For those of us who have experienced moving house in the past, we know just how stressful it can be. In fact, moving home has been voted more stressful than having a divorce or losing your job. Therefore, it makes sense that we take measures to make the process as smooth as possible.
We have compiled a comprehensive checklist which details what you’ll need to do at every stage before your move, on move day and right after moving in to ensure the move goes as planned and limit any unnecessary stress.
2 Months Before
Declutter
The process of going through your belongings and deciding what to get rid of almost always takes longer than you initially think, especially as you will inevitably come across things that you forgot you still had. It can be difficult to decide what to bring with you and what to throw out, so we recommend using the ‘3 Boxes Method’. This is where you have 3 containers labelled ‘Donate’, ‘Sell’ and ‘Keep’. Then go through each of your items and assign them to the appropriate box.
Apply for Removal Quotes
Removal companies can be very busy, especially during certain periods when people are more likely to move home, such as during the school holidays. Therefore, it’s important to start requesting quotations for your move as early as possible to secure your move date.
Being organised and applying early may also help you to negotiate a cheaper removal; so we definitely recommend starting as soon as possible.
1 Month Before
Start Packing
We recommend that you start packing as far in advance as possible, but around 4 weeks should be sufficient. At this stage there will be quite a few things that you are unable to pack as you will need them in the coming weeks, so only pack the non-essential items.
Book Accommodation
If the journey to your new home will be a long one, or if the house will not be ready for you to live in immediately, then make sure to book a hotel or arrange to stay with a friend or family member on move day.
Give Notice
If you are currently living in a rented property, then you’ll likely have to give your landlord at least 30 days’ notice of your departure.
2 Weeks Before
Register Your Change of Address
There are several bodies who you’ll need to notify about your move, including your broadband provider, utility suppliers, home insurance provider, the DVLA and the council. Also, don’t forget to update your details on the electoral register to ensure you are still eligible to vote.
Arrange to Receive Your Mail
Aside from registering your new address with the relevant organisations, you’ll also want to arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address as there will undoubtedly be people and companies who are unaware of your move.
Locate Your New GP Practice
With all the stress that comes with moving, you want to ensure you know who you can go to if it all gets too much!
In all seriousness, you don’t want to forget to register with a new GP surgery until it’s too late, so make it a priority to find your new practice prior to your move.
To register permanently with a general medical practice, you’ll need to fill out an application form. You can complete your application online, then print and take into the GP practice.
Finalise Everything with Your Removal Company
Your chosen removal firm should hopefully keep good communication with you in the weeks leading up to your move, but you may want to contact them just to finalise the key timings, such as when you want them to arrive at your home on move day.
1 Week Before
Order a Food Shopping to Your New Home
The last thing you want is to arrive at your new home – exhausted after the long move – to find that there’s no food in the house. Additionally, running back and forth to your local shops while you settle in can be quite expensive, so we always recommend doing an online grocery shop a few days before your move, and ordering it to your new address for soon after you move in. Doing this will not only save you money but is sure to lift a whole lot of stress off your shoulders.
Consider What You Cannot Bring
You should note that there are certain items, such as paints and flammables, which are not permitted to be carried in the removal van; so ensure that you do not pack these with the rest of your belongings to be transported by the removal company.
Also, if you intend to take fridge or freezer items with you, you’ll likely want to invest in a cooler bag or box (if you don’t already have one) to keep them cool during transit.
Make Child Arrangements for the Move
If you are moving with younger children, we recommend organising for a friend or family member to watch them on move day. Seeing their items being carried away can often unsettle children, and they may hinder the work of the removal men.
Finish the Packing
At this stage, the packing should hopefully be just about completed, and you will only need to pack the last few essentials, such as the toaster, foodstuffs etc.
Day Before
Keep a Parking Spot Free
If parking is restricted around your current home, talk to your neighbours and set out cones to ensure there is space for the removal team’s van to park.
Pack a Survival Kit
Ensure that you pack a small bag with the essential items you will need during the move and on the first night in your new home, such as snacks, tea bags and toilet role.
Relax
At this stage, most of the hard work should be done, so just take some time to relax and prepare for the big day tomorrow.
Move Day
Strip the Beds
Strip all of the beds and put the linen into a bin bag or a clearly marked box, these usually end up being placed on top of your bed at the other end.
Keep Children and Pets Out of The Way
If you’re unable to organise for somebody else to look after your children or pets, then you may want to keep them in a dedicated room for as much of the process as possible and ask the removal men to work on that room last. Doing so will help make the removal process as efficient as possible.
Final Check
Carry out a final check of the rooms and cupboards to ensure that nothing is left behind before leaving the property for the last time.
Upon Arrival
Greet the Movers
Have someone in your new home who can greet the movers upon arrival and instruct them on where items are to be placed.
Have a Team of Unpackers
Arrange for a few friends and family members to help you unpack as efficiently as possible after arriving at your new home. Having your belongings unpacked and organised will make settling in much easier.
Stick the Kettle On
After a busy day, a cup of tea or coffee will go a long way for both you and the movers. There you have it! The experts’ comprehensive moving home checklist.
If you have found this post helpful, feel free to have a browse at our other posts on the topic.
If you are in the process of moving, you can see the services we provide here.
