Useful tips when you moving house

Have you ever been excited by the idea of packing your boxes before moving house, making a list of all the steps you need to transfer your social security benefits, or poring over quotes from different moving companies?

Yeah, us neither… That’s why, for several years, we’ve been updating this blog with the best tips from storage and logistics professionals to help you make your move a success.

Our tips are compiled in detailed and accessible guides. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find in this Magazine.

Whether you’re highly resourceful and independent or want to leave it to the professionals, moving house is never free!

Transport, fuel, boxes, insurance, cleaning products... all these expenses can add up to several thousand euros.

So if you want to keep your budget under control, it’s crucial to have a clear overview of the costs involved when making such a big change.

The biggest items of expenditure will undoubtedly be transport and handling, particularly if you move over a long distance and/or require the use of a furniture lift, for instance if you live on the top floor.

To reduce the cost of moving, it’s essential to ask for quotes from different service providers and to play the competition off against each other by comparing rates and guarantees in each proposal.

Alternatively, you can of course rent a van and ask friends and family to help you, but don’t forget to buy professional equipment to minimise the risk of accidents: new boxes, tape, blankets and a hand trolley.

Finally, if you’re leaving your home but haven’t yet found a new place to live, or if you’re planning to move abroad, you’ll probably need to rent a storage unit to safely store your belongings during this transitional period.

Are you moving your business’ offices? We have a dedicated section for businesses looking at all the administrative and IT procedures involved.

Ideally, you need to prepare for a move at least three months in advance.

Do you think we’re overdoing it? That’s how long in advance you can give your employer your notice.

Same delay to give your notice if you’re a tenant in a high-demand area or notify the co-ownership association if you’re a homeowner.

Of course, you can start contacting moving companies at this stage, to compare quotes and choose the cheapest time slots.

Planning ahead is key as it can save you from stumbling into serious administrative problems.

Similarly, any change of address should promptly be reported to the tax authorities, as it will have a direct impact on your council tax and, in some cases, your income tax.

Does the whole process seem insurmountable? Don’t panic! Our team has drawn up a comprehensive checklist, detailing the formalities to be carried out, from months before to move to just days prior. Everything you need to move house with complete peace of mind!

As we mentioned earlier, a successful move requires mostly new, if not professional, equipment.

Of course, the quintessential moving item is undoubtedly the cardboard box. It will allow you to move large volumes in a short time, while protecting the contents from damage.

At HOMEBOX, we generally recommend not skimping on the quality of the boxes. This is why we often suggest that our clients only use brand new boxes.

However, if you’re unable to buy new boxes, you can try to gather some from friends or family, but also from your local shopkeepers or even online.

You’ll also need some protective items such as blankets and covers, as well as adhesive tape and a dispenser.

Furthermore, depending on the volume of goods you need to move, you may want to buy or hire a dolly, tensioners and straps.

Finally, don’t forget to bring emergency accessories such as a toolbox or first-aid kit, which could get you out of a tough spot!

Much of the hassle associated with moving house could be avoided with better logistics, that’s a fact.

And it’s not just about the actual day of moving, the planning start several weeks or even months in advance.

So, once the date has been set, start gradually sorting through all your belongings. Indeed, moving house is always a good opportunity to do some sorting and keep only what’s really important to you. Furthermore, every item you give away, sell or drop off at a waste collection centre is one you won’t have to carry and take valuable space in the moving truck. It’s a win-win strategy.

Start drawing up a list of small jobs and repairs that need to be carried out before you leave your home. You’ll also need to set aside some time for a big clean-up session, especially if you’re renting. This will be key to getting you security deposit back!

A well-oiled plan will also save you a lot of unnecessary trips and painful back pains on the big day. Did you know that you can apply for exceptional parking permission or even block off your street when moving house? This must be done at least one month in advance, through a process that is specific to each town.

And there are many other tips for saving time and energy when moving house. For instance, if your building doesn’t have a lift, taking furniture apart and using the right equipment (straps and gloves) can work wonders!

Anyone who has ever moved house knows that such a big change often brings a change in lifestyle as well.

To make the most of it, start by cleaning your new home from top to bottom. This will help you get a clearer picture of the future layout for instance.

By inspecting every nook and cranny of your new place, you may also spot a few minor repairs that need doing.

Finally, once you’re all moved in, don’t forget to introduce yourself to your new neighbours. You’ll glean valuable information about life in the neighbourhood and, perhaps, make some new friends.

Are you leaving the country altogether? Getting to know the people you live with will be all the more important.