young family moving into new home

The Overlooked Parts of Moving Home in 2025

Published: August 06, 2025 by  Marguerite Cotter

Moving home is one of life’s biggest transitions and while most people focus on packing boxes and hiring movers, there are many overlooked details that can make or break your move. At PhoneWatch, we understand the chaos of moving house and want to help you feel safe, secure, and prepared every step of the way.

Hidden Home Issues to Spot Before You Move

Before you commit to your new home, take time to inspect for signs of damp, mould, and structural damage. Bubbling paint, musty smells, and persistent condensation can be costly surprises. Moving house can be expensive, so a thorough check now can save thousands later and ensure your new home is a safe haven for your family. If you do spot issues, bring it to the attention of the estate agent / seller and ensure everything is rectified before you are moving in.

Hidden Moving Costs and Budget Surprises

From last-minute cleaning fees to unexpected utility deposits, moving home often comes with hidden costs. Don’t forget packing supplies, rescheduling fees, and professional services if you’re hiring moving fans can all add up. If you have to leave your current home before moving into your new home, you may also want to budget for storage fees. Planning ahead with a detailed budget can help you avoid financial stress.

One thing you don’t have to worry about is your alarm installation if you’re a PhoneWatch customer. Keep this top of your moving in tips. As a PhoneWatch customer, you simply have to notify us that you’re moving home and we’ll install a new alarm for you free of charge.

It’s essential to know how to avoid budget surprises. Simply follow the below moving out tips:

  • Get Multiple Quotes: Compare at least three moving companies.
  • Request a Binding Estimate: Prevents price hikes on moving day.
  • Use a Moving Checklist: Helps track tasks and expenses.
  • Track Expenses: Use a spreadsheet or app to monitor spending.
  • Ask About Hidden Fees: Be direct with service providers.

Forgotten Essentials People Regret Leaving Behind

It’s easy to overlook small but vital items when moving home. Passports, jewellery, prescriptions, chargers, and even houseplants often get left behind. Making a moving in tips checklist of essentials will help you stay on track. Also, it’s important to update your pets’ microchip details to reflect your new address. These moving out tips can save you time and heartache.

Logistics and Organisation People Don’t Think About

When you’re moving house, you need to take into account the differences in your current home and new home and make necessary adjustments. Measure doorways for large furniture, photograph electronics before disconnecting, and create an itemised inventory, so you’re aware of everything you have. Avoid mid-day chaos by scheduling your move early or late in the day. These moving house tips will help streamline your move and make setting up your home alarm system much easier.

Emotional Strain of Moving Home with Family

Moving home isn’t just physical, it’s emotional. Adults face stress, children experience anxiety, and pets can feel unsettled. Declutter while kids are away, plan downtime after the move, and talk openly about the change. A secure home environment, including a reliable alarm system, can help everyone feel more at ease.

family surrounded by boxes stressed about moving home

 

First-Night Essentials Kit for a Smooth Landing

Pack a first-night kit with toiletries, snacks, pet supplies, bedding, chargers, and key documents. These moving in tips ensure you’re not rummaging through boxes when you just want to relax, this way you’ll have all your necessary items to hand. And don’t forget to test your home alarm system on day one and arm it every day and night for maximum security.

 

Leveraging Tech Tools to Simplify the Move

man looking at clipboard while moving house

QR labels, inventory apps, Notion templates, and spreadsheets can make your move more efficient. Keep track of everything and reduce post-move confusion.

The advancement in technology has made moving home much easier with efficient tools such as QR labels, inventory apps, Notion templates, and spreadsheets. These will all make your move more efficient. Keep track of everything and reduce post-move confusion.

QR Labels for Smart Packing

What they do: QR labels can be scanned to reveal the contents of a box without opening it.

How to use: Use apps like Sortly or Boximize to generate QR codes linked to digital inventories.

Benefits:

    • Instantly know what’s inside each box.
    • Prioritize unpacking based on room or urgency.
    • Reduce time spent searching for essentials.

 

Inventory Apps

Popular options: Sortly, Moving Organizer, Magic Home Inventory.

Features:

    • Track items by category, room, or value.
    • Add photos and notes for each item.
    • Export lists for insurance or moving companies.

Benefits:

    • Prevents loss or damage.
    • Helps with insurance claims.
    • Makes unpacking more efficient.

 

Notion Templates for Move Planning

Why Notion? It’s flexible, visual, and collaborative.

Template ideas:

    • Moving timeline with key dates.
    • Budget tracker with expected vs. actual costs.
    • Checklist for utilities, address changes, and packing.

Benefits:

    • Centralized planning hub.
    • Shareable with family or roommates.
    • Easy to update and customize.

 

Spreadsheets for Budgeting and Tracking

Tools: Google Sheets, Excel, Airtable.

Use cases:

    • Track moving expenses and receipts.
    • Compare quotes from movers.
    • Monitor progress on packing and tasks.

Benefits:

    • Clear financial overview.
    • Helps avoid overspending.
    • Great for post-move analysis.

 

Eco-Friendly Moving Practices for 2025

Moving home sustainably is easier than ever. Use reusable bins, donate unwanted items, wrap fragile goods in towels, and rent eco-friendly packing materials. A green move is a smart move and benefits you and everyone who receives your unwanted equipment.

 

FAQs About Moving Home

What is the meaning of moving home?

It’s the process of relocating your household from one residence to another.

What is the most overlooked cost of moving home?

Cleaning fees, utility deposits, and last-minute packing supplies often catch people off guard.

Why is moving so hard emotionally?

It involves leaving behind memories, routines, and familiar spaces, especially challenging for families as they need to adjust to their new surroundings.

What is the cheapest way to move a house?

Be organised, plan early, declutter, use reusable materials, and compare moving quotes. DIY where possible helps reduce expenses while moving home.

What should you not pack when moving?

Important documents, valuables, and daily essentials should stay with you and not be packed in boxes and put in moving truck. As it would be stressful to quickly locate them.

How long on average does it take to move a house?

From planning to settling in, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It can vary based on the size of your home and how long it takes to pack to the distance between your current house and new home.

How can I prepare kids emotionally for a move?


Talk openly, involve them in packing, and maintain routines. Bring them to your new home early in the moving process and pick out interesting places in your new locality to explore and help them get excited about the moved rather than worried.

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