Moving Home

One Month Before You Move:

  • Book a remover as soon as possible and book time off work if necessary (allow for a day off afterwards to settle in). Order packing materials if not included in your quote (or if moving yourself). Removal.co.uk is also a good source for movers and moving material suppliers.
  • Start packing the precious pieces you intend to take separately (for peace of mind): try packupandgo.com for unusual materials (thick white wrapping paper, acid free tissue) and packnmove.co.uk for a one-stop packing materials shop.
  • Keep a moving logbook, storing all correspondence with estate agents, solicitors, removers, utility companies and insurers together for instant reference (and carry with you on the day of the move).
  • Redirect your mail (08457 740 740, royalmail.co.uk).
  • Arrange pet care, overnight accommodation/car hire if you’re move is a big one, and as a treat, have your new home professionally cleaned before you arrive.

Two Weeks Before You Move:

  • Double-check all remover/van hire bookings, details of house key exchange and parking arrangements for the removal van at both pick-up and delivery locations.
  • Create a moving cleaning kit (dusters, sponges, all purpose cleaner, washing up liquid, vacuum, plastic bucket, mop) for a once-over last clean in the old house and for immediate access at the new house.
  • Cancel newspapers, milk, window cleaners and settle any outstanding bills.
  • Pack valuables such as jewellery and confidential material together (birth certificates, passports) to carry securely with you during the move.

The Big Move:

  • Pack an overnight bag with key essentials (toiletries, pyjamas and underwear, a couple of changes of clothes, alarm clock/radio, fresh bedlinen and towels) and a moving day ‘survival kit’ (kettle, mugs and cutlery, tea/coffee, snacks, toilet roll, bottle of champagne and glasses) so you don’t need to unpack boxes straight away.
  • Make a note of final gas and electricity meter readings at old and new homes, give removers a plan of each room in your new home so they know where boxes should go upon arrival, and double check your inventories.
  • Don’t start unpacking straight away – crack open the bubbly, order a take-away or graze on a carpet picnic and get a good night’s sleep.
  • Unpack one room at a time and don’t expect to do it all in one day – begin with key rooms like bedrooms and bathroom, then kitchen and living room.

 

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