The definitive Moving Home checklist
To ease the process of moving home, we have compiled a list of things that need to be done, when they need to be done, and a list of useful contacts. We have also provided a checklist template for you to print out. This will enable you to keep track of who you have told about your move…
One Month to go
- If you have not already done so, investigate removal companies and hire a reputable one.
- Fix the removal date at this point, avoiding busy Bank Holiday weekends and school holidays.
- Arrange insurance with the removal company, if they offer it, and storage if you need it.
- Many removal firms will provide large boxes for packing items in. Get them to drop some off.
- You will need more boxes than you initially think!
- Make any travel plans, particularly if you are moving any great distance.
- Book accommodation if you need it.
- Notify all those requiring any notice of your move, landlords for example.
- Telephone, gas, electricity and water meters will need to be read, organise this now.
- Don’t forget to tell your employer if you need to take time off for the move.
- Start on clearing out anything you are not taking with you. Check for valuable ‘rubbish’!
Two Weeks to go
- Get your mail redirected. The Post Office can arrange this for you.
- Do you need someone to take charge of children and pets during the move? Arrange it now.
- Pack all non-essential items and clothing. Mark the boxes with the room they are to go in.
- Let your Local Authority know that you are moving.
One Week to go
- Cancel things like the newspaper and milk deliveries.
- Ring the removal firm and confirm the arrangements.
- Let the neighbours know what is happening.
- Do you need traffic cones to be delivered by the Police?
- The cones can secure a parking space for the van on the day, arrange now if needed.
- Are you taking any items from the garden?
One Day to go
- Finish packing essentials.
- Ring the removal firm and confirm the arrangements.
- Clean the house, ready for the new occupants.
- Put sets of fresh linen on the beds, you will see why later!
- Defrost any fridges and freezers.
- If travelling any distance, carry any phone numbers needed for emergencies.
- Make these numbers part of an emergency kit.
- Do a final walk round, opening cupboards and checking the loft for forgotten items.
The Big Day
- Disconnect the cooker and any other remaining appliances
- Strip the beds, packing the linen carefully, and in separate, easy to find boxes.
- Clean the house, ready for the new occupants.
- Close and lock all windows.
- Do one last check.
- Do you have the keys to your new home?
The New Home
- Let older children organise their own rooms.
- Keep younger children in one room with plenty of toys and treats.
- Make the beds using the (nearly) fresh bed linen.
- Keep pets indoors, in a quiet room with some familiar bedding. Supervise them when outside.
- Relax, you’ve done it!