Christmas can be a stressful period at the best of times, but if you have a home move to factor in, it can be doubly testing. So what should you do to ensure that the festive period is filled with fun rather than fury?
Get your move date confirmed.
The first step is working out when the big day will be. This is the date that everything else will revolve around, so ensure it’s actually going to be achievable.
Who will be moving your belongings?
December is always a month filled with wrapping, but that’s usually presents rather than breakables you need to take to your new home. Are you going to be doing it yourself? Or do you want to book a removals company?
If you are doing it yourself, be sure to leave plenty of time. Get started at least a couple of weeks in advance. This is a great opportunity to get rid of items you never use - in fact, why not donate to your local charity shop during the season of giving.
If you are using a removals company, go for one affiliated with the British Association of Removers, as they have to live up to a strict code of practice. Book as soon as possible - many removals firms will be operating with reduced staff at Christmas, so may be unable to take on as many cases as usual.
Check the weather forecast.
If you are moving over the festive period, the last thing you want is a white Christmas. Plan ahead in terms of what clothes you’ll need, what you plan to do with pets, and keep a shovel to hand.
Put together a Christmas box...
Chances are that it will take you a while to unpack your various boxes after the move. So put together a Christmas box (or boxes) with everything you will need for the festivities. Think of things like decorations, stockings, and even your special plates and cutlery if you are cooking Christmas dinner.
...and a valuables one.
It’s also a good idea to organise a valuables box, covering important documents, jewellery and other items that you can keep with you on the day itself.
An extra use for your Christmas cards.
The Christmas cards you send out to your loved ones offer the perfect chance to inform them all of your new address. Don’t forget to set up a postal redirection with Royal Mail to ensure you don’t miss out on any presents!
Get your furniture ready.
Be sure to dismantle whatever furniture you can at least a few days before your move date. Also be sure that any outside furniture is ready to go.
Empty your loft.
Don’t rely on the removals firm to empty the loft - many won’t go up there unless certain safety conditions are met, so you will have to do it yourself.
Pack a torch.
Ideally you’ll move during daylight hours, but if the process takes longer than planned then a torch may prove invaluable.
“There can be no finer Christmas present than moving into your dream home”, says Karen James, Head of Residential Conveyancing at Ramsdens. “But just like Christmas shopping, it pays to be prepared and plan well in advance. If you’re considering buying or selling a property, call us free today on 0808 1685643 or email us at getmoving@ramsdens.co.uk to find our how we can get you moving.”