this early, but many things won’t be missed for a few weeks, like Christmas decorations or childhood memorabilia. Number each box on every side and write its contents on a notepad, in case you need to locate something later.
Seven weeks to go
Moving house is a unique opportunity to throw or give away shabby clothes, worn crockery and old furnishings. There’s no room for sentiment in the removal van, so recycle or dispose of non-essential items. This is also an opportune time to buy replacements for worn doormats, rusty cutlery and old bedding, packing them away to be opened at the new address.
Six weeks to go
Write to every supplier and service provider informing them of your official moving date, from utility and broadband companies to postal redirection services. Maintain a spreadsheet of who’s been contacted, whether they’ve responded, what progress has been made (if any) and what still needs to happen to ensure continuity of service at the new address.
Five weeks to go
If you’re moving to a different area, take some time to investigate which GP surgery to register with, where the nearest A&E is, and so on. If your new area is unfamiliar, spend some time exploring it so you can easily get to the nearest corner shop/DIY store/café after moving. Save key locations in your car’s satnav or on your phone’s mapping app.
Four weeks to go
Some home improvements have a long lead time, so schedule appointments with satellite TV/broadband installers, curtain companies, flooring firms and other relevant tradespeople for the days after moving in. Order paper blinds which can be trimmed to fit any size of window as a temporary measure, before more permanent coverings are installed.
Three weeks to go
As well as scheduling appointments with service providers, book a supermarket home delivery to come on the first full day in the new home. Do an inventory of foods in your cupboards and freezer, aiming to consume as many of them as possible before moving day. Do the same with medicines and toiletries, to minimise the amount of packing required.
Two weeks to go
This is a good time to focus on paperwork – drafting directions to your new home, writing cards to neighbours you’ll miss or a letter of instructions to the next occupants of your current property. If buildings and contents insurance aren’t already sorted, now’s the time. Order and cash essential prescriptions, in case there are delays in registering at a new GP surgery.
The final week
The days before moving are the last chance to deep clean your existing property, cutting the grass one more time and doing a final tip run. Take meter readings, pull furniture away from the walls and dust behind them. Try to finish any small DIY jobs you won’t have time for after the removal men have departed, like paintwork touch-ups or historic carpet stains.
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