Moving House During Lockdown; A Solo Survival Guide

Published by Cherry Mortgage & Finance Ltd on 14th January 2021 -

Moving house is still allowed under the lockdown rules. However, the government has made it clear people outside of your household bubble should not help, unless it is absolutely essential. So here’s our handy guide to moving house solo during lockdown. First things first, you need to sell your current property and buy another one. Luckily, estate agents and mortgage advisers can still work, so you don’t have to do this alone.  Contact your adviser to find out your options and get an idea of what you might be able to afford.

Meanwhile, your estate agent will start finding buyers and for that photos are key. And we mean, great photos. Your agent may take these for you or you might need to brush up on your skills. Either way, make sure you show off your home’s best bits. That means things are well lit (cave-like bedrooms don’t scream ‘buy me’), rooms are clean and tidy(ish) and you’ve covered any unsightly features.

Once you’ve found a buyer and a new home (hooray!), it’s time for the packing to begin. This can seem like a mammoth task but we have some tips. Firstly, start with non-fragile items that you won’t need urgently, so you can bury these boxes and stack as you go. Books are a good option. Whatever you start with, make sure you label the box with the contents and the room it goes in. This is especially important if you’re opting for a removals service, but please check first if the firm you are using are exempt from the restrictions.

It’s also a good idea to pack a bag with everything you need for the first 24 hours: spare underwear, toothbrush, phone charger etc. Finally, although it would be lovely if everyone left their property ‘livein’ ready, you may find yourself walking into a pigsty. So, keep a box of cleaning products easily accessible, just in case.

Lastly, get your utilities in order. Let your current suppliers know you’re moving out and set up meter readings and installations for your new place. It could be a week or more before appointments are available so it’s best to get in early; no one wants to be stuck in lockdown without any internet or TV for weeks. And for the inevitable first days where you are wifi-less, download something to watch from Netflix (or your streaming service of choice!). Trust us, you’ll want to veg out in front of a screen after moving day.