Time to Move It, Move It: 10 Tips for Moving House as a Student

About the author: My name is Sophie Layton, and I’m an MA International Public & Political Communication and BSc Biology graduate from the University of Sheffield. I am currently the Managing Editor of WILD Magazine, Editor of Ed Fringe Review, and Newsletter Editor for the Essex International Jamboree, as well as former Arts & Theatre Editor of Forge Press. I am also the Digital Media Officer for the Student Publication Association. I am a keen thespian with the Sheffield University Theatre Company, with interests in culture, LGBTQ+ issues and political science.

As the end of term approaches, it’s not long until hundreds of thousands of students make the transition from old house to new house. From a girl who’s done this three times already (and is now preparing for move number four), here are some of my top tips!

1. Find a house! 🏠

Before you even consider moving, you’ll want to be sure your house for next year is sorted. If you haven’t already, grab some friends and check out the UniHomes website. As a platform that works directly with letting agents, they’re your best chance of finding your ideal home (with bills included!).

2. Have you got a crossover? 🔀

One of the biggest factors to consider is whether you have a ‘crossover’ – a period where you have access to both your current and new accommodation simultaneously. This can really impact how you choose to move your items and whether you’ll need temporary storage, so check both of your contracts sooner rather than later.

3. Let there be light! (please) 💡

Imagine the scene: you put down the final box, take a breath, and decide to take a shower. Alas, as you turn everything on, no water comes out, the lights don’t work, and you’re stuck using your mobile data! Make sure you’ve got your utilities in place before you arrive. If they’re not included in your accommodation, consider setting up an all-inclusive package with a utilities provider to keep them all in one place. Some providers also keep the monthly payments the same, which provides further peace of mind when it comes to budgeting.

4. Tools! 🔨

Before packing the aforementioned box, you’ll need a box in which to pack. Make sure you’ve got the right bags and suitcases, or boxes and brown tape. Consider which method will be best depending on your crossover and transport method – carrying a big cardboard box up a hill is a lot harder than using a wheeled suitcase.

5. Getting from home A to home B 📍

One of the biggest influences when planning your move is how you will get your items from your current house to your new one and using this to plan everything else! Whether you’re conscripting family members, asking that one friend who drives very nicely or buckling down for a dozen trips yourself, figure out how you’re transporting everything to your new home, and everything else falls into place.

6. Divide and conquer! 💪

You’re not the only person who’s going to be moving – chances are all your new housemates will be joining you too, each with their own crossovers and transport methods. In the spirit of camaraderie and friendship, club together! If someone doesn’t have a crossover, see if you can store some of their items. Space in the car? Throw in something of your new housemates' to lend them a hand!

7. The bare necessities 📦

If you have a decent crossover, and are moving everything yourself bit by bit, you may not be able to do it all in one day. If this is the case, make sure to plan what needs to be taken first and left until last; if you take all your cooking utensils over immediately, you might struggle for dinner later on!

8. Take photos! 📷

If you’re sentimental like me, make sure your camera is to hand! Take pictures of both your old and new houses when you’re fully settled and when it’s empty, for something to look back on and reminisce about (it can also help at a later stage for deposit purposes). And if you’re all moving in at the same time, you might get some cute moving-in photos with your housemates, too!

9. Final checks ✅

As you take out your final box, don’t forget to have one last sweep to be sure you haven’t left anything. Check under the bed, all the cupboards and drawers, the kitchen, bathroom and basement. I found an entire drawer full of clothes when I moved into my third-year house – don’t be that person who ends up regretting not checking!

10. Decorate 🪴

Once everything’s moved and you’ve fully arrived in your new house, enjoy making your new house a home for you and your friends! To style your room and make it more inviting, I’d suggest using command strips to hold pictures in place, as they’re less likely to damage your walls.

Moving into a new home is an exciting moment, a time for new memories and a new chapter. Follow these tips to make getting there that bit easier.

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.