Your conveyancing report and energy certificate have come back clean, you’ve exchanged contracts (finally) and the estate agents and lawyers are happy. You’ve researched removal services in Scotland and you’re happy with your choice. You are finally ready to move house. So, what now?
Moving into your first home usually divides people into two camps: the ones who are relaxed about the whole process (it’s just a house move, not rocket science) and those who start drawing up their lists and contingency plans right away. Although moving house can be an extremely stressful experience, and you’re going to need to make use of rest and relaxation times in the run up to moving day for sure, it’s probably a good idea to lean more towards the side of caution and start on your to-do lists and logistics planning. Drafting in family and friends to help start packing up can be a big help, and this requires a fair bit of notice if you want people to be available and to turn up!
In addition to starting planning as soon as possible, you’ll want to purchase your boxes and packing materials, and begin deciding what’s coming and what’s staying. Don’t underestimate how long it might take you to sort through a cupboard full of what seem to be evidently useless things on the off-chance you’ve also secreted away a sentimental object or two. Moving is great time to give your inner-Magpie a good talking to and to clear the clutter in your new home before you even get there (and start accumulating more stuff)!
Many removal services in Scotland offer secure storage facilities at reasonable rates, so if you’re pushed for time or need to make a bridge to your new home, waiting for the current owner to move out, this can make a viable alternative. Of course, in this case you’ll want to prioritise clearing down any excess items you can do away with, as this will keep your moving costs down.
When packing one of the most important things to bear in mind is that all moving boxes look the same and removal companies will appreciate clear instructions from you. As such, make a detailed inventory of the contents of each box and come up with a robust labelling system – even if all this amounts to is a sturdy marker pen.
Closer to your move, in the week beforehand, make sure you have your meter readings noted for gas and electricity. If you’ve thought ahead and eaten the contents of your fridge and freezer in such delectable inventions as cheese with a side of more cheese and cereal (no milk), you won’t have to throw everything out before you defrost and clean ready for the new occupier.
Keep important identity, financial, travel and insurance documents on you during the move, perhaps in a separate bag you can keep with you. It can make for a stressful couple of weeks following your move if your banking documents have been filed neatly in a packing box, which is unlikely to be opened for a good few weeks.
The key to a successful house move is to plan, and plan again. After that you can relax in your new home, and well-deserved relaxation it will be too!
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