September marks the start of autumn, and for many people, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter. With the summer holidays coming to an end and routines returning to normal, autumn can be a surprisingly good time to move house.
Moving during the autumn months does come with a few challenges, particularly shorter days and unpredictable weather. However, with some preparation and a little forward planning, you can make your autumn house move much less stressful.
Whether you’re moving across town or relocating further afield, these tips can help you prepare for a successful move this autumn.
Why Move House in Autumn?
There are several reasons why autumn can be a good time to move.
For families, September often brings a return to school and more settled routines after the summer. For others, moving in autumn means getting settled before the colder winter months arrive.
The weather can also be more comfortable for moving furniture and boxes than during the height of summer. You may not have to deal with extreme heat while carrying heavy items between your house and the moving vehicle.
Autumn can also provide a useful deadline. If you’ve been putting off a move during the summer, September can be the perfect opportunity to get organised and start fresh.
Prepare for Shorter Days
One of the biggest differences between a summer and autumn move is the amount of daylight available.
As the weeks progress, the evenings become noticeably darker. This means it’s particularly important to plan your moving day carefully.
Try to start early so you have plenty of daylight available for loading and unloading. Make sure outdoor paths, entrances and driveways are well lit, especially if there is any chance the move could continue into the evening.
If you’re moving into a new property, check that electricity is connected and that the essential lighting is working before moving day.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Autumn weather can be unpredictable.
One day might be bright and dry, while the next brings heavy rain and strong winds. Keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to your move and make suitable preparations.
Rain can create muddy paths and slippery surfaces, so take extra care when carrying furniture and boxes. Protective coverings can also help prevent carpets and floors from becoming dirty during the move.
If particularly severe weather is forecast, speak to your removals company as early as possible to discuss your options.
Protect Your Belongings From Rain
Nobody wants their carefully packed boxes getting soaked on moving day.
Use strong, properly sealed boxes and consider having plastic covers or waterproof sheets available for particularly valuable or vulnerable belongings.
Furniture can also benefit from protective coverings when being moved between the property and the removals vehicle.
Keep essentials such as important documents, electronics and valuables somewhere particularly well protected rather than leaving them exposed to the weather.
Pack for the Season
An autumn move is a good opportunity to think about what you’ll need immediately when you arrive at your new home.
Pack an essentials box containing things such as:
- Warm clothes
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Phone chargers
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Tea, coffee and snacks
- Kettle and mugs
- Important documents
- Basic tools
- Torches
Having these items easily accessible means you won’t have to search through dozens of boxes on your first evening.
Make Your New Home Comfortable
If you’re moving into an empty property, consider turning on the heating before you arrive if possible.
An empty house can feel particularly cold during autumn, especially if the property has been unoccupied for some time.
Having the heating on, some basic lighting available and a few essentials ready can make a huge difference after a long day of moving.
It’s also worth checking windows, doors and any areas where draughts might be noticeable before winter arrives.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
A house move involves far more than simply transporting boxes from one property to another.
There are often cleaners to arrange, utilities to organise, addresses to change and last-minute jobs to complete.
Starting your preparations several weeks before moving day can make the process much easier.
Begin by decluttering anything you no longer need. There’s little point paying to transport belongings that are simply going to end up unused in your new home.
Then work through your home room by room, packing items you don’t use regularly first and leaving everyday essentials until nearer moving day.
Book Your Removals Company Early
Once you’ve confirmed your moving date, it’s worth arranging removals companies Bangor as soon as possible.
Even though autumn may be less hectic than some of the busiest summer moving periods, good removals companies can still have limited availability.
Booking early gives you more choice over dates and allows you to discuss any specific requirements.
If you have particularly large furniture, difficult access, stairs or a long-distance move, mention these details when making your arrangements.
The more information your removals team has in advance, the easier it is to plan for moving day.
Check Your New Property Before Moving Day
If you have access to your new property before the move, take the opportunity to check a few practical details.
Make sure you know where the electricity meter, water stopcock and heating controls are located. Check that doors and windows are secure and that there is a clear route for bringing furniture into the property.
If you’re moving into a property that has been empty, it can also be useful to give it a thorough clean before your belongings arrive.
Once the furniture and boxes are inside, cleaning becomes considerably more difficult.
Moving House Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
Moving house is often described as one of life’s most stressful experiences, but good organisation can make a significant difference.
Autumn brings its own considerations, but it also offers some real advantages. Cooler temperatures, more settled routines and the opportunity to get established before winter can make September, October and November excellent months for a house move.
Plan ahead, keep an eye on the weather, protect your belongings and give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
Most importantly, don’t try to do everything yourself if you don’t need to. A professional removals company can take much of the physical work off your hands, allowing you to concentrate on getting your new home ready.
With the right preparation, moving house in autumn can be the start of a fresh and exciting season in your new home.
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