Time to Move It, Move It!

‍The semester’s not the only thing coming to an end soon! With tenancies expiring and new homes waiting, now’s the chance to start considering how you’re going to move.

This article has been written by Sophie Layton, a UniHomes Content Ambassador.

As the end of term approaches, it’s notlong until hundreds of thousands of students make the transition from old house to new house. From a girl who’s done this three times already, and is now preparing for move number four, here’s some of my top tips!

#1 Find a House!

Before you even consider moving, you’llwant to be sure your house for next year is sorted. If you haven’t already, grab some friends and check out the UniHomes website. As a platform that works directly with letting agents, they’re your best chance of finding your ideal home (with bills included!).

#2 Have you got a Crossover?

One of the biggest factors to consider is whether you have a ‘crossover’ - a period where you have access to both your current and new accommodation simultaneously. This can really impact how you choose to move your items and whether you’ll need temporary storage, so check both of your contracts sooner rather than later.

#3 Let there be Light! (please)

Imagine the scene: You put down the final box, take a breath and decide to take a shower. Alas, as you turn it on,no water comes out, the lights don’t work, and you’re stuck using your mobile data! Make sure you’ve got your utilities in place before you arrive. If they’re not included in your accommodation, consider setting up an all-inclusive package with a utility provider, to keep them all in one place. Some providers also keep the monthly payments the same, which provides further peace of mind when it comes to budgeting.

#4 Tools!

Before packing the aforementioned box, you’ll need a box in which to pack. Make sure you’ve got the right bags andsuitcases, or boxes and brown tape. Consider which method will be bestdepending on your crossover and transport method - carrying a big cardboard boxup a hill is a lot harder than using a wheeled suitcase.

#5 Getting from Home A toHome B

One of the biggest influences when planning your move is how you will get your items from your current house to your new one and using this to plan everything else! Whether you’re conscripting family members, asking that one friend who drives very nicely or buckling down for a dozen trips yourself, figure out how you’re transporting everything to your new home, and everything else falls into place.

#6 Divide & Conquer!

You’re not the only person who’s going to be moving – chances are all your new housemates will be joining you too, each with their own crossovers and transport methods. In the spirit of camaraderie and friendship, club together! If someone doesn’t have a cross over, see if you can store some of their items. Space in the car? Throw in something of your new housemates to lend them a hand!

#7 The Bare Necessities

If you have a decent crossover, and aremoving everything yourself bit by bit, you may not be able to do it all in one day. If this is the case, make sure to plan what needs to be taken first andleft until last; if you take all your cooking utensils over immediately, youmight struggle for dinner later on!

#8 Take Photos!

If you’re sentimental like me, make sure your camera is to hand! Take pictures of both your old and new houses when you’re fully settled and when it’s empty, for something to look back on and reminisce (it can also help at a later stage for deposit purposes). And if you’re all moving in at the same time, you might get some cute moving-in photos with your housemates too!

#9 Final Checks

As you take out your final box, don’t forget to have one last sweep to be sure you haven’t left anything. Check under the bed, all the cupboards and drawers, the kitchen, bathroom and basement. I found an entire drawer full of clothes when I moved into my third-year house -don’t be that person who ends up regretting not checking!

#10 Decorate

Once everything’s moved and you’ve fully arrived in your new house, enjoy making your new house a home for you and your friends! To style your room and make it more inviting, I’d suggest using command strips to hold pictures in place, as they’re less likely to damage your walls.

Moving into a new home is an exciting moment, a time for new memories and a new chapter. Follow these tips to make getting there that bit easier.

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