Moving home is not something that most people do very often and there are lots of things to remember. To help your move go smoothly we have put together the checklist below. We hope that you find it useful, if there is anything that you think we have missed please let us know.

About 2 months before the move :-

 Get estimates from removal companies for moving and/or storage of your furniture and belongings (FREE Removal Quotes) can are available from several websites.

If you decide to move yourself get quotes from at least two van rental
companies – bear in mind that moving yourself may take longer than you
think.

 Create a floor plan of your new home so you can work out where the furniture
will go (don’t forget things like washing machines).

 Start to collect boxes or order them from your removal company of via
the internet. You will also need labels, tape, bubble wrap, marker pens
and plenty of newspaper (for wrapping china etc).

 Pack items that you will not want until after the move such as ornaments.

 Purchase a ring binder, folder or expanding document case for all the paperwork involved with the move such as estimates, letters, receipts, phone numbers etc). If these are all kept together you will know just where to look saving time and possible panic.

 Start to organise change of address letters and cards for family and friends etc.

 Notify any schools and arrange for school records to be transferred to the new school.

 Decide which removal company or self drive company you are going to use and book them.

 Check to see if you need any permits for the move (for example if you are moving overseas).

 

Six weeks before the move

 If you are putting items into storage make arrangements with the storage company (you may already have done this when booking the removal company)

 Talk to your doctors receptionist and ask for referrals to the new surgery – arrange for transfer of your medical records to take place nearer the date of the move.

 If antiques, works of art and other valuables are not covered by the removal firm get insurance quotes to cover the period of the move.

 Clean empty cupboards and drawers – it’s good to treat others as you would want to be treated.

 Start to run down the food in the freezer.

 Start to use up any cleaning materials that can not be moved (bleach for example).

 Check the loft and sort the contents into those to be moved and those to be thrown away – don’t leave items behind in the loft.

 

Four weeks before the move

 Contact the telephone company to arrange disconnection at your old home and connection at your new home.

 Contact the television company (if using cable or satellite) to arrange disconnection at your old home and connection at your new home if applicable.

 Continue to pack items that you will not need until after the move.

 If you are moving your curtains arrange for these to be cleaned (likewise with any carpeting). Once cleaned store safely.

 Arrange for transport of any pets and plants (you may want to put the pet into a kennel/cattery or lodge them with family/friends for a few days to reduce the stress on the animal and keep them from under your feet during the move).

 Check that your household insurance covers your belonging during the move (the removal company may have insurance in place)

 Contact your buildings insurance company and notify them of the move.

 Make any travel plans necessary for the move.

 

Three weeks before the move

 Dispose of (safely) any items that can not be moved (flammable liquids, paint etc).

 Get any forms from the Post Office to notify change of address for cars, television licences etc.

 Try to arrange for parking outside your house for the removal van, if moving from a block of flats try to “book” the lift.

 Arrange what will happen to the children on the day of the move (child care, collection after school, day off of school etc).

 

Two weeks before the move

 Arrange for disposal of large items that are not being moved (old furniture for example)

 Service your car ready for the move – you do not want to break down on the day.

 Return library books

 Try to get any items that you have loaned people back

 Cancel newspaper and magazine deliveries

 Notify credit cards, loan companies etc of your change of address

 Renew any prescription to make sure that you have enough medication for the move and a couple of weeks afterwards.

 Put together a folder of information for the new owner of your home (where is the stopcock, gas and electric meters, when is the rubbish collected, how does the alarm work etc).

 Check that all the light bulbs work – remember, treat others as you would like to be treated.

 Empty lawnmowers etc of petrol (after giving the grass one last cut). Dispose of the petrol safely.

 

One day before the move

 Tell your bank of the change of address and arrange to transfer the account, if necessary

 Settle paper bills etc with local businesses

 Defrost the freezer and fridge – make sure that the door is left open.

 Disconnect washing machines etc and prepare for the move (washing machines often have a bolt that locks the drum for example).

 Sort out items you will need in the car and put to one side, a cool bag or box is a good idea to move chilled items. Don’t forget your “moving folder”.

 Pack a box of things that will be needed first at the new house (tea, coffee, sugar, kettle, cups, teapot, dish cloth, towel, tea towel, torch etc). Mark this clearly and put to one side.

 Make some sandwiches for lunch the next day and store in the cool bag

 Make sure that you have some cash and a cheque / credit card to pay the removal company.

 Check what time your removal company will arrive the next day.

 Deliver pets to their overnight accommodation.

 Charge your mobile phone and make sure that there is plenty of credit on the phone.

 

Removal Day

 If using a removal company make sure that someone is at the old house to let them in and answer questions.

 Read all meters (gas, electric, water) and make a note of the readings (if you have a camera you might want to take photo’s as evidence)

 Lock all windows and doors

 Place all keys into an envelope for handing over.

 Make sure that everything is loaded into the car – remember the ‘tea and coffee’ box and your lunch.

 Check that everything has been loaded into the van.

 

At your new home

 Arrive before the van to be able to answer any questions (or arrange for someone to be there before the removal van arrives)

 Check all your belongings carefully and note any damaged items on the removal company paperwork.

 Some firms will want the driver to be paid before your belongings are unloaded – be prepared.

 Be prepared to make a drink for the removal men.

 Oversee all the unloading and unpacking – but don’t get in the way of the experts.

 Read the meters (gas, electric, water) and make a note of the readings.

 Check that all the lights work in each room when you arrive – remember that the room layouts etc will be different and you do not want to not be able to see your way round in the dark.

 Look at registering for junk mail preference services