Checklist for Moving to a New House

Moving to a new house is a very exciting but scary time. Moving to a new place brings massive life changes, there are so many things to do in preparation. Giving yourself plenty of time to prepare for any issues, however, can help minimise stress.

As there are so many things to keep track of and get right, here at Kangaroo, we have put together some tips and tricks to help the process go as smoothly as possible.

Consider Self Storage

For that awkward period between homes, you may want to consider household self-storage. We have household storage facilities in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. While you don’t need to place the entirety of your home in a storage unit, our domestic storage will give you the peace of mind that your belongings are safe and secure, so you don’t have to have a mountain of cardboard boxes everywhere in your temporarily rented accommodation.

And if you’re downsizing to a smaller home but don’t know what to do with all your items that won’t fit, you can put them into storage for a while before you decide whether to donate them, sell them or find space for them.

When you pack your things, make sure you have the right boxes and packaging. At Kangaroo, we have a Box Shop for all your packing needs, including a range of speciality boxes for items like mirrors and TVs.

Figure Out the Right Day for the Move

Most people choose a Friday for their moving day because it gives them a whole weekend to unpack without having to take days off work. It also gives them a little time to settle into a new home, giving them the space to relax before Monday comes around.

However, because this day is the most popular and can be very busy, you could end up having issues with bank transfers, they may get delayed. You could also find a better price with a removal company on a less busy day. But if you’re set on choosing a Friday for your move, then it’s even more crucial to get everything planned in advance.

Hire a Removals Company to Help

If you’re using a removals company, you should make sure you spend some time researching so you can pick the right one, and give yourself plenty of time to contact them, so they’re not already all booked up on your chosen day. You could get away with hiring a small van and doing the move yourself if it’s not too far, but if you’re moving to a new city, you may need the extra help. For a bigger property or a long distance, a removals company will help the whole process be much more straightforward.

Inform Your Utilities’ Companies

You need to let your utilities’ companies know that you’re moving house, so call them or fill out their online forms and make sure you get those final readings for everything (water, gas and electricity). And don’t forget your broadband provider as well, let them know you are leaving your current address.

Notify the Bank

Your bank will need your new address, so it’s essential to do this as soon as possible so you can ensure you are receiving information from your bank in your new home. You don’t want the people who move into your old home to get your important account letters.

Redirect Your Post

Not everyone remembers to do this, but it’s a crucial part of moving home. You can change your address everywhere you remember, but it’s easy to miss something. Set up a redirection service for a few months, or even an entire year to be on the safe side, you will receive post from websites and companies that still have your old address.

Setting up a post redirection is crucial because it keeps your vital information out of the hands of strangers. If your bank letters don’t reach you, you could be at risk of identity theft. Additionally, if you don’t pay crucial bills because you miss receiving a reminder letter, you could risk a fine.

Register to Vote

You won’t be automatically registered to vote in your new area at your new home. Being registered to vote helps your credit score, so it’s important to be registered. Also make sure you register with your local GP clinic and dentist as well, instead of waiting for an issue to arise.

Have Overnight Essentials with You

There’s nothing worse than getting to your new house and not being able to remember which of your dozens of boxes has your toiletries or a change of clothes. Prevent having to open everything up and make a mess by packing a bag with essentials for you and the whole family. From toothbrushes to pyjamas, when you get to your empty house, you’ll be glad you have this essentials bag with you.

Other Things to Do When Moving Home

There are so many things to keep in mind when moving, so here are some more things to check off your list:

• Give notice to your landlord ahead in plenty of time if you’re renting
• Organise and confirm school placements for children if needed
• Change any magazine subscriptions to your new address
• Arrange for childcare or pet-sitting when moving, if needed
• Inform your local council of the move to avoid paying council tax on your old address
• Organise your new TV licence
• Let family and friends know you might need help
• Lock up your old house and move out

Don’t try to unpack in one go. Make the new beds, charge those electronics, load up the fridge and make some food – or order a well-deserved take away. Then you can start to unpack little by little, as this will be less stressful than trying to do it all in one go, especially if you’re tired out from the move.

Download Our Checklist

If you want a physical checklist you can actually tick off as you go along, we’ve got your covered.

Our list will keep things on track by allowing you to stay organised by date, ensuring you don’t forget anything.

Download a printable PDF or opt for an interactive, mobile-friendly version – or both, it’s up to you!

Kangaroo Self Storage Is Here for You

At Kangaroo Self Storage, we understand how stressful moving to a new home can be, so we aim to help out as much as possible. We offer short-term storage contracts that are ideal for those in-between homes, so you don’t get tied into a lengthy contract you don’t need. Instead, you can simply store your items with us for a short time then move them into your new home when it’s convenient for you.

We also have a wide range of sized units to choose from, from small lockers to massive units capable of storing the entire contents of your house. Add to this our fantastic, competitive prices, and you have a storage company that is both cost-efficient, flexible, safe and secure.

For self storage in Edinburgh, self storage in Dundee or self storage in Glasgow, contact Kangaroo Self Storage today.