The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Tips, Advice, and Cost Guides for Homeowners in the UK
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: Moving Made Easy
- 2. Understanding Moving Costs
- 3. How to Pack Like a Professional
- 4. Saving Money on Your Move
- 5. Moving Tips for the Elderly and Disabled
- 6. Handling Fragile, Personal, and Sentimental Items
- 7. Storage Tips for a Smooth Move
- 8. How to Keep Your Move Safe
- 9. DIY Removals: Is It Right for You?
- 10. How to Choose the Best Removal Company
- 11. Setting Up Your New Home: Connections and Broadband
- 12. Who to Notify When Moving Home
- 13. Tips for Settling In with Kids and Pets
- 14. Moving from a Large Home or with a Big Family
- 15. Helpful Resources and Links
1. Introduction: Moving Made Easy
Moving home can be exciting but also stressful. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, planning ahead can make the process smoother. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including costs, tips for packing like a pro, advice for elderly or disabled movers, and steps to help you settle into your new home. Let’s dive in!
2. Understanding Moving Costs
When preparing to move, understanding the costs involved is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses for moving in the UK.
Typical Moving Costs
| Service | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedrooms | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bedrooms | 5 Bedrooms | 6 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full House Removal (Local) | £300 – £500 | £500 – £700 | £700 – £1,000 | £1,000 – £1,400 | £1,400 – £1,800 | £1,800 – £2,200 |
| Full House Removal (Long Distance) | £500 – £800 | £700 – £1,000 | £1,000 – £1,400 | £1,400 – £1,800 | £1,800 – £2,400 | £2,400 – £3,000 |
| Packing Services (Hourly Rate) | £20 – £30 | £25 – £35 | £30 – £45 | £35 – £50 | £45 – £60 | £60 – £80 |
| Storage (Per Week) | £20 – £35 | £30 – £45 | £40 – £60 | £50 – £70 | £60 – £90 | £80 – £120 |
| Dismantling & Assembly (Hourly) | £20 – £30 | £25 – £35 | £30 – £40 | £40 – £60 | £50 – £70 | £60 – £80 |
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Insurance: Ensure your items are insured for transit. Rates can range from £50 to £150 depending on the value of your goods.
- Parking Permits: If you need to reserve parking for the moving van, check with your local council. Fees can vary from £10 to £50.
- Fuel Charges: For long-distance moves, fuel charges may be added to the overall cost, depending on distance.
3. How to Pack Like a Professional
Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving, but with the right tips and techniques, you can pack like a pro. Here are some essential packing tips:
- Start Early: Begin packing at least 2 weeks before the move. Label boxes with the room they belong in and a brief description of the contents.
- Use Quality Packing Materials: Invest in strong boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and quality tape.
- Use Clothing for Fragile Items: Save on bubble wrap by using towels, blankets, and clothing to wrap fragile items like glassware and electronics.
- Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes: Large boxes can get too heavy, especially when filled with books or other heavy items. Use smaller boxes to make them easier to carry.
- Pack Room by Room: This helps keep everything organized and reduces the stress of unpacking later.
Packing Tip for Moving with Kids & Pets:
Involve your kids in packing their items. Let them pack their own toys and clothes, so they feel part of the process. For pets, pack a “pet survival kit” with their essentials like food, water, medications, and toys.
4. Saving Money on Your Move
Moving can be expensive, but there are ways to save money:
- Get Multiple Quotes: Always get at least 3 quotes from removal companies to compare prices.
- Move in Off-Peak Times: If possible, schedule your move on weekdays or in the middle of the month. Avoid weekends or peak seasons like the summer when moving prices tend to rise.
- Do Some of the Packing Yourself: Hiring movers for packing can be expensive. Try packing your smaller, non-delicate items yourself to cut costs.
- Sell Unnecessary Items: Reduce your moving load and raise funds by selling unwanted items before you move.
5. Moving Tips for the Elderly and Disabled
Moving can be particularly challenging for elderly individuals or those with disabilities. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
- Plan Ahead: Give yourself extra time for sorting, packing, and organising. Start the process early.
- Hire Professional Packers: They can handle delicate or heavy items and reduce the physical burden on you.
- Organise Help: Reach out to family, friends, or a local moving company that offers assistance for people with mobility issues.
- Use Specialty Moving Services: Some moving companies offer services tailored to elderly or disabled clients, such as assisted unpacking and unpacking support.
6. Handling Fragile, Personal, and Sentimental Items
Packing fragile and sentimental items requires extra care:
- Fragile Items: Use double-walled boxes, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts to protect delicate items like glassware, ceramics, and electronics.
- Sentimental Items: For valuable or sentimental items, consider having them professionally packed and transported separately for added peace of mind.
- Label Fragile Boxes: Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items with “Fragile” and handle with care labels.
7. Storage Tips for a Smooth Move
Storage can be an excellent option if you’re not able to move everything to your new home straight away. Here are some tips for using storage during your move:
- Choose a Local Storage Facility: Look for a facility close to your current or new home to make access easier.
- Rent Storage for Short-Term: Most storage companies offer short-term rental options, which can be ideal if you’re between homes.
- Pack Items Properly for Storage: Use airtight bags for clothing and wrap furniture to protect it from dust and damage.
8. How to Keep Your Move Safe
Safety is key during any move. Here’s how to ensure a safe move for you and your belongings:
- Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Avoid injury by using your legs to lift heavy items and bending at your knees, not your back.
- Don’t Overload Boxes: Keep boxes manageable by packing them with a reasonable weight.
- Check Your Path: Ensure the moving route in your current and new home is clear of obstacles like loose rugs or furniture.
9. DIY Removals: Is It Right for You?
For those looking to save money, DIY removals may seem tempting. However, there are pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Cost Savings: You save on professional removal fees.
- Full Control: You have full control over your moving schedule.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Moving large items and heavy boxes can be very time-consuming and physically demanding.
- Risk of Damage: Without professional experience, there’s a higher risk of damaging your belongings.
If you choose DIY, remember to recruit friends and family to help and rent the right equipment, like moving vans and dollies.
10. How to Choose the Best Removal Company
Choosing a removal company is an important decision. Here’s what to consider:
- Experience: Look for a company with years of experience and positive reviews.
- Services Offered: Ensure the company offers all the services you need, such as packing, storage, or specialised removals.
- Insurance: Make sure your items will be covered during the move, especially for valuable or delicate goods.
- Pricing: Choose a company that offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
11. Setting Up Your New Home: Connections and Broadband
Once you’ve moved into your new home, it’s essential to get connected. Here’s a checklist for setting up your connections:
- Electricity and Gas: Contact your provider to transfer services to your new address.
- Internet and Broadband: Arrange for broadband installation. Companies like BT, Sky, or Virgin Media can assist with broadband setups.
- Water: Set up your water supply with your new local provider.
12. Who to Notify When Moving Home
When you move, it’s important to notify certain organisations and institutions. Here’s who you should contact:
- The Post Office: Forward your mail to your new address.
- Banks: Update your address with your bank.
- Insurance Providers: Update your home, car, and health insurance.
- Healthcare Providers: Notify your doctor, dentist, and any specialists.
- Local Council: Update your details for council tax, voting, and other local services.
13. Tips for Settling In with Kids and Pets
Moving with children and pets can be tricky, but these tips can help:
- For Kids: Make their move fun! Let them pick out their room or pack their own things.
- For Pets: Keep pets in a quiet area during the move. Ensure they have their own bed, food, and toys in the new home to help them settle.
14. Moving from a Large Home or with a Big Family
Moving from a large home or with a big family can be challenging, but with proper planning, it can be easier. Here’s what you need to do:
- Start Early: Large homes have more items, so start planning and packing well in advance.
- Hire Extra Help: Consider hiring a large team of movers to handle the load.
- Use a Larger Van: For big families, you might need a larger van or multiple trips.
15. Helpful Resources and Links
For additional guidance and resources, here are some links to help you through the moving process:
By following this detailed checklist, you can tackle every aspect of your move with ease. Whether you’re moving for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, these tips will help you save time, money, and energy.
