Summer is one of the most popular times of year to move house. Longer days, generally better weather and the school holidays can make it easier for families to plan their move and settle into a new home.
However, summer can also be a particularly busy period for removal companies, estate agents and solicitors. Good preparation is essential if you want a moving day to run as smoothly as possible. And with the help of a removal company Colwyn Bay, you can rest assured your move will be smooth.
Whether you are moving locally or relocating further afield, these practical tips can help you prepare for a successful summer house move.
Book Your Removal Company Early
Removal companies can become fully booked during the summer months, particularly on Fridays, weekends and around the end of the month.
As soon as you have a likely moving date, start contacting removal companies and requesting quotes. Booking early gives you a better choice of dates and allows more time to discuss any specific requirements.
Your moving date may still depend on contracts being exchanged, but keeping your chosen removal company updated can help everyone prepare.
Start Decluttering Before You Pack
Moving house is a good opportunity to decide what you actually want to take with you.
Go through each room and separate items into four groups:
- Items to keep
- Items to donate
- Items to sell
- Items to recycle or dispose of
There is little benefit in paying to transport items that you no longer need. Decluttering early can reduce the amount of packing required and help your new home feel more organised from the beginning.
Avoid leaving this task until the week of your move. Sorting through cupboards, lofts, garages and sheds often takes longer than expected.
Create a Packing Plan
Packing room by room is usually much easier than tackling the whole house at once.
Begin with items you rarely use, such as seasonal clothing, decorations, spare bedding, books and ornaments. Everyday essentials should be packed last.
Label every box clearly with the room it belongs in and a brief description of its contents. Mark fragile boxes so they can be handled carefully.
It may also help to number your boxes and keep a simple list. This makes it easier to check that everything has arrived at your new property.
Take Extra Care in Hot Weather
Moving heavy boxes and furniture can be tiring at any time of year, but warm summer weather can make the work more demanding.
Keep plenty of drinking water available and wear comfortable, lightweight clothing. Sunscreen may also be useful if you are spending long periods outside.
Food, candles, toiletries, medicines and certain electrical items can also be affected by heat. Avoid leaving temperature-sensitive belongings in a vehicle for longer than necessary.
Prepare Your Children and Pets
Moving day can be busy, noisy and unfamiliar, which may be stressful for young children and pets.
Where possible, arrange for children or pets to stay with a relative, friend or trusted carer while the main move takes place. This can help keep them safe and allow you to concentrate on the practical tasks.
Pack a separate bag containing anything they may need immediately, including snacks, drinks, medication, toys, pet food and bedding.
Keep Important Items With You
Some belongings should travel with you rather than being packed into the removal vehicle.
Keep important documents, keys, medication, jewellery, phones, chargers and valuable personal items together in a secure bag.
It is also useful to prepare an essentials box for your first evening. This could include:
- Tea, coffee and a kettle
- Cups and basic kitchen items
- Toilet roll and toiletries
- Towels and bedding
- Cleaning products
- A change of clothes
- Phone chargers
- Basic tools
After a long moving day, you may not want to search through several boxes to find the things you need.
Check Access at Both Properties
Make sure your removal team can access both your current property and your new home.
Consider parking restrictions, narrow roads, gates, shared entrances, staircases and any particularly large or heavy items. If parking permits or spaces need to be arranged, deal with this in advance.
It is also important to mention anything that could make access more difficult, such as scaffolding, roadworks, steep driveways or limited turning space.
Providing accurate information helps the removal company plan the right vehicle, equipment and number of team members.
Confirm the Details Before Moving Day
A few days before your move, confirm the arrival time, addresses and contact details with your removal company.
You should also check arrangements with your estate agent, solicitor or landlord, including when and where keys will be collected.
Make a note of meter readings at both properties and take photographs where appropriate. Remember to notify utility providers, banks, insurers, subscription services and other relevant organisations of your change of address.
Be Ready Before the Removal Team Arrives
Unless packing is included as part of your agreed removal service, boxes should be packed, sealed and labelled before the team arrives.
Disconnect appliances where necessary and empty water from kettles, irons, washing machines or garden equipment. Clear pathways through the property and make sure the removal team can safely reach all furniture and boxes.
Being prepared can prevent unnecessary delays and help the move stay on schedule.
Plan Your Summer House Move
Summer can be an excellent time to move house, but demand is often high. Starting early, staying organised and working with an experienced removal company can make the process considerably easier.
With the right preparation, you can spend less time worrying about boxes and logistics and more time looking forward to settling into your new home.
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