Moving house ranks high on the stress scale, along with changing jobs and dealing with the IRS. Not only do you need to sort through and pack up your entire house, but you are also leaving behind a home, neighbors and an area that is familiar. It is a significant disruption, even if everything runs smoothly. So, you want to avoid any unforeseen mishaps. Here are some common pitfalls that you can avoid:
Home Security
Your home and its contents are your most valuable assets, so it stands to reason that you want to protect it. However, for many people, security is an afterthought that homeowners look into months after moving in. In fact, a high-quality home security system should be a top priority. Moving to a new house makes your vulnerable for several reasons: First, thieves look out for new residents arriving with new household items. Secondly, with so many people tramping in and out on moving day, it is easy for someone to slip in undetected. And lastly, many people don’t consider security until they have been a victim of theft or know someone who has. Don’t leave yourself at risk – secure your house before you move in.
Proper Pest and Building Inspection
So, you have found a beautiful house in a fantastic suburb at a bargain price? Beware of any hidden nasties that might be lurking beneath the surface. There are many issues that the untrained eye is unlikely to detect at an open house but could end up costing you a ton of money. You need to be cautious of termites and other wood-destroying pests, structural and foundation issues in hidden areas of the house like the roof. A pest and building inspection conducted by a licensed professional should identify any significant problems.
Reliable Removalists
It is tempting to save money when booking a removalist. While a super-low quote might seem like a good idea, it won’t be so attractive if all your precious belongings arrive in pieces. The best way to sort the professionals from the backyard businesses is to rely on recommendations, either from someone you know or online reviews.
With so many different companies to choose from, make sure that you know what is included in the cost. Do they supply boxes? Have you correctly estimated how much you have to move? It is better to ask lots of questions at the start than argue about the bill afterward.
Do a Clean-Out
A common mistake when moving is to pay for removalists to shift things that you no longer need or want. Whether it is old memorabilia, out-of-date textbooks that you will never look at again, or furniture that won’t fit into the new house; the last thing you want to do is pack it all up and pay for it to be moved only to get rid of it once you are settled in. It is worth putting some extra time into carefully measuring your new house and figuring out your furniture requirements, as well as having a general clean-out before you move.
Utility Set-Up
Did you know that the cost of utilities varies from town to town and suburb to suburb? You obviously need to make sure that your water and electricity is all set up and running when you move in, but it is worth doing some research on the best providers in your area. If you don’t check out offers from different providers, you could be throwing money down the drain.
Even though moving can be a hassle, by avoiding some of these mistakes you can make the transition a whole lot smoother.
