Moving house is one of life’s more taxing events, and may leave you feeling overwhelmed. So here are a few tips on how to manage the stress of moving.
Planning ahead can help you feel more in control, and avoid those last-minute headaches. To help you get organised, we’ve put together a handy home-move checklist, covering some of the most important steps you’ll need to take before, on and after moving day.
When you have too much to do and too little time, sorting your to-do list by priority will help put things into perspective. Assign a deadline to each task. If things still seem unmanageable, you may need to:
Once you know what your regular rent or mortgage payments will be, it may help to draw up a budget. Before you move, you may want to:
Find your council tax band: You can find the council tax band for your new address here. To find out more about council tax and the maximum bill for each band, check out our quick guide.
Find out the cost of your car insurance, parking and travel: Your car insurance may go up or down when you move. You may also have to pay for parking at your new address. It’s also worth factoring in any additional commuting costs you’ll have to pay.
Get quotes for utilities: You can get quotes for your utility bills and broadband before you move in. To make things easier, why not try Tili, our digital home move assistant. Once you know your moving in date, you can use Tili to choose an energy and broadband tariff.
Think about what items you’ll need for your new home: If you’re renting a furnished property, be aware that not all the items you saw when you viewed it will necessarily be there when you move in. Ask the agent or landlord which items come with the property. Then you can budget for any items you’ll need.
If you’re moving into or between rented accommodation, you can find out more about the costs of moving here.
Stress can make us tired and irritable, which can cause us to shut off from other people. If you’re moving with someone, check in with them and let them know how you’re feeling, bearing in mind they may be feeling overwhelmed too. And if you need to vent, pick up the phone to someone outside your household to let off some steam.
Looking after yourself during stressful life events is important. You may feel you’re too busy to take time out to switch off, but investing a little time in self-care will make you more productive in the long run. This means eating well, getting a good night’s sleep, and taking a break from life admin to tune out. Listen to music you love, take a walk, pick up a book – even just for an hour – and you’ll be amazed at how recharged you feel afterwards.
Tili is a digital home move assistant that lets you set up all your essential services in a few taps. Organise your council tax, water, energy, broadband and TV in minutes. It’s free, and aims to make your home move hassle-free. Click here to find out more.