Date Published 18 July 2011
The big day is looming, the excitement is mounting and then you realise you can't put it off any longer – the packing!
Have you got enough boxes? What about the breakables and family heirlooms? How will you find the kettle?
Having drawn up a ‘to do' list well in advance, it should be plain sailing.
However, independent estate agents and valuers Lesters have some top tips to help reduce the potential for a stressful moving day:
• Don't leave everything until the day before you move. Consider what you don't need to take with you, what will need careful packing and that you are covered for potential breakages.
• Make a priority list and take your time. As it is a fresh start only take what you really need and use a couple of those boxes to store charity or car boot items.
• Ensure you have enough boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and marker pens to label things up. Boxes of all sizes will ensure you don't overload the larger ones.
• Pack an ‘essentials box' for the first night in your new home – the kettle and tea bags amongst them – and prepare an overnight bag for the family with household necessities.
• Start early and begin at the top of the house and work your way down, labelling boxes for each room as you go.
• Pack important documents together and keep them in a safe place.
• If you have children or pets, try and get a neighbour or friend to look after them whilst you are packing.
• Don't forget to contact Royal Mail to get your post redirected to your new address.
• Take readings from gas, electricity and water meters – taking digital photographs of the meters to back up your readings.
Matthew Nash of Lesters said: 'As well as the huge excitement of moving to a new home, there is also the enormous task of packing. However, with an organised approach and a strict action plan to follow, it may not be as daunting as you think – and what's more, it will make unpacking at the other end much simpler.'
