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Moving into a new home is never easy – from making the initial decision to put down new roots, all the way through to unpacking your boxes. It’s a stressful time, and not something you can ever prepare for fully.

However, ESPC’s Moving Home Checklist truly does ease the process. Take it from me – hi, I’m Nina. I’m a new member of the Marketing Team here at ESPC and I moved here two weeks ago from Reading. And these are the things that I wish I had known (had I read the checklist before arriving!)

Defrost your freezer in advance

Empty freezer that needs defrosting

This is the first item on the checklist for both purchasers and renters, and something I really should have done much sooner. Not only is the process messy, but it takes time and really isn’t ideal as a last minute job.

It’s far better to roll up your sleeves and get it done two weeks in advance, as the checklist suggests. This means you can get some cleaning done early, helping to relieve a little bit of stress on moving day.

Pack the essentials in a separate box

It may be obvious to some, however it was one I definitely missed. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can just pack an overnight bag and unpack the rest when you get there. Unpacking everything can take up to a couple of weeks, so be sure to put the things you need in a separate and accessible box.

woman's hands taping box closed

This item on the checklist is one that you should do the day before you move, so you can have all your essentials in one place – and sleep a little easier the night before you leave!

Find out what day your bins are collected

The checklist rightly suggests getting this information on moving day. You may not realise it if you haven’t moved before, but you’ll get through a lot of rubbish: boxes will get recycled, packaging will be thrown away and you may decide that some older things need replacing and are unfit for donation.

Either way, that pile will mount up. So, knowing what day the bins go out will help you to organise your mess – and book any additional runs to the tip! A great way to find this out would be to ask the previous owners/tenants, speak to a neighbour or to look it up your local council’s website.

Relax and enjoy your new home

man and woman sat on sofa with hands behind their heads

The final, and most important, item on the list. Moving is a stressful ordeal – some say it is one of the most difficult stages of life. So, you must be sure to remember to be kind to yourself and find the joy in the process – and don’t feel bad if you need a checklist to remind you!

All of these are invaluable pieces of advice, and ones I genuinely wish I had known about before moving. Not only does the ESPC Moving Home Checklist outline what you need to do, but also who you need to inform that you’re moving to a new home.