You thought you had your future all planned out – including the sensible downsizing to a new home, and the financial wherewithal to make it happen. So what could go wrong? What could – and often does – go wrong, is the physical and mental effort of making the move is so overwhelming, we give up before we even start. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what can ease the burden:
1. Early bird
Thinking of moving? Then, a year is not too far ahead to start decluttering. Many people start decluttering at the wrong end – looking for a home for the items they don’t want. Turn it on its head by selecting the items you do want to keep. Place everything else in open boxes in a covered area such as your garage or spare room. There’s no need to categorise the items – they’re no longer your responsibility. Invite family members in to help themselves to anything they may want. Follow up with a call to a local charity, such as the Salvation Army, which is prepared to come and collect the items for you. The rest is destined for the transfer station, and hiring a skip is the easiest way to deal with it.
2. Collect costings
Take your time in collecting estimates from removal companies. This can be done several months ahead of the move, and although estimates are not quotes, they will still allow you to compare prices. At the same time, compare online reviews from other clients. When engaging your removal firm, don’t forget to ask for details (such as how best to label boxes if packing yourself, and if you are required to empty fuel from machines such as a lawn mower or chain saw). Also, read the fine print of any agreements well ahead of time.
3. Create a data base
The basis list of businesses and providers we regularly call on (such as our energy and phone company, insurer, and bank) seldom changes. The same goes for friends and family. Which is why you can, with confidence, assemble a list of everyone well ahead of time. Once you have this list, learn how to incorporate their contacts into one mailing list. In this way, when you are ready to move, you can notify everyone, in one hit, about your new contact details (note: some providers may require an in person visit to notify of a change of address)..
4. Thinking ahead
As soon as you know your actual moving date, advise energy providers of your need for a new connection so you won’t be inconvenienced when you arrive. If you plan to take with you any items requiring a professional to disconnect them (or you do not feel confident disconnecting things, such as a washing machine), book in the service at least a month in advance so you’re not caught out.
5. Close at hand
While you might be happy to entrust most of your household items to a removal company, there will be personal effects you will want to have with you when you move. Make a list of them and as the time for moving draws closer, gather them together in one place. They may include items of jewellery, electronic devises, new house keys, spectacles, prescription medications, mobility aids, insurance policies, and passports.
6. Pack your pet
Moving home can mean moving your pet, too, and as we all know, animals don’t enjoy change. For peace of mind, it could pay to book your pet into care while the last minute preparation for departure is taking place. If you are travelling with your pet to your new home, check out this helpful SPCA site for pet friendly accommodation.
7. Call the cleaner
Moving home is difficult enough without having to leave your house in a fit state for new occupants. Well before moving day, engage cleaners to come in after you, and your belongings, are out of the house. You may even find you have reliable older grandchildren who would welcome the money for doing the job.
8. Book accommodation
You may require accommodation to bridge the gap between moving out of your previous home and into your new one. If this is the case, get in early so your temporary accommodation is conveniently situated.
9. Talk to others
While you can make all the plans in the world, nothing beats talking to friends or family who have moved home themselves. They will provide you with valuable information to make the move easier.
10. Move me!
Sometimes, despite our best intentions, it may simply not be possible to make the move ourselves and family may not be available to assist. However, there are companies that specialise in organising home moves, and some of them are dedicated to assisting seniors. Check the net for options.
Moving home is demanding, but there’s much you can do to make it easier, and starting early is number one!