Going through the moving process is both stressful and exciting. There are lots of things to worry about and getting all your furniture, energy, broadband, bins, and people from A to B needs a lot of organisation. Luckily, we're here to help with our comprehensive Moving section to make sure your move is as smooth and hassle free as possible! Whether you are buying a house, renting a place, or moving an office, we have guides covering every aspect of the process.
How To Plan Your Move
Planning your move might look daunting at first with so much to remember but it will save you a lot of time and grief once you get going. Here are a few basic steps to sort out before you begin any moving:
- Know Your Moving Date — If you know when you're moving, you can be sure to contact everyone you need to before your move. This includes landlords, utility companies, removal companies, so highlighting a definite date for your move will make everything clear from the get go.
- Labels and Boxes — Before you even start your big clear out, organise your household items into boxes and label them, and start packing room by room. Make sure you've got your kitchenware and bathroom accessories all separated out to make your unpacking a doddle.
- List Potential Problems — Prepare a list of the typical problems that come up when moving such as making sure the electricity and gas meters are working, double checking for water leaks, and what type of broadband connection is at the property. This will help you avoid any costly surprises you might find on moving day.
Need Help Setting Up Your New Home?
Moving house? Our experts at Selectra can set up your energy, broadband, and utilities in one free call — saving you time and money.
How To Pack When Moving House
No matter how much you need to pack when moving house, here are a few tips that will help you with any packing you have to do:
- Get an Assortment of Moving Boxes — Small boxes for heavy items like books, medium and large boxes for other lighter items. Wardrobe and special mirror boxes can be handy as well if necessary.
- Packing Tape and a Marker — You will want to secure your items and easily be able to retrieve them
- Use Protective Items — You can use newspapers, bubble wrap, and styrofoam to pack your fragile articles.
- Plastic and Ziplock bags — Use these for any items containing liquids like shampoo, perfume, etc. Should an object accidentally break or open in transport, you will limit the spill to inside the bag itself.
- Always Place Heavier Items — At the bottom of any box and lighter ones on top.
- Keep Your Valuables with You! — Passports, birth certificates, bank account statements, and other sensitive personal information. Have a special box for these and place it in your personal vehicle for the move.
Checking for Potential Problems
After moving house, you should check your home for potential problems. A quick walkthrough on your first day in your new flat or house will either give you peace of mind and allow you to deal with any problems straight away.
Problem checklist:
- Cracks in drywall or signs of stress in walls and ceilings
- Water damage and dampness
- Any potential problems with the plumbing or light fixtures
- Signs of insect or other pest infestation
- Any strange smells, which could be a sign of plumbing or water issues
You'll also want to turn on all lights, fans, taps, the boiler and air conditioning if applicable to make sure everything is working. Be mindful of noise pollution from your new surroundings, which can affect your quality of life.
Addressing Home Maintenance Problems
So what should you do if you do find a problem? If you're renting, you should contact the owner, landlord or property manager straight away. In Ireland, renters are guaranteed certain rights, making many home maintenance issues the responsibility of the owner.
If you are the owner of your home, you're responsible for its upkeep. That means you'll either have to hire a professional or tackle the project yourself.
Finding Your Meters
You'll need to locate your gas and electricity meters and take a meter reading to be sure everything is in order. If you find unexpected debt on the meter, you should contact your supplier to make sure you won't receive bills for energy used by former tenants. You should also find your MPRN. You'll need to know this reference number when calling your current or potential future energy suppliers.
Making the Switch
Remember, if you decide to switch, it will take between 14 and 21 days for the switch to take place and you will have a 14-day cooling-off period to change your mind. If the energy supply at your previous property was in your name, you should receive a final bill from your previous company within 6 weeks. If your account was in credit, the supplier will issue you a refund. Don't forget to change your address with all your service providers. If you are a student, check out our guides on student costs and student energy bills.
Getting Your Waste Collection Set Up
When moving house in Ireland, you will need to make sure you set up your waste collection services. In Ireland you have a range of different waste service providers to pick from but who you can choose depends on where you live or move to. You should take a look around at the different offers in your area and choose the services you need, from recycling, glass and plastic!
Need Help Setting Up Your New Home?
Moving house? Our experts at Selectra can set up your energy, broadband, and utilities in one free call — saving you time and money.
Getting Connected with Broadband
The broadband line for your house or apartment is most likely already connected. If it isn't, some broadband providers will connect you with a line for free when you sign up for a broadband plan.
If you already have a broadband provider and don't want to make a switch, contact them directly to confirm that they provide service in your new region. If they do, you should be able to transfer your same plan and service without any problem. You might have to pay a moving home fee between €20 to €60.
Do I Need a TV Licence?
The TV Licence is still important if you want to watch live TV broadcasts and access RTÉ services. If you are found to be watching live broadcasting without a TV Licence, you can receive a hefty fine. If you are a student and have moved into new university accommodation, you must have a TV Licence of your own in order to watch TV.
If you need help with the physical move, take a look at our guide to house removals for tips on finding the right company. You can also read about the housing crisis in Ireland to understand the current market conditions. If you are relocating from abroad, our moving to Ireland section has everything you need to know.