TOP TIPS FOR MOVING HOME* | QUEENBEADY

If you can, don’t always go with the cheapest solution. This can often mean that they either work in a big firm that is more like a conveyor belt OR that you’re going to be at the bottom of the pile because you paid a discounted rate. Having worked in a solicitors many years ago for a brief stint I know all too well how they work. Try go with a local firm so it’s easy for you to drop in and out with both paperwork and questions you need answering – I promise it will make your life so much easier! And whilst we didn’t go with the most expensive, we didn’t go with the cheapest. We based our decision on recommendation and also ease of access which counts for a lot.

Everyone asked me, “who have you got coming to do you removal?” And I stared at them blank faced and said “the removal company of me and my husband?”

Clearly that was the wrong answer and BOY did I know about it.

Had I have known that the 4 loads we took in a long wheel based van, backwards and forwards, would have proved as difficult as we found it (and to finish it off nicely a big, nasty scratch down the side of the van we borrowed) I may have thought otherwise. Shiply is a fantastic site that searches for local removal companies in the area who are already providing a service near you which helps cut down costs! Quotes often come in up to 75% less than others so its a brilliant and much cheaper option for helping with a house move and in the long run, environmentally friendly too! Lord knows I wish I’d hired a removal company because my back was so painful (and still is!) from moving everything ourselves. So, if you’re moving why not check out Shiply to see if there’s someone in your area? I wish I had!

This is invaluable. Half of my boxes were labelled and half weren’t. And guess which ones were easier to put away?! Yep, you guessed it. The ones that were labelled up! It seems such a rookie mistake to make but when I got carried away I just forgot, especially towards the end of the sale because we didn’t know exactly how long we would be until we got a move date! Trust me though, keep a marker pen handy at all times. You’re gonna need that kettle when you first move in!

When we first started packing we didn’t really keep a pile of things for the charity shop or car boot, but as time went on we became more and more ruthless with what was coming with us. When it all became a bit frantic before the move we decided we would go through all our boxes again when we moved in and we now have another five boxes to take to the car boot. It’s incredibly cleansing for the soul and your bank balance will be thankful for the extra dollar you make too – ‘cos god knows how expensive a house move can be. You’ll need every, single penny!

Or as calm as you can be! House moves are stressful and can often consume you. I know at times I felt as though I was in limbo and didn’t quite know what to do with myself when we didn’t have any idea of a move date. I kind of “stopped living” because I was surrounded by boxes, my old house became untidy and my well-being suffered entirely. So make sure you don’t let things slip too much – no matter how hard it may seem. Life is still very much going on around you and it’s easy to get caught up with not knowing where to place yourself for those months running up to the sale and/or purchase.

This applies to both the house your selling and the one you’re buying. Make sure the house is left in a clean state and that anything you are leaving for the buyers is in working order (they can catch you out if it’s not!) and also take everything you didn’t include on your inventory because they can ask you to come and collect it if not.

Before you move in to the house your buying or bring anything in to the house, just give it a quick hoover and dust in those hard to reach corners. It will make life so much easier when you start putting furniture in it. We learnt the hard way with our first home!

And lastly, enjoy it. Congrats – you’ve bought a house and that’s a fabulous milestone for you to enjoy. Crack open the champagne and start making a house a home.

Have you got any moving tips? I’d love to know! Or, if you have any questions about moving I will be more than happy to answer them if I can.