Top tips to help ease moving house 

Are you thinking about moving across the country to start again in a new area? Or even to start a new job? Property expert David Leake of Housesetc provides five top tips to ensure moving house runs smoothly.

1. Visit the new area
It can take six to eight months to feel at home in a new town, so make sure you are happy with the location of your new house. It’s worth visiting the new area a few times and different times of day to get your bearings – spend some time driving around surrounding towns and villages. Check out transport links.

2. Settle the children
If children are moving with you, make sure you take them on a tour of the new area to point out schools, local parks and opportunities for social activities. The best time of year to move with children is usually before the start of a new school year, or at the beginning of a new term as this will give them more time to settle in.

3. Talk to people
Speak to the existing owner of the house you intend to buy, as well as the neighbours. Ask them about the best things to do in the area and for information on local events. Recommendations for local services such as doctors and dentists are also important, as well as pubs and takeaways for that first night after a long moving day.

4. Prepare your pets
If you have any pets, it would be worth taking a trip to your new area in advance so they can also get a sense of their new home. You could even arrange for them to be looked after for a while during the move, as this will minimise stress for you and them on moving day.

5. Service your car
If you’re driving to your new location, it’s worth servicing your car beforehand to minimise any chance of a breakdown during your journey. Also stop regularly for breaks and speak to your removal company because they are governed by strict rules around the length of time drivers can travel for.