5 Small Details That Make a Big Difference During a House Move *

*Collab

When you’re planning a house move, you’re going to get the big things sorted first. These are going to be at the top of your list: packing up, decluttering, booking your moving company, etc. But what about the small details? Those things that fly under the radar on a house move but have the potential to completely derail the entire operation?

What are they? Exactly!

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Here are some problems that can arise during a move and how you can avoid them so things run a little bit more smoothly.

Confirm Key Collection and Handover Times in Advance

It doesn’t matter if you’re renting or waiting for completion; confirm days in advance so you can plan your day around it. Ask what happens if you’re delayed moving out and need to hand keys over, or what happens if there’s a delay in funds transferring. Clarify with the moving team as to what happens if things run on time. How long will they wait, and what additional charges can you expect, and when do they start? This is really important for your buying and selling on the same day.

A professional removal company will anticipate this based on your circumstances and will have answers to your questions. However, it’s best to confirm changes or concerns with them ahead of time, so they’re prepared on the day, should things not be straightforward as they initially seemed.

Keep Important Documents and ID With You

This will be things like passports, driving licences, tenancy agreements, new property paperwork, etc, anything important and applicable to you needs to be collated and kept with you on the day. Prepare everything in a folder and ensure it’s in your personal belongings or on your person. This way, if something needs to be signed for or you need ID for key collection, you have it to hand, you won’t be tearing open boxes.

This goes for any essential medication and valuables you need to have on your person, too. Moving day gets busy fast, and packing this bag ahead of time saves a lot of worry and stress on the day.

Check Access Routes and Clear Pathways Before Loading

Take a walkthrough of both properties if you can, prior to moving and ensure that there is nothing hindering how people can move around. You don’t want boxes lying in hallways, or trip hazards or loose rugs hindering the removal of houses or furniture. Prop doors open safely, check driveways and streets are clear, and you have space to park. You might need to plan this carefully if there are any parking restrictions or permits required, etc. Make sure floors are reasonably clean, and there’s a clear flow in and out throughout rooms, hallways, stairs, etc.

Collate Cleaning Supplies and a Toolkit

You’ll still need to be cleaning as you go in both properties once things are removed or before you unpack. Think sprays, clothes, paper towels and bin bags. This allows you to wipe furniture or belongings, etc., before you unpack them or wipe up spills and messes or dust marks you only notice once you get up close in a space.

A toolkit facilitates faster reassembly and helps with minor issues such as damaged or loose fittings and fixtures. For example, a tape measure, screwdriver, extension leads for things like putting up curtain poles, or installing certain appliances or putting up shelving.

It’s not dramatic, but it saves you scrambling in boxes to find what you need. And like your documents and ID, keep this close by, in your personal vehicle or with someone who needs it; if you can have one box in each property before the move, so it’s there and waiting. Oh, and don’t forget your phone chargers.

Photograph Property Condition and Meter Readings

The last thing you want is to get into an energy dispute or debate over the condition you left a property, especially if you’re renting.

Before you leave one last time, take photos or a video walkthrough and document areas that are likely to be up for debate. This gives you peace of mind and a reference for your records should anything arise post-move. Pay attention to anything flagged by the new buyer or that was on your inventory list in your rental contract.

From here, take pictures of meters to submit your readings in both properties so you can close accounts and avoid paying for someone else’s use or debts when you move into your new property. Where possible, submit final readings on the same day. It will save a lot of stress and unexpected charges being added to your account.