Switching homes can be one of the most stressful experiences people undergo throughout their lives, especially if they have kids and pets.
This means that you need all the help you can get in order to smooth out the entire experience and relocate successfully.
Below, you will find a thorough list of everything you need to know to make your transition as easy as possible.
Create a checklist before anything else
The first thing you need to do is create a plan from which you can control the entire process and ensure everything is running smoothly. This must include every process step, from researching a man and van company to hiring a storage unit, performing an end-of-tenancy cleaning, etc.
If you need to book a babysitter or arrange for a family member to watch the kids or the dog, make sure to note that down as well.
Creating a checklist will help keep track of the process a lot easier. It will also make you feel in control of the whole process and ensure you don’t forget anything. No matter how small a step seems, include it. Nothing can spoil your mood like forgetting to do something important.
You can also make sure to include everything from shopping around for packing materials through any documents you need to take care of before you vacate your old home to the order in which to unpack the boxes so you can have the things of importance out first at your new place.
Also, don’t forget to research at least several moving companies so you can get the best offer, and do so at least 1-2 months ahead. Booking professionals at the last minute may not only be quite expensive, but they may simply be unavailable if you wait for the last minute.
Don’t forget to call a few days before moving day to go through all the details and make sure everything is taken care of.
Cleaning the property
If you’re renting your home, you probably are familiar with end-of-tenancy cleaning and its importance. It’s an essential part of the tenant’s responsibilities, so their landlord can return their deposit in full.
So, naturally, your checklist must include cleaning the entire property if you want to get your money back.
You can check the lease contract about what are the landlord’s specifications for cleaning the property upon leaving. Include that in your plan to ensure you do not forget anything because your landlord will love to find an excuse to keep your money if you are not thorough.
Once you’re done, call them and arrange for a final inspection. Show them you’ve done all the work and ask them whether something’s not up to their standards. That can help you resolve any disputes before they arise and increase the likelihood of getting your money back in full.
Of course, there are many things to do when you’re relocating. That’s why, sometimes, it makes much more sense to book professional cleaning services so that you can concentrate on the rest of your relocation process.
Not only will the experts clean the entire property thoroughly, but they will also use professional equipment and tools, which you can’t find on the commercial market. This will save you time and money. Plus, your landlord will have no excuse for keeping the security deposit for himself.
Invite friends over to help
Moving out is a handful, and you will need all the help you can get. Having some friends over who are willing to give you a hand with the packing will surely ease your work and also add a note of calmness as you will be in good company.
Plus, this opens an excellent opportunity for an afterparty. Surely your handy helpers will be up for some pizza and drinks!
Pack a bag of essentials
Moving day can seem far longer than it actually is.
Prepare a small bag that is easy to carry around, and pack a refreshing drink, a snack that you love, a change of clothes and/or a top coat, depending on the weather and some basic hygiene products.
Easy access to those items will give you more comfort during the day and when you arrive at your new home.
Prepare a box that you will unpack first thing when you arrive
Arriving at a new empty apartment can be pretty unsettling. Nothing is familiar yet, and the property can come off fairly cold, having no personality to it.
Why not pack one particular box that contains your favourite painting, a collage of pictures with your friends from your last vacation, fairy lights or some subtle decorations? If you have kids, then also ensure you pack one for them as well, with some of their favourite things to make the transition easier on them.
All that will bring some warmth into your new home and make it feel more welcoming for your first day there!
Taking into consideration your needs
Don’t push yourself too hard! Moving house is a big step. Allow enough time to go through all the packing, moving and settling into your new property.
However, be sure to add at least a week on top for some of those days when you just need to disconnect and take a breath from all the commotion. Allow time to go out on walks, spend time with friends and simply lay back and relax. You don’t have to rush through the moving process.
Conclusion
These are some of the best tips you can implement to make your relocation successful.
Ultimately, working from a checklist can significantly reduce the stress of moving by allowing you to feel in control of the process and ensuring you don’t forget anything.
Don’t forget to rely on friends and family and book professional services, should you need them, as that can also greatly benefit you during the removal process. In the end, don’t forget to meet the neighbours and celebrate your new home when you’ve moved in successfully.
