How to Organise Moving House in London
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As many of us Londoners know, moving around the city can happen a lot more regularly than you planned for!
Whether it’s because of sharing with flatmates or maybe your partner has had a job change and the commute is too much, most of us have had quite a few addresses across London.
If you’re considering a move there are a few things you can do to stay on top of the chaos. I’ve had 6 addresses over the 16 years I’ve lived here! So here are my ideas for making the process easier.
Credit: Unsplash.
Visit your new area
It may sound really obvious but properly explore an area before you move. I know a lot of people choose somewhere based on where a friend is, what a flatmate suggests or purely on budget. However, this doesn’t mean the culture of the area will suit you.
Figure out your commute. Would you be happy arriving home there late at night? Is there a corner shop for those lazy Sunday mornings when you don’t want to do a big shop? These are the things that make your everyday life easier and you notice them if they don’t suit you.
Pack early
Pack early and pack the areas and things you use the least first. Although it’s tempting to leave everything to the last minute. Try and have a few open, ready assembled boxes around your house or flat. That way you can start to put in ornaments, books, baking equipment.
All the bits and pieces which actually add up more than you think. Leaving them can and cause a great deal of stress nearer the time if you decide to pack at the last minute. This works for food cupboards too. If you’re hoarding lots of dry or freezer food, try and eat it gradually in the run-up to the move.
Removal services
There will come a point when you’ll be surprised how many possessions you have and you’ll wonder how you are going to get this all across town!
Choosing to move house by using a man and a van is a much better option than multiple taxis or trying to cram everything into a friend’s car. Can you tell we have done this before?!
The benefit of hiring professional help is that they are efficient and quick because they do this every day. You don’t have to worry about organising everything, they will load and unload for you to your new location in your desired rooms.
They are usually based in the city so know it well with all its traffic issues and diversions. The cost outweighs the benefit and actually can be much more economical than other options such as taxis, finding storage or even leaving items behind because you can’t move them.
Credit: The Man Van.
Utilities
Find out how to move utilities and how long they take to change over . This is especially important with services such as your internet and phone.
Utilities cause the biggest amount of disruption when you move house. Think about which services you need to continue and if you will keep or change your internet, tv or phone account?
Make sure you note down or take a photo of your gas and electricity meters so you only pay for what you’ve used in your current property.
Credit: Unsplash.
Change of address
Who should you inform of the new address? The main companies to inform when you move are:
Bank
Council tax
Doctor's surgery
Dentist
If it seems overwhelming to think of every company which might have your address in one go, you can divert any mail to your new address with the Royal Mail for a small fee.
Lastly, put together a bag or box for the first few days. This should have a change of clothes and nightwear. Any documents you might need in the first few days. Some food or essentials before you manage to go shopping. Your laptop and phone to organise utilities or for home working. You don’t want to be worrying about unpacking immediately so prepare this in advance.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
