The UK property market is experiencing a strong period of sales, with hoards of people on the move across the North East.
According to the UK House Price Index, house prices in the North East have increased by 8% in the past year and the average UK house cost £154,913 in March 2022.
Last spring, Property Mark reported that one in six properties sold over the asking price. Homes and gardens look better in the Spring sunlight, and the number of potential buyers can slow down significantly in the winter months.
But whilst spring may be a popular time of year to move, relocating can be overwhelming and transporting your family, pets and possessions can feel like a huge challenge. The NHS even cites moving home as one of the leading life events to cause high levels of stress and anxiety.
Whilst Brits prepare to downsize, the decluttering attached to it can be emotionally and physically tiring.
Declutter your belongings
Spend a few hours at a time decluttering and stick to one room, drawer, or wardrobe to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with rooms you use the least, like the spare bedroom, garage or attic and leave the well-used kitchen until last. Tackling the visible clutter on surfaces or the floor will give yourself more space to work.
Richard Hohler, General Manager at Bishop’s Move, suggests asking friends of family to help you decide what to throw or keep. If you’re someone who struggles to part with things, their impartial voice can help you see which items are important.
He said: “They’ll have less sentimental attachment to items, so can encourage you to downsize more effectively.”
Finding a new home for your belongings
Donating unwanted goods is not only a sustainable choice, but some charities offer collection services. According to children’s charity Barnardo’s, decluttering will also help up to 18,000 disadvantaged families in 2022.
But be warned, Richard advises not to leave your decisions until last minute. “Deciding what should go on the day of the move will add considerable time and stress to the process,” he said. “Decide what to donate and what is rubbish and put it out weekly for collection by your local authority.”
Prepping your belongings
When packing, mark what room you want items to be delivered to at your new home with a sticker or label to make unpacking easier.
Richard suggests finding or making a detailed floor plan of your new home too, measuring large items you may want to take with you to be sure that they will fit and not look out of place.
He added: “Keep essential documentation separate with your mobile and charger. Have an ‘essentials’ box or bag at the ready.”
Seek help where needed
When heading for your new home, additional costs can leave you tempted to cut corners, but the physical toll and stress of doing it yourself can outweigh the cost of using a professional relocation service.
Trained professionals are experienced in packing, handling and loading delicate and heavy items, and can arrange for handymen or electricians to dismantle wardrobes and beds, or safely disconnect light fittings or appliances.
Richard said: “You’ll need to hire a vehicle large enough to carry everything you own and ensure that you have enough resources at hand to pack and move everything on the day of completion.”
Leaving your current property
The property chain is often the biggest obstacle when moving and communication between all parities is key, but Richard suggests there are options for affordable storage solutions in the interim period if such an issue arises.
He advised “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.”
Making the move smoother for the tenants, you can leave additional and essential keys and instructions for the new occupants visible. If you’re feeling really kind, you can leave notes around utilities and what day the bins need to go out.
For more tips on how to make your move as stress-free as possible, visit here: https://www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/content-and-resources/friends-and-family/stress-free-moving-guide/