Moving house is an exciting adventure, but it's also a time when a little courtesy goes a long way. Whether you're saying goodbye to neighbours or thanking the professionals who make it happen, observing moving etiquette can make the journey smoother for everyone involved.
In this guide, we'll explore the essential dos and don'ts for moving with grace and consideration, ensuring your transition is not just a seamless one, but also leaves a positive last impression.
The do's of moving house:
From proactive planning to thoughtful gestures, these do's will set you on the path to a successful and enjoyable move. Let's dive right in and discover how to make your move a positive one.
1. Communicate with your neighbours
Moving day is a big event, not just for you, but also for those around you. Being considerate and communicating effectively can go a long way in ensuring a smooth transition for everyone involved.
It's courteous to let your neighbours know about your upcoming move, especially if it might cause any disruptions like moving vans or temporary parking restrictions. By giving them a heads-up, you can minimise any inconvenience for them
Try to give your neighbours plenty of notice, ideally a few weeks before your move, so they can plan accordingly. Be mindful of their schedules and preferences when scheduling moving activities, avoiding early mornings or late nights whenever possible.
2. Respect building regulations
Moving into or out of a shared building comes with a responsibility to respect and abide by specific rules set by building management or homeowners associations. If you live in a large residential area or block of flats, this one is particularly important.
Before your move, take the time to review any regulations relating to moving procedures, lift usage, and disposal of packing materials within your building or community. Familiarising yourself with these guidelines can help you avoid potential conflicts or even fines.
If you have a lot of stuff and the only way to get it out is using the communal lift, you may want to coordinate with building management or fellow residents to schedule lift usage for your move. Be mindful of designated moving hours and prioritise sharing lift access with other residents. Keeping pathways clear and minimising disruptions will go a long way to maintain a positive atmosphere for everyone.
Don't forget to dispose of packing materials in line with building regulations and local waste management policies. Break down boxes, recycle materials whenever possible, and don't leave items in common areas or hallways. By keeping shared spaces clean and clutter-free, you can contribute to a pleasant environment for all residents.
3. Thank those that help you
Moving professionals play a crucial role in facilitating a smooth and successful transition to your new home. Friends and family also often help out, too. So don't forget to say thank you, it really does go a long way.
Moving entails more than just heavy lifting — it requires skill, expertise, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional service. Take a moment to acknowledge the dedication of moving professionals, recognising the vital role they play in easing the moving process. Trust us, it will make their day!
And don't forget to share your positive experiences with moving professionals by leaving them a raving review online. Whether it's on the company's website, social media platforms, or review websites, your feedback serves as a testament to their professionalism and helps future customers make informed decisions.
Talking of reviews, have you checked ours out? Spoiler alert; they're glowing.
4. Leave the place clean and tidy
Leaving your old property in a clean and tidy condition is not just good manners — it's a testament to your respect for the space and consideration for the next occupants. Sweep away any debris left behind from the moving process and ensure that surfaces are free of dust and grime. By leaving the property spotless, you pave the way for a fresh start for its next occupants. And let's face it, one of the best parts about moving home is getting that fresh start in a new, clean space.
As you check your old property one last time, keep an eye out for any minor damages that may have occurred during your time there. Whether it's a scuff on the wall or a scratch on the floor, taking the initiative to patch up these imperfections demonstrates your respect for the space and helps maintain its overall condition. Plus, it also ensures you aren't charged for any damages and don't lose your deposit (if renting).
Before you turn over the keys, also double-check that you've removed all of your personal belongings from the place, too. This includes thoroughly checking closets, cabinets, and any other nooks and crannies where items may have been stashed away.
The don'ts of moving house:
As you prepare for your upcoming move, it's essential to not only focus on what you should do, but also on what you shouldn't. By steering clear of common pitfalls and missteps, you can ensure an effortless transition to your new home.
Let's explore some key don'ts to keep in mind as you move on.
1. Don't block access points
Ensuring access points remain unobstructed during your move might seem like a small detail, but it's a significant consideration for both you and those around you.
On moving day, the last thing you want is to unintentionally inconvenience your neighbours or disrupt the flow of traffic. Blocking driveways, side walks, or communal areas with moving vehicles or belongings can create frustration and potential conflicts.
Think about the impact: neighbours struggling to park or access their homes, pedestrians having to navigate around obstacles, and the risk of emergency services not being able to get by. By being mindful of these consequences, you can take proactive measures to prevent blocked access points and maintain positive relationships within your community.
That being said, sometimes access points are temporarily blocked when moving home, it's just part and parcel of the process. Locals are often very understanding of this. If it's only for a short-while, it's probably fine, just make sure it's not the whole day.
2. Don't leave any litter
You may be tempted to leave unwanted items or packing materials in common areas or on the curb during the chaos of moving day. However, this can lead to cluttered and unsightly surroundings for your neighbours and passers-by. It's crucial to avoid this and instead take responsibility for any waste.
By neglecting proper disposal, it not only creates eyesores but also contributes to environmental pollution. Discarded items left on the curb can end up in landfills or harm wildlife if not disposed of properly. Let's do our part to minimise waste and protect our planet.
So, take the time to responsibly dispose of or recycle any unwanted items. This may involve donating usable items to local charities, recycling materials like cardboard and paper, or arranging for bulky item pickup with local waste management services.
3. Don't forget to update your contact details
As you prepare to move, it's essential to remember to update your contact information with relevant parties. This includes utility companies, subscription services, and government agencies. Failing to do so can result in missed mail or important notifications during the transition period, causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience.
Take the time to update your contact details to ensure you stay connected and informed throughout the moving process.
4. Don't be too noisy
Moving day can be hectic, but it's essential to be mindful of noise levels, especially in shared living spaces or residential areas. Loud noises during early morning or late evening hours can disrupt the peace and tranquillity of your neighbourhood, causing frustration for your neighbours.
As you go about your move, make a conscious effort to minimise noise disturbances, whether it's from moving furniture, loading trucks, or conversations with movers. By being considerate of the locals' peace and quiet, you can ensure a more harmonious moving experience for everyone.
Obviously, some noise and general chatter is of course to be expected and absolutely fine. Just try not to be too loud during dusk or dawn.
Need more moving advice?
Looking for some more moving hints and tips? Well, you're in luck, because we have plenty more where that came from in our advice hub. With 25 years of combined experience, we're the experts on everything moving related. So why not check out some of our most popular articles?
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