YOUR GUIDE TO MOVING
GET ORGANISED FOR A STRESS-FREE MOVE
When it comes to moving house, there are lots of things to think about and it can be quite a challenge. However, with a little forward planning it needn’t be that stressful. Use our step by step guide to help make your move an enjoyable part of your new home experience.
ONE MONTH TO GO…
The first thing to do when moving is to decide on a moving date. It makes sense to avoid holiday days and busy times of the year. If you’re going to try and move everything yourself, now is the time to ask family and friends ig they can help, otherwise you should research and appoint a reputable removal firm, ensuring that they are properly insured and that you know exactly what they are prepared to do. Now is also a good time to check any items that might be deemed as too hazardous to be transported, as you’ll have to make alternative arrangements for those.
Make sure you have lots of boxes and labels, strong packing tape and old newspaper, tissue or bubble wrap and then begin to clear out your cupboards, loft and garage, packing any non-essential items you’re not likely to need in the next month. Set aside any important documents too, just so you know where they are. You will also need to let companies and organisations (utility and internet providers, schools, doctors, vets, the DVLA, etc) know what your new address will be, the date that you will be moving and arrange for your post to be redirected to your new home. This should also include updating and subscriptions and memberships that direct to your current address.
TWO WEEKS TO GO…
Start using up the food in your freezer and continue packing any items you won’t need before you move. It’s also a good time to sort out your wardrobes: if you haven’t worn something for a while, why not take it to a charity shop? Arrange for someone to look after young children and pets whilst you are moving and book any time off work if necessary. You should also contact your utility companies (gas, electric, telephone and water) to inform them about the move, and arrange for your home contents insurance to be transferred to your new home on your move in day.
Contact your removal firm to confirm that everything is still OK and on schedule, and also take this opportunity to confirm that your utility providers – current and new – are fully briefed on all arrangements.
ONE WEEK TO GO…
Cancel deliveries like newspapers, milk and any local subscriptions you may have, make sure you have paid all of your bills and contact the removal firm to double check your booking. Finish packing up your house and whatever larger pieces of furniture you can, but leave your vacuum cleaner and any cleaning products unpacked for that last once-over on the morning of the move. You should also call the relevant local authority and order your refuse and recycling bins for your new home.
ONE DAY TO GO…
Pack any overnight bags and assemble your moving day ‘survival kit’: including a kettle, mugs, milk, tea, coffee, food, washing up liquid, tea towels, a hand towel, phone charger, toilet roll, a pen and paper and any other important documents or valuables that you want to keep nearby. Let your phone company know when you want your telephone disconnecting and call your insurance company to double check that your new contents cover will be in force on the morning of the move. Speak to your neighbours or the new owners of your current property about forwarding your mail, just so you don’t miss any important post during the period when your change of address is taking effect.
If you’re taking it with you, defrost your fridge and freezer so it’s ready to be transported, and make sure you have money ready for any unforeseen circumstances on your moving day.
THE BIG DAY!
Get up early, have breakfast and pack up any last items you have left. Carry out a final sweep of your house to make sure you haven’t missed anything (it’s a good idea to keep a spare box handy just in case you come across anything that needs packing). If you didn’t arrange for them to stay elsewhere then make sure young children and pets are safe away from any packing that your removal firm might be finishing off, and call your gas and electric companies to give them your final meter readings.
Keep a file for important documents relating to the move with you at all times and also carry any valuables securely with you to your new home. If you’re using a removal firm, check one final time that they have your new address and your mobile number!