Moving into a new home can be exciting and also stressful—especially if you’re planning home improvements at the same time. Balancing the logistics of moving with renovations may seem complicated, but with careful planning and professional support, it’s possible to handle both without breaking a sweat. Getamover.co.uk prepared a guide that will show you how to take control of the process, ensuring your new home is transformed exactly as you envision it, all while managing the move.

1.  Do the Basic Checks

Before moving in, it’s essential to make sure your new home’s foundational systems are in good working order. This includes checking the plumbing, wiring, roofing, and general structure of the house. These core systems are much easier to assess and repair when the home is still empty.

You can schedule inspections before your move to ensure that any necessary repairs or upgrades are completed ahead of time. That way, you won’t have to deal with major disruptions after your belongings are in place.

2.  Set a Flexible Timeline

To help removal companies and clients work together more effectively, it’s essential to agree on a flexible timeline instead of sticking to a rigid moving date, especially when dealing with potential renovation delays.

David Burrows, Head of Getamover.co.uk, highlights the importance of open communication between contractors:

“We often have clients book early but face renovation delays. Keeping movers informed allows them to adjust their schedules, avoiding extra costs and missed deadlines.’’

3.  Prioritize Key Areas: Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are high-traffic areas that are crucial for daily life. They’re also the most disruptive to renovate, so focusing on these spaces first can make your move much smoother.

4.  Protect Your Belongings During Renovations

During renovations, dust from activities like sanding, painting, or demolition can easily ruin upholstery or scratch wood surfaces. If your furniture is already in place, it’s essential to protect it with high-quality covers to prevent damage, avoiding unnecessary wear and costly repairs.

• Plastic furniture covers or drop cloths: Affordable and easy to find at any home improvement store, these cover large surfaces and provide basic protection from dust and debris.
• Furniture moving blankets: Thicker and more durable, these offer better protection for fragile or valuable items, especially against scratches or light bumps. They’re also great for padding furniture that may be near high-traffic areas.

If you also live in the house at the moment of construction, try to seal off rooms undergoing renovation by using temporary plastic walls or dust barriers. These help contain dust, debris, and fumes, preventing them from spreading to other areas of the house.

• Zipwall dust barriers: These are temporary plastic walls with zipper openings that can be quickly set up to create a barrier between the construction area and the rest of your home.
• Adhesive plastic floor covering: Lay this over flooring in high-traffic areas or around renovation zones to prevent scratches, dust accumulation, or paint spills on hardwood, tile, or carpet.

You can also use painter’s tape to seal doorways or air vents to prevent dust from circulating through your home’s HVAC system.

5.  Plan for Temporary Living Spaces

During renovations, it’s helpful to designate a room for living that’s untouched by construction, like a finished guest bedroom or basement. This keeps you away from dust and noise. Also, to maintain some peace during the construction process—especially if you work from home—invest in noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.

However, if the renovation is extensive and leaves parts of your home uninhabitable, consider temporary rentals, nearby hotels, or staying with friends or family to stay close and monitor progress. If you’re looking to cut costs, staying with friends or family who live close by is another option.

6.  Invest in Storage for Non-Essential Items

During renovations, storing non-essential items can significantly streamline the process and prevent your belongings from getting in the way of contractors. Large furniture, appliances, and other bulky items can make navigating the space difficult and slow down the renovation work.

To avoid this, renting a storage unit for items you won’t need during the construction phase can keep your home organized and your belongings protected from dust and damage. Here are the average rates for storage units for reference:

Unit Size	Contents	Price per Week
Small (25-35 sq ft)	Small items or a room’s worth of furniture	£20 – £40
Medium (50-75 sq ft)	Contents of a 1-2 bedroom flat	£40 – £80
Large (100-150 sq ft)	Contents of a 3-4 bedroom home	£80 – £150

7.  Finalize Paint and Flooring Last

Painting and installing new floors should be saved for last to avoid damage during the renovation process. Fresh paint and new flooring can easily be scuffed or scratched by construction workers or while moving large furniture.

If you need to move your furniture in after renovations, consider hiring professional movers like the team at Getamover.co.uk, request moving quotes and discuss the details regarding safety. They use padded blankets, floor runners, and corner protectors to safeguard walls and floors, preventing scratches or dents during the move.