With a year of on and off lockdowns and restriction upon restriction imposed on our everyday lives, many have taken the time to re-evaluate what is important to them, whether that relates to jobs, relationships or their living situation.
Properties in the countryside with gardens have become highly desirable, with many wishing to be in more spacious and natural surroundings, while many others are in the process of planning overseas moves. Either way, moving to a new house can be both an exciting and stressful time, but will certainly go a lot more smoothly with the right professional help and a good level of organisation on your part.
There are plenty of moving home checklists out there which prove to be very useful when preparing to move and for the big day itself, but what happens afterwards? We take a look at some of the factors you need to consider from moving day and beyond, from unpacking and installing a new security system to redecoration and renovation work.
On the day
Moving day always brings with it a fair amount of stress, often mixed with a few other emotions – excitement at the new house, nostalgia at the old, and a tiny little bit of dread at the thought of all the work that lies ahead to getting this new abode to its perfect state.
If you aren’t hiring a combined home moving and unpacking service to do all the work for you then you will need to be organised yourself and make sure you are communicating well with the movers, however, it’s definitely recommended to just work with a local moving company and get the full service. Once you have everything in your new home and you’ve ensured your belongings are all there and are damage-free, you can start to unpack the important items.
The most essential aspects are ensuring you have a place to relax, sleep and eat, so focus on those areas first and you will get there, day by day.
Unpacking and house checks
The first few days will be busy, so make sure you have plenty of assistance at hand. Hiring a professional team of cleaners to work their magic on your new home will give you a great starting point to work from. The kitchen and in-use bedrooms are the places to focus on first when it comes to unpacking, followed by the lounge, other living areas and spare bedrooms.
This is also the time that you should take a thorough look at your new abode, check that everything is working as it should be – things like the fuse box – check for any potential leaks, head to the roof space and basement as well as outside, and contact the relevant professional if anything needs fixing.
Security
Your desirable new property may very well be desirable to others, too, so make sure that you feel safe in your home by upping your security. Call out a professional locksmith and ensure that you get new locks installed – you have no idea who already holds a key to your abode. Investing in some smart security systems is also a good idea as you will be able to control them on the go. Video doorbells, security cameras, motion sensors, burglar alarms and motion-activated lighting are just some of the items you can have installed to make you feel more secure in your home.
The locality
If you have neighbours nearby, make sure you get on good terms with them early, if you are new to the area, they can help you with useful information like your bin collection day and assist you with directions and useful tips that only locals know. Get out and explore your local area on foot and by car, find the best way to access local shops and services and take note of other routes and shortcuts that will come in handy to you later.
Keep in touch
Don’t forget to make sure you have told everyone from your bank to your mobile phone company to the water company that you have moved and make sure your utility companies have been contacted. Let your friends and family know of your new address and register with your new GP surgery, dentist and vets, if necessary.
Making changes
You will no doubt be looking to put your stamp on your new place, so get ready for some exciting renovations. Whether this is a new luxury kitchen, a garden spa retreat or some new carpets and wall coverings, you should be itching to get started.
If you have plans for the garden then a top tip is to leave it for one year to see where and how existing plants grow – though it may be really tempting to get outside and make some changes, it is advisable to wait and see what the previous owners have left you. While new build properties have the benefit of starting with a blank canvas, existing homes benefit greatly from mature plants that can blossom throughout the year, so wait and see what you have, you may be pleasantly surprised.
