Moving house is an exhilarating yet daunting task. The thrill of a fresh start comes with its share of difficulties, and there’s the complex task of buying a new place (and possibly selling your old one).
Relocating can be intricate, costly, and a drain on your time, so it’s wise to minimize the frequency of your moves. Keep the following in mind to ensure you choose an ideal location to put down roots and experience a seamless transition once the keys are in your hand.
Consider Safety
When choosing a new area to live in, safety should be paramount. It’s important that your home feels like a secure refuge, which means feeling at ease with your neighbours, the atmosphere of your street, and when venturing around your neighbourhood.
Don’t be fooled by first impressions, as they might not tell the whole story, especially if you visit the property during a particularly quiet time. If you know others who are familiar with the area, seek out their candid insights. Those moving house to a completely new region should think about spending a day to check out the surrounding areas more thoroughly.
Useful data on crime statistics, health reports, and environmental policies for specific areas can be found on the ONS website.
Transportation Options
If you’re dependent on public transportation like buses or trains, scrutinize the transport links available in your new location. Easy access to transportation is essential for maintaining a daily routine that fits your lifestyle.
Look up public transport routes and schedules online, and use tools like Google Maps to pinpoint the closest stops and stations to your prospective home. Make sure your walk to these points is short and secure, particularly at night.
For car owners, traffic, road quality, and safe parking options near your home are also important to consider.
Don’t forget transportation for moving day. The size of your new street could impact whether you can use a large moving truck or need to opt for a van. You might even consider getting temporary car insurance for this purpose.
Moving House: Local Amenities
Explore the immediate vicinity of the property you’re considering to see what amenities are available. They should be accessible and meet most of your daily needs. Consider proximity to shopping areas, fitness centres, eateries, and educational institutions.
Downsizing Your Belongings
Relocating is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of things you no longer use. Sifting through each room and deciding what to keep is integral. Anything non-essential can be donated, recycled, or thrown away.
Organize what you keep in clearly labelled boxes by room and contents. This will help speed up the moving process.
Also, think about the size of your new home and storage capacity. You may need to sell bulky furniture or temporarily rent a storage unit for items that don’t fit.