Choosing to pack up and move houses is a big decision and undertaking. Once you and your family agree to move then you can start to get to work tackling all the necessary to-dos.
There is a lot to think about and get done when it comes to moving. You don’t want to wing it and hope for the best. Instead, you should get organised and come up with a timeline and task list so that you can stay on track and reduce stress. Here you can learn more about what to do when you decide to move house.
A good first step is to revisit your finances and get them in order. You need to have an idea of what your home will likely sell for and how much you’ll have for a down payment. If you discover that you need to save more money then the sooner you realise this the better. You’ll want to sit down and create a budget for how much you want to spend on a new home and the move. Keep in mind that you’ll not only need money for a down payment but will also need to budget for paying the mortgage, taxes, and utilities. If you plan to purchase a fixer-upper then you’ll also need enough funds to cover repairs and updates.
You don’t have to go about moving houses all alone. Instead, it’s wise to secure the right kind of help and work with people who can ensure a smooth process and experience for you. For example, you may want to find a realtor who can assist you in selling your home or finding the home of your dreams to move into. You’ll also want to contact a conveyancing solicitor at an estate agency and full-service law firm such as https://www.estateagencyedinburgh.co.uk/. They can provide you with legal advice, review contracts for you, and step in to help resolve any disputes that may arise along the way. If you have a lot of heavy items and boxes to move then you may also want to start looking into possible moving companies to hire and work with.
When you decide to move house you’ll want to start researching new properties you may want to purchase. You’re going to need somewhere to live and probably secure a new home pretty quickly. Now is a good time to hop online and see what’s available in your price range and desired neighbourhood. You may also want to drive around and scope out any for-sale signs that are up in the areas you are looking to move. It’s wise to attend showings and see potential properties in person before you put any money down. Once you find something you like you’ll want to act fast so that no other buyers step in and take it from you.
You’ll also want to work on getting your current home in better order for selling. This will require you to make repairs and certain updates to your property. There are some projects you may be able to tackle yourself while others you may need to plan and hire a contractor to help. It’s worth it to investigate which improvements are a good use of your time and money. For example, an updated kitchen and master bathroom, neutral paint on the walls, and beautiful curb appeal are a few aspects potential buyers will be paying close attention to. If you fail to repair and update your current home then these items may show up on the inspection report and you might end up having to take care of them anyway.
Another step you’ll want to take when you decide to move house is to clean and clutter your current property. You want it to be in the best shape possible when you have potential buyers walking through it. Perform a deep clean and tackle areas you often ignore or put off. Work on decluttering your home and belongings so that you have fewer items you need to move. You want your home to be well-organised and only take with you what’s necessary. Go room by room and determine what you want to keep, donate, and get rid of. You may even find it useful to begin to put the stuff you know you want to keep and bring with you in boxes so that you’re that much more prepared for moving day.
It’s never too early to start gathering all the packing supplies you’ll need to move. Work on securing enough boxes for all your belongings. You’ll also want to have plenty of packing tape, bubble wrap, and labels. You’ll want to be as organised as possible so that you know exactly where your boxes should be placed when it’s time to move them into your new home. Come up with a system for packing boxes to help you streamline the unpacking process. If you’re working with a professional mover check to see if they will be supplying you with wardrobe boxes and moving blankets.
You likely feel very excited to move homes. However, it can also be sad to pick up and leave somewhere you’ve created memories with your loved ones. If you’re moving far away then now is a good time to notify friends and family. You want to make them aware of your decision as soon as possible. You’ll also want to make sure that you share your new address with the people in your life so they know where to visit and find you. If you have neighbours who you’ve grown to have friendships with then it’s also polite to inform them of your decision to move. Be sure to exchange numbers or emails so that you can stay in touch. Keep in mind that if you’re currently renting then you will also want to notify your landlord of your decision as soon as possible.
You’ll want to make sure that you prepare for moving day when you decide to move house. Figure out when you’ll be closing on your new home and can get all your stuff moved in. Be sure to coordinate with your movers so that they are available to help you when the time comes. Pack some of the most important items in separate boxes that you can carry with you so they don’t get lost and are readily available if you need to use them right away. For example, you’ll want to have a “moving day” bag with some snacks, phone chargers, medications, and important documents. You will also want to notify work so that you can take off and not have to worry about your job on the moving day. Consider if you’ll be busy and will need someone to watch your kids and pets as well.
Once you purchase your new home you’ll want to ensure it’s ready for moving in. Therefore, you should work on getting your new home ready as soon as it’s yours. For example, you may want to get in there and clean and paint and have the carpets professionally cleaned. If there are any urgent projects to take care of then you’ll also want to tackle these prior to moving in. You’ll want to update your address with the post office and arrange for setting up all your utilities such as electricity, water, and the Internet.
Full time I'm an ambitious Head of Marketing and Communications in the luxury industry. Part time, I'm an enthusiastic British Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber from Manchester, UK. This blog has been my outlet for the past 7+ years, and as a longstanding, Award-winning blogger I take the most enjoyment from creating content I truly love and believe in. All authentic. Always.