Things to Consider When Moving Home

5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Removal Company

#1 Do you want a packing and removal service?

This is the easiest way to move home.

A full service from a reputable removal company means that they will safely pack and transport all your household goods, leaving you with the minimum of work to do.

You could also choose to pack your items yourself, and have the removal company load, transport, and unload your goods.

But bear in mind that packing is the most time-consuming activity of a home move.

You may also like to read: Moving Home Yourself vs Hiring a Removal Company. In this guide, we compare the pros and cons of moving home yourself vs hiring a removal company.

#2 Is the removal company reputable?

Read as many online reviews as you can about the removal company. Check out their website, test their contact details to make sure that they are contactable by various means, and ensure that they are a legally registered business at Company House.

You may also like to read: How to Pick a Good Removal Company: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide. Choosing the right removal company is so important that we have created a step-by-step guide to help you choose which Removal Company would best suit your needs.

#3 Does the removal company offer a free in-home moving survey?

This is vitally important to ensure that the removal company gives you an accurate cost estimate.

During the survey, they will also assess any access issues, and packing requirements, and be able to formulate a moving day plan.

If the removal company does not offer this free service be very wary, as they may heap extra charges upon you on moving day for extra items, or other additional costs such as loading time.

Use this opportunity to learn as much about the removal company as you can too.

You may also like to read: Questions to Ask a Removal Company. In this guide, we suggest the type of questions it is worth asking the removal company when they carry out your home moving survey.

#4 Does the removal company offer insurance?

Most removal companies will offer you insurance for your home move, but the level of cover may vary wildly.

Note that if you choose to pack your items yourself the removal company insurance will be unlikely to cover you for damage.

You may also like to read: Home Moving Insurance – Do I Need it? Being underinsured, or not having the right cover, is a common home moving mistake. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about insuring your home move.

#5 Do you want the assurance of a trade association member removal company?

Being a member of one of the removal industry trade bodies means that your removal company is bound by a set of rules and trading ethics.

There is also the peace of mind that should there be a dispute between yourself and the removal company the trade association will act as arbitrators.

You may also like to read: All You Need to Know About Removal Industry Trade Associations. In this guide, we explain the benefits of choosing a removal company that is a member of one of the trade bodies and what it means for you.

4 Things to Consider When Getting a Home Removal Quote Online

#1 Is it a reputable removal cost estimation website?

Choose a cost estimation website that is well established, and thoroughly checks out the removal companies who provide the quotes.

Some estimation sites provide the quote themselves and then sell the quote to the highest bidder.

This can lead to higher bills on moving day when it turns out you have more stuff to move than was quoted for.

The best estimation sites will only refer your information to removal companies that you will deal with directly. And your information will only be shared with a very limited number of removal companies.

You may also like to read: Online Home Removal Estimates – Your Questions Answered. In this guide, we answer all the FAQs about price estimation sites so that you only use a reputable site and do not fall victim to any scams.

#2 Who are the removal companies who will provide a quote?

Only removal companies with a minimum of 3-star reviews and registered as a legal business at Company House will provide you with a home moving quote.

You may also like to read: Moving Brokers: What You Need to Know and Why. In this guide, we explain what a moving broker is, how they operate, and how to tell if you are booking directly with the removal company or a booking agent.

#3 What if the quotes are wildly different?

If one particular quote is significantly cheaper than the others this could raise the concern that they will heap extra charges on you on moving day.

If you receive two quotes that are identical to the penny this may indicate a removal company operating under two names.

Both scenarios should be considered a red flag and you should thoroughly research the companies to ensure you do not fall victim to a removal company scam.

You may also like to read: How to Avoid Removal Company Scams. In this guide, we share the most common removal company scams and how you can avoid them.

#4 Are the quotes like for like?

In the first instance, your online quote will be based on the average number of items being moved from your size property, the date you wish to move, and the mileage from A to B.

It is only when you have an in-home survey completed that you will be able to compare the different services offered, level of insurance, quality of packing materials, and other factors that make up the final cost.

You may also like to read: How to Compare Removal Companies. In this guide, we suggest ways to compare different removal companies so that you choose the best one for your particular needs.

5 Things to Consider When Moving to a New City

#1 What is the cost of living in the city?

The cost of living in a city will be dramatically different from a town or village and will vary from city to city.

Do plenty of research to ensure that it is an affordable move.

You may also like to read: How to Move to a New City. In this guide, we look at the practical things you need to do when thinking of moving to the city.

#2 What will I lose if I move to the city?

Make a list of all the positives of where you live now and the negatives of moving to a city.

This may help you decide if moving to the city is the right move for you.

You may also like to read: Is Life Better in the Countryside, the City, or the Suburbs? In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living in the city, the suburbs, and the countryside.

#3 What will I gain if I move to the city?

Note all the positives of moving to a city, and what you will lose by leaving your current home.

Things like better access to cultural events and better job prospects, versus a lower income or not having access to the countryside.

You may also like to read: Is Retiring to the City a Good Idea? In this guide, we offer 16 great reasons why it makes sense to retire to the city.

#4 Do any of my friends or family live in that city?

Especially if moving to a city on your own, you will likely miss your social circle and support network.

If you have friends or family who live in the city you hope to move to it will make the transition easier.

You may also like to read: Moving to a New City on Aone? Yes, You Can! In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to the city on your own and how you can make it work for you.

#5 Do you have a plan B?

What happens if you hate living in the city? Are you able to return to your old home or town?

You may also like to read: How to Decide Where to Live Next. In this guide, we suggest some things to consider when choosing where your next home will be.

3 Things to Consider When Relocating Your Family

#1 What effect will moving home have on your family?

Children especially can be affected by a home move, they may currently have a lot of friends and go to a good school where they are doing well.

Will the move disrupt their education or will they find it hard to cope without the friends who are their support network?

Financially will you be better off? How will the families’ quality of life improve? Will your partner easily find work if they need to?

You may also like to read: Moving Home With a Young Family. In this guide, we offer 20 tips for making moving home with young children and teenagers easier.

#2 How do I tell my family we are moving home?

Tell your family you are moving as soon as you can.

Take the time to explain why you are moving, and the benefits of the move for the whole family.

Be positive and upbeat, showing them all the exciting things to do, and places to go and show them the advantages of moving to a new home and school.

You may also like to read: How and When to Tell Family and Friends You Are Moving Home. In this guide, we share some tips that will make telling family and friends you are moving away easier.

#3 How do you motivate your family to help move home?

Make moving home fun, find out lots of interesting things about your new area to tell your family about, let the kids pack their own moving boxes or help with labelling boxes, and try to vary the tasks that each person has to do.

You may also like to read: How to Motivate Family To Help When Moving Home. In this guide, we suggest ways to get the whole family involved in the home-moving process.

4 Things to Consider When Relocating for a Job

#1 Is this a good home move for the family?

Although your new job may be a great opportunity for you, what about your family? Are the kids at a crucial stage of schooling? Will your spouse be lonely without their friends around them? Can your spouse transfer within their current company too? Do elderly members of the family rely on you being close by?

At the end of the day does this career move benefit the whole family?

#2 What are the options if I don’t move for this job?

Are there alternative job opportunities where you currently live? Must you absolutely take this promotion, or make this move now? If the company is moving, is this a good time to look at another career path?

#3 Is this a long-term career move?

Do you have no option but to move because of a lack of job opportunities where you currently live? Or is this move part of a long-term career strategy?

Will this move be the beginning of a series of moves as your career progresses and how does your family feel about that?

#4 What is my plan B?

If the new job or role does not work out for you, what are the alternatives in your new town?

Can you return to your old job or workplace?

You may also like to read: My Partner Wants to Move – I Don’t – Now What? This is a very common scenario, especially when one of you wants to move for career reasons. In this guide, we offer some suggestions as to how you may come to a compromise in this situation.

4 Things to Consider When Moving in Together

#1 Where will you live?

If you both currently have your own home, deciding which of the homes you both live in can be a make-or-break decision.

Or is it better that you both start afresh in a new home that is both of yours?

Location could also be an issue if you both work many miles apart.

It is probably worth having this discussion early on in the decision-making process of whether it is even feasible for you to live together.

You both may have to be willing to make compromises.

You may also like to read: Moving in With a Partner Who Has Kids. In this guide, we share tips for making moving into a blended family or step-family easier and less stressful for all concerned.

#2 Can you afford to live together?

Be totally honest about your financial situation and income so that you can be sure that you can afford all the household bills together.

Discuss your expectations of living together, and whether those expectations have a cost implication.

If one of you regularly has nights out with friends will your household budget stretch to that?

You may also like to read: Tips For Moving In Together After Marriage. Whilst this guide is primarily focused on people who have just got married, the tips included apply equally to unmarried people moving in together.

#3 How will you manage the household budget?

Is one of you thrifty and the other a shopaholic? Who will manage the household budget?

Do you share the same priorities when it comes to paying bills or having a night out?

Will you have a joint bank account? Will all the bills be split equally or will your wages be pooled?

Who will be responsible for ensuring all the bills are paid on time? Whose name will the home and utilities be in?

You may also like to read: The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into a Shared House. In this guide, we offer some tips for moving into a shared homeland if you are moving in with a partner for the first time you will find the information in this guide useful.

#4 What possessions will each of you take or get rid of?

Moving home is always a great time to get rid of the clutter in your life.

But whose coffee machine will you keep or whose favourite chair will you have to get rid of?

Would it be better to sell or donate the majority of both of your possessions and start afresh?

Discuss calmly, and prepare to compromise on what you can and cannot move into your new home.

Each make a list of your favourite possessions and work out what is best to keep from there.

You may also like to read: The Epic Guide to Decluttering for a Home Move. In this guide, we offer tips for making decluttering your home and getting rid of your unwanted things quicker and easier.

4 Things to Consider When Moving Out for the First Time

#1 Is now the right time to move out of my parent’s home?

Think about the reasons you want to move out now and consider if it would not be better to wait.

Make a list of the pros and cons of moving now, and make your decision based on that.

You may also like to read: Everything You Need to Know About Moving to College. It may be that you are moving out because you are going to college or university, in which case you will find this guide invaluable.

#2 Do I have enough money to move out?

Moving home is never cheap, and setting up a new home can be very expensive.

So ask yourself, can I afford to live on my own?

Not only will there be deposits to pay, but things like washing up bowls, irons, and bedlinen to buy.

Budget for stocking up with cleaning products and having a food store cupboard. Incidental costs like sugar or brown sauce soon add up.

Scour websites for freebies and start out slowly, you don’t need everything brand new.

So make a list of everything you will need, and see what you can get for free, and what you will have to buy.

List all the utility bills, rent, and commuting expenses for example. Then see if there is a shortfall between income and expenditure.

You may also like to read: The Ultimate First Home Moving Checklist. In this guide, you will not only find a moving checklist, but checklists for groceries, and household items. It is essential reading when setting up your first home.

#3 Can I afford a place of my own?

Having made your budget planner you may now realise that living on your own is just too expensive.

So consider house sharing, or renting a studio rather than a flat in a different part of town.

Moving just a few streets from your preferred area can save huge amounts of money.

You may also like to read: Moving in With a Freind and How to Remain BFF. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living with friends and offer tips on how to make it work.

#4 How will my parents react when I tell them I want to move out?

How you discuss your home moving intentions with your parents is crucial.

Be sensitive to what their reaction may be, so be sure to tell them in a positive way, showing them that this is an informed decision.

Demonstrate that you have thought this move through and share how you have planned the move with them.

Prove to them that you have worked out your finances, researched the area you want to move to and who you will be living with, or that you can survive on your own.

You may also like to read: How to Move Out of Your Parents Home. In this guide, we share tips on how to prepare for your move, how to break the news to your parents, and how to make moving out so much easier.

3 Things to Consider When Moving Back Home

#1 What are the advantages and disadvantages of moving back home?

Make a list of all the pros and cons of moving back home, such as the opportunity to save money to get back on your feet again, the lack of space or privacy, being back in the comfort of your family home or not being able to have a romantic night in front of the fire.

#2 How will it affect my parents’ lives?

Often parents have the opportunity for new hobbies and the freedom to have the house to themselves when their siblings leave.

If you decide to return home they may resent that loss of freedom.

Equally, they may welcome the additional income if you pay towards the household bills or offer help with chores that they can no longer do for themselves.

Be sensitive to how your return will affect them, and discuss their expectations and fears. It will take compromise from all of you to have a harmonious home.

#3 Is this a long-term move?

Think about the reasons why you are moving back home and if it is a long-term solution.

If it is a temporary move then set yourself a time goal for moving out again, and plan how you will realise that goal.

For example how much you must save each month to get your own place again, or whether due to frail parents, you will be staying indefinitely.

You may also like to read: Is Moving Back to Your Home Town a Step in the Right or Wrong Direction? In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving back to your hometown.

3 Things to Consider When Moving to Another Country

#1 What are the advantages and disadvantages of moving abroad?

The call of sunny climes and a relaxed lifestyle seem very tempting.

But there are also negative aspects of leaving your home country, such as cultural or language difficulties.

Make a list of all the pros and cons of leaving your home country to determine if it is the right move for you.

You may also like to read: Should I Move Abroad? In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of starting a new life overseas.

#2 Can I afford to move abroad?

International home moves, and setting up a new life can be expensive.

Thoroughly research all the local permits or licences you may need to exchange or have, these costs soon add up.

Take into consideration things like totally restocking your food stores and non-grocery items.

Make use of the local knowledge your international moving company will have to budget for things like storage and customs charges.

And whatever your budget totals are, double it to take into consideration the unexpected bills that will surely come your way.

You may also like to read: Is The UK a Unique Mess? Is Life Better Abroad? In this guide, I share my experience of being an expat and compare it with life back in the UK.

#3 Am I prepared enough to set up a life abroad?

Any time spent researching local customs, cultural differences, local laws, and especially learning the language of your new home country, will be invaluable.

The more you know about the country and people, the easier it will be to integrate.

It is very different visiting a country for a holiday than actually living there, so be sure to consider every aspect of daily life in that country.

You may also like to read: International Home Moves – The Ultimate Home Moving Challenge. In this guide, we look at all you need to know about making an overseas move easier and less stressful.

Hopefully, this has given you food for thought.

The more carefully you consider all aspects of your home move, the better your planning will be, and the easier moving day will be.

Be sure to visit our home moving blog which is packed with tips and guides to make every aspect of moving home easier and cheaper.