Location, Location, Location's Phil Spencer shares his tricks to make moving house less stressful
| Published date | 20 April 2024 |
| Publication title | MyLondon (England) |
Phil said: "That doesn’t mean it won’t be stressful and emotional. That’s the nature of these things. But getting on the front foot can really make a difference."
Professional removals checklist
If you go via the professional removals route, you'll want to get in as early as possible -book in a moving day with the company as the good ones go fast and are particularly busy on Fridays, according to Phil. You can also decide whether you get the removals team to help pack and unpack your various belongings or just to have them load and unload from their vans. The packing option is a luxury which Phil admits he buys into.
When you think about packing you've got to have a game plan in mind, Phil advises. Rooms that you use the most should be packed last. If you've got bigger items of furniture, make sure you know how you're going to get them out of your house -do they need to be taken apart
The same logic needs to be applied to your new home, Phil said -can things fit where you want them You should measure out the new place and plan where things go accordingly. If you don't have at least some idea you can be stuck with furniture in the wrong place in your new home which just adds and prolongs the stress of it all.
Phil said: "A couple I know have been stuck with a small bedroom for the past 20 years because their daughter – who was only seven when they moved house – was first up the stairs quicker on moving day and politely directed the movers to put the boxes of her things in the biggest room. They never had the energy to switch."
A basic but important reminder would be to label your boxes, Phil said. You should also pack personal and sentimental items yourself before the removal people come in. "Do you really want one of the moving team going through your underwear drawer" Phil said, "I can tell you from experience that you probably don't."
Another one Phil said to keep in mind is to ensure parking is available at both properties, particularly if the previous owners are moving out the same day. You don't want the removal company to be delayed and have to go off to another job halfway through the job.
DIY removals checklist
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