Whether you are moving into a new rented place or you are buying your new home, organising the move can be a real challenge. There are so many things to consider and so many things to remember it is little wonder that moving house is listed as one of life’s most stressful events. In this blog article we hope to give you some small assistance by supplying you with a checklist, so that no matter what stage of your move you are at, you can have a look through and check to see if you have forgotten anything. If this is your first time moving, use this moving house checklist to give yourself a head start on the planning.
- It is never too early to start. If you know you are going to be moving but don’t have a date yet, start doing the things that can be done to get ahead. It will make things a lot less stressful.
- Make a list of everyone you will need to notify of your new address, include banks, work, schools, doctors/dentist/optician, store credit accounts and subscription services, gym and of course friends and family.
- If you have children, start looking at new schools and make appointments to visit them so you can start to get a feel for which will suit your child best.
- It is always a good idea to source your removal company as early as you can. They get booked up way in advance, and even if you don’t have a firm date, arrange for some quotes and explore moving packages so that you know in advance which firm and service you will need, then it is just a matter of getting your booking in.
- Notify your landlord or their agent (if you’re renting) or estate agent (if you’re buying) of your moving date.
- Decide what you want to take with you and what you want to get rid of. Consider selling, donating, or throwing away items you no longer need.
- Begin packing early. Start with items that you don’t use very often, such as seasonal clothes or decorations.
- Label your boxes clearly. It is good to label which room the box is for, that way they can be placed in the correct room first time. This will save you hefting things around your new home.
- Arrange for the disconnection of your utilities at your old home and the connection of utilities at your new home. This includes gas, electricity, water, and internet/phone services. Don’t forget to take meter readings at both properties on moving day.
- Redirect your mail, you are bound to miss one or two people on your list of those that should be notified. You can do this through the Royal Mail website.
- Arrange for younger children and pets to stay with friends or family on moving day. The last thing you need to worry about during the organised chaos of moving day is keeping little one entertained or running down the road after the dog because someone left the front door open.
- Pack an over night bag for everyone in the household as if you were going away for a couple of days, make sure there are toiletries and PJs and clean clothes and underwear. This will save a lot of hunting around. Pack another box with kitchen essentials like the kettle and ingredients for your favourite cuppa.
- Arrange for a cleaner for your old home and/or new one. You will have far too much to do to clean both places, so bring in some outside help with the cleaning if you need it.
- On moving day, make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your new tenancy agreement or completion statement, and the keys to your new home.
- Do a final sweep of the old place as you leave to check that all your belongings have been loaded onto the removal lorry.
- Once you arrive at your new home, check that all your belongings have been unloaded and accounted for.
- Unpack your boxes in order of priority, starting with essential items such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchenware.
- Finally, take a breath and appreciate that you did it! You are in your new home and whilst you might be surrounded by boxes and bags, you are there! Well done and congratulations!
