Moving to the other side of town can be a very different experience from moving across the length of the country –
or to a different country altogether, across the channel to Europe, or around the world.
Here in the UK we’ve found that recently many people are moving as far south to the likes of Cornwall, or to the far northern reaches in Scotland – and plenty of other destinations in between.
Moving to the other side of town can be a very different experience from moving across the country, or to a different country. There will be a change of scenery, local culture to adapt to, perhaps even a new language to learn if you’re relocating further afield.
What are people looking for when they are moving in 2021?
The desire for green space is a common reason for moving. Half of the renters (49%) currently in the market surveyed by Rightmove say lockdown has had an impact on what they are looking for. The five things it has affected most are:
wanting all-round space, and a bigger garden or at least access to one- wanting to live in bigger accommodation
- wanting to live in a pet-friendly home
- wanting to be closer to parks and green spaces
- and wanting access to a parking space or garage.
These desires are harder to find within a city’s limits. And new shifts in work and home living arrangements are adding to the type of home and location being chosen.
What are some of the key factors to move further away?
The pandemic has been a key factor, and has brought into sharp focus what has affected people’s lives in this time, such as:
- the lack of gardens
- distance from those in their community
- working from home
- crowded cities when social distancing is a factor
It has also become a time for some people who wish to return to where they grew up and to be nearer to family. Villages, towns and regions all over the UK are on the map for those on the move to new and greener pastures, it seems.
Planning a long distance move
If you haven’t cleared your cupboards in a decade, don’t panic. Perspective is everything. From packing smart to knowing what to ditch is going to be a big factor in your move.
Booking the right removals company is also a big part of your early plans, as the professionals can also help you with your planning. This is for both nearby moves and those on distant shores.
Moving is an adventure – all you need is a reliable plan and a trusted removals firm.
Take into account where you’re moving to – what space is available?
Although many people are making a move to bigger house space, others are trading living space for garden space. So you may be moving to a smaller home than before – in which case it may be a good idea to recycle, sell or give some items to charity.
Your new lifestyle is also part of the plans – if you are moving into a country area, you’ll want to hang on to your bicycles that need dusting off. Or the weather may be different, and that big all-weather outdoor coat could be a future essential!
Develop a packing system – or we can pack for you (including supply of packing materials)
Organise your items into the 4 main categories of:
- items you are keeping and that are moving with you
- items you want to sell
- stuff you want to give away
- junk and old things you want to get rid of – recycling and disposal can be slotted into the plan
Packing to a system: If you’re packing your belongings yourself, a good tip from the professionals who pack for a living is to pack items a room at a time. This way, the unpacking will go easier on the other end. And you’ll be able to lay your hands on your coffee mugs a whole lot quicker for that much-needed cuppa with all the labelled boxes placed in its corresponding room!
Also, some items are time-sensitive. So it’s a matter of packing the rarely used ones first, like the Christmas decorations (unless your move is a week before Christmas!)
If you’re super-organised, number your boxes and keep a spreadsheet of each of their contents.
Apply the one-year rule: If you haven’t used an item in a year, consider donating it to someone who will use it. Carting around those too-tight clothes that have been hanging in the cupboard for ages and the biscuit tin your aunt gave you last Christmas might seem like a good idea, but the truth is that you may never revisit these items again. Paying to transport and store them becomes a waste of your hard-earned money!
Get help: When it comes to moving, getting professional help is the best way to go by far. They know how to pack and transport a houseful of belongings with minimum breakage and fuss. And who doesn’t want a stress-free, insured move with the professionals like Shires Removals?
Know your dates: Knowing when the property will be available, with new keys in hand, is important. This will mean that your belongings will be there at the right time. This will also avoid an expensive mistake if you have to ask a mover to hold your items for a few days.
5 Difficult things to move
Beyond cardboard boxes and various weighty furniture pieces to move, there are certain items that are especially challenging to move. So extra preparation and tender loving care is needed.
- Aquarium and Fish
- Piano
- Art
- TVs
- Plants
Moving plants
House plants are very popular – both as an interior styling trend, and also for the lockdown need of bringing a piece of nature into the home.
A move can be tricky for a plant. If your plants are in ceramic pots, it may be preferable to move them to plastic pots a few weeks before the move.
- Plastic is lighter and won’t break. But you’ll want the plant to get used to the plastic container well before it’s moved.
- Two weeks before moving day, prune larger plants. This makes it easier to transport as well as giving you a healthy plant after your move. Not all plants can be pruned, such as ferns and succulents.
- A week before you move, check for insects and parasites. Ask the removals firm about guidance on pesticides when moving, and also check any regulations about transporting plants if you are moving to another region or country that has their own specific rules.
- Two days before moving day, water your plants normally
- On moving day, or the night before, wrap large plants with an old sheet or soft paper to prevent any branches from breaking
- Depending on the size of the plant, pack in a regular moving box, pack paper around the base of the pots to hold them in place, punch air holes in the sides of the box.
- Label the box clearly and keep them upright
- If possible, you can also move plants in your own car, keeping a comfortable temperature
Once you’ve moved, unpack your plants as soon as possible. You can open the box at the bottom to ease them out. Place them back in their original pots if they were in ceramic ones (to keep the same size of pot too). Allow them to stabilise and heal so that they can flourish once again.
When is the best time to make a long-distance move?
Here in the UK, summer is usually the ideal time. If you have children, this is the best time of the year for the least amount of disruption to their schooling, and it also gives them a chance to settle into their new surroundings and make new friends in the community.
Also, the summer daylight hours mean that you have longer time in the day to get the move completed. And hopefully the weather plays along too – no cold and snow!
Let us move you
Our Shires Removals headquarters is in Yorkshire, but we move you to anywhere in the UK, across the channel, and around the world. We have been moving you for over 46 years, and we also have vast, secure storage facilities. Many have taken advantage of this during the pandemic.
Booking your move
Book your house move in time for your completion date – have a chat with our expert and friendly team who can assist you with any queries and to make a booking – info@shiresremovals.com
