The Complete Guide to Moving House

Moving home is always exciting, whether you’re buying or renting, having a new space to make your own can present a world of opportunities. From decorating and furnishing to exploring a new neighbourhood, there’s plenty to look forward to. However, the part where you actually “move” is rarely straightforward, but that’s not to say it has to be stressful.

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or completely relocating, planning and organisation are key to ensuring a smooth move — and we’re here to help! At Pay Less For Storage, we understand that moving can be tough, so we’ve created this guide to help you navigate every step of the moving process, from initial planning to settling into your new home.

Buying & Selling Property

Buying a house or flat while simultaneously trying to sell your current home can feel like spinning lots of plates. However, breaking everything down into manageable steps and going through them methodically can make the whole process much easier.

Selling Your Property

First impressions are just as important with property as they are with people. If you’re still in the process of finding a buyer, it’s important to make your home look as appealing as possible.

You can start by cleaning, decluttering and making necessary repairs to ensure your home is seen at its best. It’s important to keep this up once your home is listed as maintaining its appeal during viewings is essential. A clean, tidy and welcoming environment can make a big difference to potential buyers.

You’ll also need to find an estate agent that you trust. Someone with experience and a good reputation will be able to represent your best interests when finding prospective buyers. Plus, their negotiation skills and knowledge of the local market will significantly influence the sale process.

As prospective buyers start expressing their interest, your estate agent will be able to guide you through the negotiation process, ensuring you understand the terms and implications of each offer.

Buying Your New Home

Looking for a new home is arguably much more fun and exciting than selling your current one, but this process also requires thorough research, planning and budgeting.

It’s best to start your search early and use online resources and estate agents to explore different options. It’s really important to set a realistic budget and consider not just the purchase price but additional costs like stamp duty, moving expenses and potential renovations.

Be sure to visit multiple properties to get a better sense of what’s available and make an informed decision. Even if you love the first place you see, you might love the second even more.

Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price; there’s often room for a better deal, especially if the property has been on the market for some time.

Balancing Sale and Purchase

Coordinating the sale of your current home with the purchase of another can be tricky. Ideally, you want to align the dates to avoid the hassle of finding temporary accommodation. However, be prepared for potential delays and have a contingency plan, such as temporary housing or short-term storage for your belongings.

Keep in close contact with your estate agent and conveyancers to manage these complexities and ensure a smoother transition. Promptly addressing any issues that arise can help keep both transactions on track.

Advice for Tenants

If you’re renting your home, the first step (after finding a potential new home) is to let your current landlord know that you’re planning to move. Check your lease for the required notice period and give your landlord written notice as needed. Next, confirm your move-in date with your new landlord to plan your move properly.

Budgeting for your new deposit is also important — make sure you’ve got enough set aside for the deposit on your new property. And don’t forget to follow up with your old landlord to get your previous deposit back, documenting the condition of your old home to avoid disputes.

To avoid paying double rent, try to align the start and end dates of your rental agreements. If there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, you could consider temporary self storage and short-term accommodation (or sofa surfing) to help bridge the gap.

Planning Your Move

Planning your move is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly. By starting early and staying organised, you can minimise stress and avoid last-minute surprises.

Create a Moving Checklist

A moving checklist is a vital tool to keep your move on track. It helps you remember all the important tasks and ensures nothing is forgotten or overlooked. To save you time, we’ve already written a Moving Home Checklist you can use, and we’ve listed some of the most important boxes you need to tick, below:

• Update Utility and Service Providers: Inform your utility companies (electricity, gas and water), internet provider and other services about your move to get new accounts set up for your new home as soon as possible.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to take your meter readings of both your old and new home on the days you move out and in!

• Update Your Address: Aside from utility providers, there are a lot of other companies, health providers, government entities and banks that need to know about your move. Fortunately, we’ve got an Address Change Checklist too!

Pro Tip: You can also pay to have your post redirected by Royal Mail.

• Research Moving Companies: Look for reputable movers, compare quotes and read reviews. This will help you find a reliable company that fits your budget and needs.
• Arrange Child and Pet Care: On moving day, having someone to look after your children and pets can help reduce stress (for you and them) and keep everyone out of harm’s way.

Budgeting for Your Move

Moving can be costly, so it’s essential to budget wisely. Proper planning can help you accurately estimate your moving costs and find opportunities to save money. Here are some tips to help you manage your moving expenses:

• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare prices from different moving companies to find the best deal. Don’t just go for the cheapest option; consider the services included and the company’s reputation.
• Plan Ahead: Booking your move in advance can often save you money. Many moving companies offer discounts for early bookings or for moving during off-peak times.

Pro Tip: Avoid moving during peak seasons (summer and holidays) and weekends if possible, as prices tend to be higher.

• Declutter: The less you have to move, the cheaper it will be. Take the opportunity to declutter your home and donate, sell or get rid of anything you no longer need or want.
• DIY Where Possible: If you can, pack your belongings yourself, employ the help of your friends and family and consider renting a van rather than hiring a company.

Pro Tip: You can also ask your local post office or nearby shops for boxes they don’t need.

Budgeting for your move doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning and a bit of research, you can keep your costs under control and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

Packing

It goes without saying but decluttering and packing are among the most essential steps in the moving process. This will not only help you get organised but will also make your move more efficient and less stressful.

Decluttering Before You Pack

Before you start packing, take the time to declutter your home. This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of anything you no longer need or want. Begin by sorting through each room and creating three piles: keep, donate and discard. This will help you decide what to take with you and what to leave behind.

Decluttering not only reduces the number of items you need to pack but also makes unpacking easier in your new home. Plus, donating items you no longer need can be a good way to give back to the community.

Pro Tip: If you’re finding it hard to part with something, ask yourself if you’ve used it in the last year. If the answer is no, it may be time to let it go.

Packing Tips and Tricks

Packing efficiently can save you time and effort when moving day arrives. Here are some tips to make the process easier and more efficient:

• Gather Packing Supplies: Make sure you have all the necessary packing materials, including boxes, bubble wrap, tape and permanent markers — plus a few spares of each.
• Pack Room by Room: Start packing one room at a time to stay organised. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking much easier.
• Use Quality Packing Materials: If you can, invest in sturdy boxes and high-quality packing tape to ensure your belongings are well-protected during the move. Fragile items should be wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper.
• Plan Ahead for Large Items: It’s always worth measuring large appliances and pieces of furniture and comparing these dimensions to the doorways, hallways and staircases in both your old and new homes. This planning can help prevent moving day headaches and ensure that everything fits where it needs to go.
• Moving Day Essentials: Pack a separate box with all the essentials you’ll need upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, bedding and basic kitchen supplies — including snacks!

Packing doesn’t have to be a headache. With a little planning, you can make the process manageable and ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home.

Self Storage

Whether you’re downsizing or waiting for your new home to be ready, you might find yourself in need of some extra space during your move. That’s where self storage comes in!

There are many different types of self storage and finding the best storage unit for you will go a long way in helping you move. It’s not just about finding the cheapest, it’s about finding the most secure and convenient storage facility you can afford.

Benefits of Using Storage Units

While there are many benefits of self storage, having a safe and secure space for your things while moving home comes with a wide range of advantages that could make moving a breeze.

For example, rather than leave all your packing to the last minute, you can store some of your belongings in the run-up to your move. This will help lighten the load on moving day and give you more space to unpack gradually in your new home. Whether it’s furniture, books, seasonal clothing or your air fryer, if there’s anything you can live without (maybe not the air fryer!) then it could be worth putting it in storage.

At Pay Less For Storage, we offer flexible contracts (with a minimum term of just two months) and a same-day cancellation policy. This means you can clear out your unit and cancel your contract on the same day, and we’ll refund any unused time you’ve paid for.

Why Choose Shipping Container Units?

At Pay Less For Storage, all of our units are shipping containers. Designed and built to withstand some of the harshest conditions on the planet, our units are waterproof and durable, making them a great place to store household items.

We also offer 24-hour, drive-up access to all our units at no extra cost. This means that if you’ve spent the whole day moving and you’re gasping for a cup of tea, only to realise you left the kettle in storage, you can still drive up to your unit after usual business hours.

If you’d like to find out more about the different types of storage units available, click here.

Storage Insurance

Insuring the contents of your unit is another important aspect you need to consider when renting self storage. This can protect your items from unforeseen events such as theft, fire, flood and natural disasters. Many storage facilities offer their own insurance policies, but you can also look to independent providers to find the best coverage for you.

For more information, take a look at our guide Self Storage Insurance: Everything You Need to Know.

Moving Day Tips

The big day is finally here! Moving day can be hectic, but with some preparation and a few handy tips, you can make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Professional Removals vs. DIY Move

Deciding between hiring professional movers and doing it yourself depends on your budget, time and the amount of help you have. Professional movers can take a lot of the heavy lifting (literally) off your hands, and their experience can make the process faster and more efficient.

However, if you do decide to do it yourself, try enlisting the help of friends and family. Renting a van can be more cost-effective, but remember to factor in the time and effort required. Moving home without professional help can be cheaper and more flexible, but it’s also more physically demanding and time-consuming.

Preparing for Moving Day

Preparation is key to a successful moving day. Start by double-checking all your arrangements a few days before the move. Confirm the details with your moving company, including arrival times and any specific requirements they might have. If you’re hiring a van to move everything yourself, it’s worth double-checking the pick-up and drop-off times.

On the morning of your move, make sure you have your essentials ready. This includes important documents, a change of clothes, toiletries and any medications you might need. Keeping these items easily accessible will save you from rummaging through boxes later on.

Pro Tip: Pack a small bag with snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day — we can’t stress this enough!

Children and Pets

Moving with kids and pets can add another layer of complexity to your move. It’s important to keep them safe and occupied during the process. Arrange for childcare or pet care if possible, or set up a designated safe space for them in your old and new homes.

For kids, packing a box of their favourite toys and snacks can help keep them entertained. Involving them in the moving process, such as letting them pack their own box, can also make the experience more exciting for them.

For pets, consider keeping them in a quiet room away from the hustle and bustle or arranging a pet sitter. This can help reduce their anxiety and prevent them from getting underfoot.

It’s also worth updating your pet’s microchip information with your new address before the move to ensure they can be returned safely in case they get lost. For more information on moving with pets and helping them settle in, take a look at our guide on Moving Home with Pets: Cats & Dogs.

Settling into Your New Home

Congratulations, you’ve made it through moving day! Now it’s time to settle into your new home and start making it your own. This phase can be just as exciting as it is overwhelming, but with some organisation and a few key steps, you’ll be able to put your feet up in no time.

Unpacking and Organising

Start by unpacking the essential items that you need immediately, such as toiletries, kitchen supplies and bedding. Having these necessities readily available will help you function comfortably while you unpack everything else.

As you unpack, take the opportunity to organise your new space thoughtfully. Think about the layout and how you want to use each room. This is a great time to implement any new storage solutions or organisational systems you’ve been considering.

Pro Tip: Unpack one room at a time to keep the process manageable.

Getting to Know Your New Area

Familiarise yourself with your new neighbourhood. Take walks around the area to find local shops, restaurants, parks and other amenities. Introducing yourself to your neighbours can also help you feel more at home and build a sense of community.

Pro Tip: Keep a list of important local contacts, such as the nearest hospital, train station, schools and emergency services, so you have them handy when needed.

Personalise Your Space

Finally, make your new house feel like home by adding personal touches. Hang your favourite photos and artwork, arrange your furniture the way you like it and introduce some plants to add life to your space. Decorating can be a fun and creative way to express your style and make your new home feel truly yours.

Settling into your new home is a process, so take your time and make the most of it.

FAQs

What are the steps to moving house?

The key steps to moving house include selling your current home, buying a new one, decluttering and packing, planning and organising your move, arranging a removal team or van hire, and finally, settling in.

Where do I start when I want to move house?

Firstly, you need to find a place to move to and a prospective buyer for your current home, unless you’re renting. Once you’ve secured a new place to live, write out a checklist to plan out each step of the moving process, from changing your address to packing your belongings.

What should I change first when moving house?

The first thing you should change is your address with key entities such as utility companies, banks, insurance providers, your employer, the DVLA, your GP and your dentist. Setting up a mail redirection service with Royal Mail can help ensure you don’t miss any important post.

What to sort out when you move house?

When moving house, sort out your packing and transportation arrangements, update your address and utilities and set up your new home by unpacking your most essential items first. Don’t forget to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings and introduce yourself to your new neighbours.