We caught up with recent home buyers from across Aberdeen city and shire, to find out their top tips to make sure you’ve got everything covered.

Rachel, Peterculter

“My biggest piece of advice is to check out selling platforms on social media for free cardboard boxes, it’s incredible how many you actually need. 

“Moving house can be an expensive time, and while you can buy dedicated ‘moving’ boxes to help pack your belongings, sourcing them from other people is a great way to keep costs down.

“Also, if you’re struggling to find online platforms, check out local supermarkets or clothing stores on the days they get deliveries. As the boxes normally go in recycling, staff members are usually more than happy to help you out and give you some for no cost.

“If you’re trying to free up boxes for kitchen items and decor, use your suitcase and various bags to pack all your clothes and shoes.”

Shona, Banchory

“Deep clean your new home before unpacking!

“I remember wanting to get my living room and kitchen items unpacked almost immediately and couldn’t wait to enjoy the relaxation of my new dream home. However, while it’s so tempting to do that, you’re really better off cleaning while the space is empty.

“It may not be the most exciting part of moving, but it’s worth it. The space feels fresh and more like your own place. Plus, it feels so satisfying once you’ve furnished each room knowing it’s clean, tidy and organised.”

Ian, Stonehaven

“Categorise and label your boxes”

“I know it may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how easy it is when packing to want to speed up the process by not following a system.

“Make sure the boxes are grouped by similar items and place them in the correct rooms when you unload them from the moving van. It means when you come to unpack each box, you’re not continuously moving it around the house finding where the contents should go.

“My partner and I were fortunate to have family and friends help us, so this system made it much easier for them to crack on and not question where things went either. It saved a lot of time in the long run.”

Greig, Stoneywood

“Check everything in your new property actually works, especially your heating.”

“A solicitor will always advise you on this, but in your missives there is often a particular timeframe where if the heating doesn’t work, the seller is still responsible for the cost of  fixing or replacing the system.

“Put on your heating when you first enter the property, it can be easy to forget in the summer months because you don’t need the warmth, but if you realise it doesn’t work outwith your available window, it could become a major expense.”

Alex, Aberdeen city centre

“Consider your day one needs and focus on your utility providers!

“It can be so easy to get caught up in unpacking, furnishing and decorating, but if you get some of the administrative duties out the way, such as gas, electricity and Wi-Fi, you’ve already got a head-start on relaxing into your new home. Also, if you work from home, having electricity and internet sorted makes for a much smoother transition.

“Firstly, make sure you take the gas and electricity metre readings as soon as you get in,  you’ll need this for when you phone the current provider to make your switch or change the contract to your details.

“It’s also worth having a copy of the seller’s home report and questionnaire handy, sometimes it’s not obvious who the current providers are and this can make things simpler for switching. ASPC has all these documents on the property’s page so I recommend downloading before purchase completion so you have them on file.”

Scott, Ellon

“Make a list of all your key documents that you need to change your address for, especially your driving licence and bank!

“Although it may feel like a low priority, it needs to be done immediately and it’s actually  quite a quick job. Being able to tick a task off what seems like a never-ending to-do list feels very productive.”

ASPC is passionate about helping buyers, renters and sellers across the North East move home. From the initial discovery of a property, right through to moving in, our team has created a range of insightful blog posts and information pages that will provide some helpful tips to make your move as simple and efficient as possible.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with one of our team members on centre@aspc.co.uk.