The choice of homes on the market is starting to pick up again, particularly for buyers looking for family-sized houses, a property website has reported.
New data from Zoopla shows that the volume of new listings of homes for sale is now running at five per cent above the five-year average with supply up compared with pre-coronavirus pandemic levels for this time of year in Scotland.
New listings have risen for all property types in the first two months of the year compared with 2021, particularly for three and four-bedroom detached family homes, it added. Zoopla put the average UK house price at £244,100 - which it said is about £80,000 higher than a decade ago.
For those who may be heading into the unknown when it comes to moving home, especially first-time buyers, Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station, offers five handy tips to make sure everything goes smoothly and completely hassle-free.
Make a master list
Moving is a lengthy and a somewhat complex process. You need to account for packing, transport, contacting utility providers, giving notice to landlords and informing your friends and family. With so much to consider, you are bound to forget a thing or two.
Vlatka explains: “To keep yourself on track, make a master list of everything you need to do to complete your move successfully. We suggest breaking tasks into separate days or even weeks, starting from a month before your moving date. This will help you work around prior engagements and make room for new tasks that may come up.”
Pack efficiently
There are several techniques that will make your moving easier, especially when packing items for your first home. It’s important to choose your packing materials carefully - the appropriate boxes can make or break a move. Making sure all boxes are clearly labelled will help ease this process when unboxing.
Vlakta said: “Labelling clearly which items are fragile is incredibly important - you should avoid storing any delicate items at the bottom of or underneath heavy boxes. Also, consider whether you’ll need access to any specific items immediately before or after the move date, and place them somewhere they can be easily reached.”
Consider storage crates
Storage crates are an eco-friendly alternative to boxes or carrier bags when it comes to moving smaller household items. If you decide to go down this route when moving house, you must first figure out how many crates you will need to comfortably move your belongings.
Suitable items for storage crates include books, kitchen supplies and electronics, so once your large furniture has been stored to one side, you can get a better idea of the quantity of items you need to move.
Vlatka explains: “Moving fragile or valuable belongings in storage crates is far more efficient than using boxes. Their sturdy material is not only protective of your items but minimises plastic and cardboard waste that would otherwise come from boxes, bags and tape to seal them.
“Rental services also mean no empty boxes floating around the house once your unpacked, as they get sent back to be re-used by someone else.”
Bringing in the experts
While you may think you can tackle the big day by yourself, your first house move is a completely new experience, so bringing in a few experts is advised. A good removal service will be essential to help transport and lift any heavy furniture. However, bringing in family to help as well will make the move quicker and more fun!
Vlatka said: “Removal services have the correct equipment and knowledge to safely move your belongings between properties, so make sure to book them in advance of the big day. Also consider storage units in case of delays during the move or if you need to move things in increments.”
Triple check everything
At every step of your house moving journey, it is important to check that everything is in order. Go over your inventory as you pack it up, move it into storage or a removal van and again when you move it into the new property. This will ensure you don’t lose anything along the way when things could get chaotic.
Vlatka added: “Moving to your brand-new home can be one of the most exciting things in life. We know it can also be very tricky, especially if you have several items to store and you don’t know where to start.
“A few simple changes can really make a difference and by planning and following a simple plan it can ensure a smooth transition into your first home.”
For more advice on preparing for your first big move, visit the Space Station website here. Get the latest money-saving and benefits news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Money newsletter here.
