5 moving house tips for a stress-free experience
Thinking about moving to a retirement community? Preparation is key. Moving house is always daunting and even more so if you're planning to downsize from a large family home–but it’s much easier if you’re moving with McCarthy Stone!
With over 165 years of experience, Bishop’s Move is no stranger to helping people successfully move into their new homes. We draw on their expertise—alongside our own—to give you the best tips for moving house stress-free and a seamless transition into your new home.
1. Declutter and downsize
For many of us, our home is an important part of our retirement planning. Once the kids have flown the nest, downsizing is one way to release cash that can provide an income, pay off debts or supplement savings. Moving to a smaller more modern home can reduce the hassle of home ownership by being easier to maintain; and better insulation, more modern heating systems etc. can save you substantial amounts on energy bills too.
However, many people are put off by the thought of packing and clearing all those possessions they’ve accumulated over the years. Moving to retirement housing is the perfect opportunity to simplify your life and declutter your belongings.
If you're looking to buy a McCarthy Stone retirement home, we provide lots of expert help and support to help you move, including part exchange, for a hassle-free house sale, and our Smooth Move service which includes a free decluttering, packing and removal service, and more.
As part of the service, one of the team will visit your home and assess what needs to be moved and what you no longer want. They can offer decluttering advice and items you no longer want will be donated to charity (where possible) or recycled.
Alternatively, why not call on a friend or family member to sort through clutter? This allows you to share the decision-making process with friends and family to help you pick what you want to throw away.
“[Friends and family] have less sentimental attachment to items, so can encourage you to downsize more effectively.
Deciding what should go on the day of the move will add considerable time and stress to the process. Decide what is rubbish and put it out weekly for collection by your local authority.”
- Bishop's Move
2. Create a detailed moving plan
A well-organised moving checklist will help you stay on track and avoid any last-minute stress. Your moving plan should include tasks like contacting utilities, updating your address with suppliers, banks and councils, packing essentials and arranging removal services.
3. Organise your boxes
Before you start packing your belongings, take a moment to consider your new home in more detail.
Bishop’s Move suggests considering two key factors before you start packing up:
- Make a detailed floor plan of your new home
- Include measurements of large items you may want to take with you
Following this advice lets you understand the space you have to play with in your new home and the box sizes you need to get your belongings there safely.
Once you’ve done this, one of our top tips for a stress-free move is to ensure your boxes are clearly labelled. Similar items should be packaged together and each box should be labelled with its contents.
“Keep essential documentation separate with your mobile and charger. Have an ‘essentials’ box or bag at the ready.
Be aware of any longer periods between selling and moving into your new home - you may only need your summer or winter clothes handy so be organised and separate out your essential items early.
Leave any items that are tricky to the experts, such as your removals company. It will help avoid risk of damage or more serious and costly issues further down the line. They will arrange for handymen or electricians to dismantle wardrobes and beds, or safely disconnect light fittings or appliances.”
- Bishop's Move
With Smooth Move, we usually do the move over two days so it’s more relaxed. You don't have to pack anything yourself (unless you want to) and we have a 'red sticker' process to determine your high-priority boxes. We take care of everything, including collecting what you have decided to leave behind. All you have to do is make sure there's plenty of tea!
4. Take breaks
Moving can be physically and mentally demanding. Be sure to take regular breaks throughout the move, allowing yourself time to rest and recharge. If you start feeling tired or overwhelmed see if friends and family can offer a helping hand.
5. Settle in
Once you and your belongings have arrived in your new home, it’s time to start unpacking. If you choose our Smooth Move service, we’ll help you settle into your new home as well as move out of your old one. For instance, we unpack your boxes onto a flat surface so you can decide where to put everything. We’ll also assemble furniture, hang pictures, and take away all the boxes when you’re finished with them. All that’s left for you to do is enjoy your new life!
If you’ve moved to a McCarthy Stone retirement apartment, you’ll want to explore the on-site amenities as soon as possible. Wander to the on-site bistro (available at Retirement Living PLUS developments) for a tasty bite to eat or visit the communal areas where your House Manager will introduce you to your new neighbours.
Moving made easy with McCarthy Stone
Ready to start a new chapter? McCarthy Stone retirement homes are based in superb locations across the UK. Start your search for a retirement property now.
If you have any questions about moving to a McCarthy Stone property, contact our friendly team today on 0800 201 4811 or send us a message online. Alternatively, take a look at our FAQs for more information.
