How to save time and settle in quickly when you get the keys to your new home

Moving house is often described as one of the most stressful things you can do. (Picture: Shutterstock)Moving house is often described as one of the most stressful things you can do. (Picture: Shutterstock)
Moving house is often described as one of the most stressful things you can do. (Picture: Shutterstock)

Moving house is often described as one of the most stressful things you can do - but the work does not stop when you get the keys.

Settling in to your new property can take a while, but there are things you can do to speed up the process and make those first few days and weeks easier.

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The advice comes as Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced an extension to the 'stamp duty holiday' to boost property sales and the housing market.

In his Budget on March 3, Mr Sunak announced the tax break will be extended until the end of June, having originally been due to finish at the end of March.

The holiday means no stamp duty is payable on properties costing up to £500,000. At the end of the holiday, the zero-rate threshold will drop to £125,000.

He also announced plans for the Government to offer incentives to lenders to bring back 95 per cent mortgages, adding: "We want to turn generation rent into generation buy."

Make a survival pack

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Catherine Byrom, business development director at home removals and storage firm Andrew Porter, recommends putting together a survival pack for moving day, so you can get your hands on everything you need quickly.

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She says: “When you’re packing up your home, it can be tempting to just put everything into boxes as quickly as possible, but this can make it quite difficult to find what you need once you’re in your new property.

“We always recommend people clearly label all their boxes with the room they will be going in and what’s inside, so they can be taken straight to the right place.

People moving house are urged to clearly label all their boxes with the room they will be going in and what’s inside. (Picture: Shutterstock)People moving house are urged to clearly label all their boxes with the room they will be going in and what’s inside. (Picture: Shutterstock)
People moving house are urged to clearly label all their boxes with the room they will be going in and what’s inside. (Picture: Shutterstock)

"However, it is also worth thinking about what items you will want first and putting these essentials into a survival pack you can quickly get your hands on.

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“Items might include snacks, bottles of water, toilet rolls and phone chargers. You could also include a kettle and everything you need to make a cup of tea – both you and your removals crew will probably appreciate a break.”

A secure documents box is also a good idea to keep all essential paperwork together so you can find what you need quickly.

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Catherine says: “We all have important documents like passports, birth certificates and financial statements which could cause problems if they went astray. Putting them all together in a storage box or case means you can keep them with you on moving day and know where they are at all times.”

Take note of where the nearest convenience store and supermarket is so you can pick up any essential supplies. (Picture: Shutterstock)Take note of where the nearest convenience store and supermarket is so you can pick up any essential supplies. (Picture: Shutterstock)
Take note of where the nearest convenience store and supermarket is so you can pick up any essential supplies. (Picture: Shutterstock)

Check out where the shops are

She also suggests visiting your new area before moving day, to ensure you are familiar with your new surroundings - take note of where the nearest convenience store and supermarket is so you can pick up any supplies you might need.

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Finally, Catherine recommends prioritising when it comes to unpacking. Start with getting your bedroom set up, so you have somewhere to sleep at the end of a long and busy day.

“Unpack the things which matter most to you and your daily routine first. This doesn’t have to just be practical items – personal possessions will help you feel more at home in your property, so unpack your favourite ornaments and hang your photographs and pictures.

“You may even want to use the same brand of air freshener or scented candle you did in your old place, so your new property smells familiar and feels more like home - this is especially helpful for getting children settled in.”

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