Moving house is exciting but equally stressful. Starting a new adventure will have its challenges, and before you get there you’ve got to navigate the process of buying (and selling) a home.
Given how complicated, expensive, and time-consuming it is, it’s best to limit how often you move. Consider these things when relocating to ensure you choose the perfect place to settle down and a smooth move when you get the keys.
Safety
For everyone, safety should be a key consideration when moving to a new neighbourhood. Your home should seem like a sanctuary, so you must feel comfortable with your neighbours, the mood of your street and when exploring on the doorstep.
Remember that appearances can be deceiving, especially if you viewed the property at a quiet time of day. If you’re looking at a location known to friends and family, ask for their honest opinion. Those moving further afield will benefit greatly from a day trip exploring the local areas around the centre.
You can find location-specific information like recent crime rates, health trends and environmental policies on the ONS website.
Transport options
Particularly if you don’t have a car and rely on trains and buses to get around, consider the transport options of your potential new location. Being able to get around easily is vital to building a routine that benefits you and your lifestyle.
Browse bus routes and train lines online and use apps like Google Maps to find the stops and stations closest to your desired property. Ensure that the walk from the house to the stop or station is reasonably short and well-lit so you feel safe at night.
If you do have a car, there are still things to consider: how traffic will affect your commute, the quality of the roads, and if there’s a safe place to park your car outside the property.
Consider your transport options for moving day too. Bear in mind that the size of the street will dictate the kind of vehicle you can use to ferry your belongings to your new home. You might have to look into the option of taking out temporary car insurance and hiring a van rather than using a moving lorry.
Local facilities
When you visit a property, take time to wander and drive the surrounding streets to explore the local facilities. Everything you might need must be in easy reach – within reason – for you to enjoy your new area.
Think about all the things you need in your day-to-day life and check how close these facilities are. This might include shops, gyms and swimming pools, restaurants, bars and cafés and schools and nurseries.
Belongings
Moving is the perfect time to streamline your belongings – after all, there’s no point filling up your new space with unused items. Go through each room of the house to identify the essentials and donate, recycle or throw away anything you no longer need.
Place the essentials in clearly marked boxes, labelled by room with details of exactly what’s inside. This will make the transportation, unloading and unpacking of your possessions much easier and faster.
Be mindful of the size of your new property and how much you will be able to reasonably store. You might need to sell large furniture if it doesn’t fit the new space or hire a storage facility to house it temporarily.
