Your guide to moving home this autumn

Yet autumn can bring challenges, from less daylight to heavy rain showers just as you begin unloading boxes. In this post, we share practical tips on preparing for a calm, straightforward move.

1. Start planning early

The best of us can underestimate how long moving takes. If possible, start your planning at least six weeks before moving day by listing everything you need to do – including booking movers, notifying utilities, and finding packing materials like boxes and bubble wrap. 

When it comes to removal companies, get at least three quotes to compare. And look for reviews or ask your friends for recommendations to make sure you’re hiring reliable movers.

2. Sort through your belongings

Okay, so you might already have a long to-do list, but reducing what you need to pack and transport will save you time and money. Go through each room and decide what to keep or throw away (donate or sell unwanted items if you can). You can then move into your new home that much lighter!

3. Create a weather-proof packing system

Are you ready for wet weather? First, find enough sturdy cardboard boxes that won’t soften when hit with a rain shower or placed on a damp step. Second, get organised so you know what’s in each box, including which ones contain fragile items and which ones you need for your first few days. 

Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to (possibly using colour-coded labels or markers so you and the delivery company can easily see, even in low light). For your first night in your new home, prepare a box of essential items such as toiletries, warm clothes, medications, and any useful documents. After a tiring day of moving, the last thing you want is to realise you don’t have your toothbrush.

4. Notify companies of your move

• Handling this admin promptly can minimise the disruption of changing your address. For example:
• Tell your employer, banks, insurance providers, and any subscription services the date and details of your move
• Contact your internet provider two to four weeks before moving day so you’re quickly online again
• Arrange for the post office to forward any mail with the old address to your new one
• Update your driver’s licence and vehicle registration, if needed
• Take final gas and electricity meter readings and contact the providers

5. Gear up for moving day

Autumn gives us less natural light in the afternoons, especially once the clocks change at the end of October. Also, strong winds and rain can create muddy paths and tricky conditions for moving boxes.

A few days beforehand, confirm all details with your moving company, including arrival time, addresses, and any special instructions. Write a checklist of all your boxes and items to help you keep track of everything.

If storms are expected, find suitable shoes like rubber-soled boots to avoid slipping on wet paths and decide who is doing which job – for example, someone might be inside sorting the boxes while another person is directing the movers.

6. Prepare your new home

Before your boxes arrive, aim to make sure your new home is ready for moving in. Is the bathroom clean? Do the closets need a wipe down? It’s far easier to deep-clean and fix problems at this stage than wait until your belongings cover every floor.

7. Settle in and appreciate your hard work

While it can be tempting to embark on DIY projects and changes as soon as you’re unpacked, take some time to see how you and your family use the various parts of the property. You might, for example, revise your plans for an extension or choose to paint the hallway another colour. What’s more, it can feel great to pause and celebrate your new home, whether that’s throwing a housewarming party or simply enjoying a quiet meal in your gorgeous new kitchen.