Moving into a self-built home poses unique challenges - here are seven suggestions to make the first few months in your new home as worry-free as possible

Moving home is one of life’s more traumatic experiences – on a par with bereavement and divorce, according to numerous surveys. But add to that the demands of completing a self build and you could be facing a particularly taxing double whammy. Here, then, are seven suggestions to ease that logistical logjam and make the first few months in your new home as worry-free as possible.

1. Plan to move on a Sunday in February

It’s the quietest time of the year for removal firms, which makes it the least expensive. Most people prefer to move in July or August when they can take advantage of sunny weather and scheduled holidays, though many squeeze the move into a weekend. This is why the August bank holiday is the busiest and most profitable time for removers.

Be warned, however, that 2021 may prove the exception, mainly because the Chancellor’s stamp duty holiday is due to end on March 31. A buyer of your existing property who doesn’t complete by that date will have to pay full stamp duty on their purchase – the threshold reverting to £125,000 rather than the current £500,000 – which is likely to prompt a pre-spring rush for moves, or a buyer’s last-minute withdrawal.

2. Start decluttering your current home

Ideally, as soon as you decide to self build. Unless you’re exceptionally well-organised, deeply unsentimental or both, this is likely to be a painful and prolonged process, best conducted in stages. But having a clear idea of what you want to keep, or replace, will make the design stage of your project easier, reduce your workload when the move finally arrives and minimise your removal costs.

Hurried movers tend to resort to self-storage units, especially those offering short-term bargain offers. Out-of-sight items, however, are prone to slip out of mind, especially given the distraction of a new home, and rental charges can mount up with alarming ease. Instead, boost your budget by selling unwanted items online. Think eBay, PreLoved, Gumtree.

3. Create your own storage on site

If your plot has room for a detached garage, it can make sense to build this first and use it for storage. Your move, then, can be made in easily managed stages, leaving only the bulkiest items for professional removers. The garage needs, of course, to be secure and also fully dried out before putting furniture in it. You might also consider fitting insulation.

Alternatively, hire a shipping container (a 20ft lockable, clean container can cost around £20 a week), or buy a second-hand one, which you can sell on or convert into a workshop or garden studio.

4. Sell up and live on site

This is the classic money-saving self-build move. Once your plot is bought, sell your existing home and downsize to a site-based hired caravan or mobile home. It will involve storing the contents of your existing property, but if you can use on-site storage that’s an additional saving. Living on site provides security for your building works and materials as well as daily oversight of your build.

Moving into a caravan on site is a classic money-saving option.

For that reason it’s best suited to hands-on selfbuilders. Another benefit of selling up before your project starts is that it can provide you with a lump sum, simplifying stage payments. First, though, you might consider a holiday in a caravan or mobile home to gain some insight into this form of downsizing. It may not be your mug of builder’s tea.

5. Make allowance for drying out time

According to the NHBC Foundation, new traditionally built homes contain up to 8,000 litres of water within the bricks and blockwork as well as any timbers left exposed during construction. As a result it can take up to 18 months for the building to dry out fully. Until that happens wallpaper will not adhere properly, shrinkage cracks will appear in plasterwork and paint and stain can be absorbed by still-damp woodwork. Walls, however, can be painted with breathable paint, usually matt emulsion. But, if you want a perfect finish, don’t use an expensive paint for the first coat. That should wait till after drying out and any cracks have been sealed. The same applies to woodwork, where a much better finish can be achieved on a pre-painted surface.

6. But don’t dry out too quickly

It can be tempting to whack up the central heating, but that will exacerbate shrinkage cracks in plaster and encourage timberwork to shrink, expand or twist. It’s better to maintain an even heat alongside good ventilation. Keep trickle vents open and open windows in warm weather or use the boost mode if you have whole-house mechanical ventilation.

7. Space out furniture until rooms are dry

This allows air to circulate freely, carrying away moisture. It can be trapped by sofas, beds or cabinets put close to drying walls and will encourage mould.

December 2020