However, moving does not have to be a complete nightmare and, with careful organisation and forward planning, it’s possible to avoid the most common mistakes, minimise the stress of the move and ease the process of settling into a new home.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when moving into a new home is failing to start planning well ahead of time. To avoid the panic of having to do everything at the last minute and the very real possibility of dropping a few balls, it’s a good idea to create a detailed moving checklist and timeline and to schedule moving services well in advance.
Comprehensive checklists are paramount and once they are compiled, delegate jobs and organise your team so everyone has a role. This way important things won’t be forgotten or overlooked and also prevents people from getting in one another’s way, which is when tempers really start to fray.
The fact of the matter is that packing ALWAYS takes a lot longer than you'd expect. Start as soon as possible, because you won't be able to do it all in just a few days and you will end up throwing or giving stuff away because you’ve run out of time.
Also get stuck into seldom used spaces like store rooms and garden sheds which can be a real hassle to sort through and pack up.
Moving expenses can add up quickly, leading many homeowners to overspend on moving costs. To avoid overspending, obtain multiple quotes from moving companies and carefully review the estimates as they might vary not only in price but also in the services they offer.
Moving presents an excellent opportunity to declutter and streamline belongings, yet many homeowners neglect this crucial step and end up transplanting the clutter to their new homes. As soon as you know you’ll be moving, start sorting through your belongings and place them into categories (keep, donate, sell, discard). You’ll be surprised by how much less you need to pack.
Another common mistake when moving into a new home is underestimating storage needs. To avoid this oversight, homeowners should assess their storage needs ahead of time and consider investing in solutions such as shelving, chest of drawers or even off-site storage units if necessary.
When moving into a new home, it's essential to prioritise security to protect your property and loved ones, however, many people overlook this essential factor until they have already moved into their new homes and find that they are vulnerable.
Another common mistake when moving into a new home is forgetting to update addresses and accounts. To avoid missing important mail and deliveries, homeowners must notify banks, utilities, insurance providers, and other relevant accounts of their imminent move.
Unfortunately, accidents can – and often do - happen during a move, so it’s important to check that your policy covers the move. Also notify your insurance company that you are moving and give them your new details.
Many homeowners make the mistake of neglecting home maintenance tasks when moving into a new home which is an easy mistake to make when busy unpacking and settling in. However, small repairs often become costly repairs when ignored so it’s best to create a home maintenance schedule and address any issues promptly to keep your new home in top condition.
When you arrive, you will want your basics close at hand because after a long exhausting day, the last thing you will feel like doing is hunting for toothbrushes and phone chargers.
Assemble a survival kit of all the ‘must-have’ items you will need when you arrive at your new home, such as the kettle, tea and coffee, breakfast supplies, special children’s toys, phone chargers, school needs, pet requirements and toiletries.
Moving into a new home is an exciting yet challenging experience that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By avoiding these common mistakes homeowners can ensure a smooth and successful transition into their new home.
And when you arrive, don’t try to unpack everything in one day. Give yourself chance to relax and regain your physical and emotional strength. Most of all, enjoy the excitement of your new home and new beginnings.
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