I have a few clients who are looking to move house as soon as they can, but restrictions either buying, selling or just relocating are thwarting their efforts. So, what can we do whilst we wait?
Now I’m no Marie Kondo, as my family will readily testify, but we can all use this time constructively in the house. Here are some considerations to make use of your lockdown time in preparation for a move.
Photos
Have you boxes of photos sitting waiting for a good time to be sorted? Now is that time! 
We have loose photos, CDs, those ones where you got one big one and 2 small attached…. Each time my husband has been sent on a tour; I’ve always said the photos would be my big project. Along with losing 2 stone, joining a choir, sending happy interesting letters and artwork abroad and keeping the children alive! Well, the children are still here.
Like all sorts of items in the home, the first stop is to the bin, then categorize and distribute/create.
Categorize by year/holiday/house/child, whatever is easiest.
If you are looking to digitalise, PhotoScan creates enhanced digital scans of your photo, with perspective correction and 
automatic edge detection. The App will ask you to take a photo of the print, then 4 more around each corner. By stitching the multiple images together, it removes the glare and improves the quality of your scans.
Once you have your photos sorted, either make a digital or physical album, or pass the photos on.
Declutter
The last thing you want is to be unpacking stuff you don’t need at the far end. It’s a waste of time and money.
Try to view items as keep, give away, or dump. What can you give to friends and family, and what would they rather went to the charity shop or dump?!
Go through your wardrobe and be really ruthless – what haven’t you worn for years and are you really going to get into that 
size ever again?!
Have a good sort through your bookshelves.
If you don’t have room to make separate piles of items, write a list or congregate in one area. It may be impossible to drop loads off at charity shops at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get started.
Administration
Now is not only the time to get that filing done, but also shred the paperwork that is no longer needed. Check with your accountant and solicitor how far back they suggest you keep documents.
If you are downsizing, now is a great moment to sort through old letters, school reports and documents that you might want to pass onto family and friends. Let them decide what to do with them. You may find that whilst you have been carefully looking after fond memories of their school days, they are not that bothered.
When you move you will need to inform a whole raft of companies of your change of address. Start to collate your lists – vehicle, health, financial, health, subscriptions, services, and utilities.
Removal Companies
It’s a good idea to get 3 different quotes from reputable companies. Make sure they are BAR registered.
Removal firms are slowly returning to work, and as of this week will be back in demand in England. Although they are unable to physically come and quote up here in Scotland, they will still be able to give you a rough estimate, along with the different packages they can offer.
Some are offering a virtual estimate, via video chat, but a personal visit will allow you to get a feel for the organisation much better. Remember to ask about insurance, packing, excluded items, and timeframes.
Moving isn’t just the physical act of it – there is lots that needs doing leading up to that moment. Begin by making lists and clearing out your house, all things that can be done while in lockdown. So that when you are able to physically move, most of the work has been completed. If you need any assistance with aspects of moving, get in touch!