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Moving into a new house is one of the most stressful things to experience in life, no matter how much planning you put into it. The fact is that when you move to a new property, the procedure does not consist only of packing your belongings and transporting them to the new address.
You must take care of many things before moving to your new home with your family. Some of them are more than important, but sometimes they are left in the background with all the commotion going around. That's why we took the time to help by reminding you of them. Here’s a look at some of the important things you need to do when moving into a new house.
Check for Damages Before Moving Into a New House
You will hardly need to check for any damages if you move into a new house. But if you move into a property with previous owners, chances are it needs some improvements. If you’re buying a new estate, you know that an inspection and valuation are a part of the process. Those and some other factors contribute to how long it takes to buy a house. During the inspection, you probably already familiarized yourself with various problems, so it would be good to make a list. If you still missed something, it's a good idea to check some of the following steps before moving in the furniture:
- Find the fuse box and make sure everything is OK. If you prefer to be sure that there will be no problems, call an electrician to resolve potential problems.
- Locate the main water valve and look for leaks. Remove any leaks or call a plumber to take care of them, no matter how small.
- Look for signs of mould and mildew in your bathroom and toilet. Early signs include dampness and mustiness. Sometimes, mildew can cause health problems if the moisture stays in the air for too long.
- Check that all lights and light switches work!
- Look for cracks in the walls, ceiling and floor.| Be very observant as they may not be as obvious at first glance, and you only start noticing them once you have moved in.
- Check that all taps and toilets are working.
- Watch out for insects or other pests and deal with them as soon as possible. If necessary, call a pest control company.
Change of Address When Moving Into a New House
When moving, you must inform your friends and family, utility companies and institutions that you will change your address - something that’s a no-brainer but is often forgotten. It’s normal to forget about this monumental task, which is made harder when so many other things are happening simultaneously.
Call your utility suppliers way before you start moving into a new house. Contact your phone and cable TV service providers as well. Inform them of your new postal address so that they can make necessary changes and not transfer the required accounts to the wrong address. Set up a new WiFi plan, have all your mail directed to the new place, cancel your council tax and set up the new one.
You will have to inform the important institutions of your recent address change, so be sure to contact the bank and any insurance companies. Be sure to inform your doctor and dentist to update their records with your new information.
Take Care of the Utilities Before Moving Into a New House
Having an overlap between when you move in and leaving your old place is always best. It takes away pressure from moving day and gives you a chance to have the new place ready to settle in.
One of the first things you need to do before you start moving into a new house is to ensure that your utilities, like gas and electricity, water, and heating/cooling, work properly.
Contact the gas and electricity supplier that serves your current location. Let them know that you have moved to a new house. If you take ownership of a property or are renting your property, you are responsible for the utilities. Taking an accurate read on your gas and electricity meters is crucial for preventing overcharges when moving. Check for other options. Maybe you're not happy with your new home’s supplier. If that's the case, it may be because of several factors, including price, convenience, quality, and delivery time. You might want to ask your agent for a list of alternatives so that you can review and make an informed decision.
In the UK, water companies are regulated to ensure customers have a fair deal. In addition to covering all the costs, there is a second charge for wastewater treatment and sewerage.
Make Sure Your New Home is Protected
Changing the locks as soon as possible is important to be safer and make your new place feel like home faster. It's a simple task whether you hire a locksmith or do some DIY, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and it won’t take up much time at all.
Check if all the windows are well secured and if it makes you feel safer, consider installing smoke detectors. A security company can help you determine whether your new home needs a security system to prevent potential burglars.
If you have a child, don't forget to childproof your home. It's important to make your home safe for your loved ones so they can play and grow without getting hurt.
If you're a pet owner, keep an eye on your furry friend when moving. If they seem depressed, refuse to eat or display unusual behaviour after a move, there's a good chance your pet has been affected by the recent change in their environment.
Use the Space in Your New House
The amount of space you'll have in your new home is essential. You'll have the opportunity to arrange the furniture and decorate your house however you like. Make a plan where everything will go before moving in to save yourself time and mix-ups.
If you’re lucky enough to be moving into a bigger home, there’s less to worry about, but you’ll need to be savvy with what you bring if you're moving into a smaller space. Planning out how you want to use the space is key. If you plan to buy new designer furniture, then bringing your old stuff doesn’t seem worthwhile.
Carrying large pieces of unwanted furniture will make moving day much harder, so take it out of the equation! You can donate such a piece, leave it in storage while you decide what to do with it, or sell it.
Professional Help for Your Move
Regardless of your case, you should plan as early as possible. As a removals company, we understand that this isn't always possible. Sometimes you must move out with a little notice. Sometimes no matter how early on you've planned everything, things can go wrong.
Whenever you need emergency man and van service for last-minute removal, you can always turn to us for help.
