Moving house / Gtres
Summer is a great time to make some changes, one of which is often renting or buying a new home. If you're thinking of moving, here are a few pro tips to help you avoid all the stress and save yourself a bit of money. From taking full advantage of the 'Do It Yourself' philosophy to getting rid of all that unnecessary junk in your life, this guide is sure to help make your move as smooth as possible. Just be sure to draw up a proper contract instead of doing it under the table!
- First of all, to give you an idea of what it’s going to cost you to move, get the calculator out. More than anything, it will depend on the type of objects you are going to move, on whether you’re going to pack yourself or hire someone to do it for you, how many workers are going to be needed and how far you’re moving, among other things. According to the blog from the Spanish bank Bankia, it can range from 400 euro for the average number of possessions in a flat of up to 50 m2 (538 sq ft), to 800 euro for an apartment of 70-90 m2 (750-950 sq ft) and even up to more than 2,000 euro if you’re changing a large house.
- Always ask for a quote from several companies to compare and contrast prices. Any doubts or questions you have must be specified and cleared up in the contract. It is better to do everything through the proper channels and not to find nasty surprises afterwards when, for example, you are made to pay for something broken during the move. When you go to pay, it's better to do it with an invoice and it is normal practice to pay only once the service has been completed, so if the moving company says any different, find a new one.
- On the other hand, try to do what you can on your own. Leave the big objects – sofas, fridge, washing machine, etc. – for the moving van, but if you have a car, you can move things yourself, or you can rent a van. Don't be a cheapskate; offer to invite your friends for a meal in the new neighbourhood in exchange for a hand with the move. But where to get the boxes? I'm sure the supermarket under your house will have a few spares or you can pick some up at the grocery store.
- While you're packing your bags and boxes, you'll probably find that you have more stuff than you thought and are more of a hoarder than you realised. Follow the advice of famous blogger Marie Kondo and get rid of what you don't need. Sell it on Wallapop, donate it to charity or simply throw it away in the nearest garbage bin, but don't take it with you to your new home.
- Lastly, even if it's not the heaviest thing physically, it can be the one that can gives you the most headaches… don't forget the paperwork! Make a list of all the services contracted in the house you are leaving so you can cancel them, and another list for all the stuff you have to sign for in the new house. Top of your list should be registering yourself and your change of residence with the local council (empadronarse) and change your doctor to the nearest health centre. Then there’s things like changing the name on the electricity, gas and water bills, plus insurance, internet and any other facilities or services you need.
With a little organisation and forward planning, you'll make it out of your move alive.