Stay Safe During A House Move

Moving house is one of the most stressful life events possible.  There seem to be so many things to think about and whether you are moving to the other end of the country or just around the corner it pays to plan ahead. 

It’s easy, in amongst all of the potential chaos, to forget about security for both your belongings and your new home.  It is highly likely that there will be times when your worldly goods are packed up around the house, you may have strangers in and out doing the actual moving and the front door, at either property, will be left unlocked.

There are a number of things that should go on your checklist which will help to protect your property, your belongings and your stress levels if you plan ahead.

BOOK YOUR HIRE COMPANY WELL IN ADVANCE

• Choose a reputable company – take recommendations from friends where possible.
• Make sure that they have adequate insurance to cover all of your belongings.
• Ensure they have enough staff to do the move without your close involvement - You can then be the organiser.

DON’T ADVERTISE THE DATE OF THE MOVE

• It’s ok for Granny to know when, where and how you are moving but never, ever draw attention to the fact that your worldly goods are conveniently packaged up and moving from one house to another on a particular day. Don’t chat about it in the post office, newsagents, corner shop and don’t announce it on SOCIAL MEDIA - You never know exactly who is listening or telling someone else that your stuff may end up being unattended and free to any brave thief.

BE VIGILANT DURING THE MOVE

• There are likely to be periods when your belongings are all neatly packaged up and left at either house or next to the removal van ready to be loaded.
• The doors to both houses will be unlocked to allow access – it may pay to have one person allocated the job of keeping an eye on unattended items.
• Keep an inventory so that you know that you have all of your goods after the move.  There is very little that can be done if you finally notice missing items days (or even weeks) after.
• Small valuables should be kept on you preferably. If you have too many items it would be sensible to make sure that they are placed in safe keeping with a trusted family member during the move.

CHANGE THE DOOR LOCKS ON THE NEW HOUSE BEFORE YOU MOVE IN

Think of all the potential keys floating out there:

• Estate Agents
• Service workmen
• Former Residents (or anyone associated with them)

INSURANCE

• Organise your new house insurance in advance.
• Make sure you don’t cancel your old house insurance until all of your belongings have been removed.

ASK FOR/ACCEPT HELP ON MOVING DAY

Having some help can free you up to look out for your belongings and will leave you less stressed or stretched.

• Ask a relative or babysitter to watch your children on moving day and maybe even the day after so that you have less to worry about or distract you.
• Get a family member or friend to take tea making duties so that you are not absent for periods of time.

HOME SECURITY

• Make sure that you have all the alarm details, change the codes and notify any alarm service of your new ownership.
• Take a close look at security weaknesses.  Fit new window locks, bolts on side access gates, garage doors etc.
• Get to know your new surroundings – talk to the neighbours so they know who you are. 
• Check out Neighbourhood Watch Schemes to see if your new area is covered.
• If there are overnight periods when your possessions are left unattended at either the new or old house so take a few precautions:

o   Put a few lights on a timer to pretend someone is at home.

o   Make sure the house is well secured.

o   Try not to let mail or newspapers pile up.

o   Tell new and old neighbours to keep an eye out.

Although moving home is stressful it should also be massively exciting; a new home is essentially a new adventure or new start. 

If you take these few precautionary measures you will certainly reduce the stress and likelihood of losing any of your precious belongings and if the very worst should happen at least you will be adequately covered by insurance.