The Great British Move: Your Ultimate Checklist
Start making plans as soon as you can. Start at least two months before you move if possible. Make a list of things you need to do before, during, and after your move.
Make a Plan
Start making plans as soon as you can. Start at least two months before you move if possible. Make a list of things you need to do before, during, and after your move.
De-cluttering
Moving is a great time to get rid of things you don't use. You could give things away, sell them, or recycle things you no longer need. This cuts down on the number of items to move and could help save money on moving costs.
Packing
Start packing up things that aren't important as early as you can. It can even help you attract a buyer quicker if your home is uncluttered! Pack each room separately, and write on the outside of each box what's inside and which room it goes in. Pack things that are heavier in smaller boxes and things that are lighter in bigger boxes.
Hiring a company to move
When choosing a moving company, get a few quotes and make sure you know what the service includes. Will they give you packing tools or help you pack? What kind of protection do they offer? Make sure they are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR).
Service providers and utility companies
Notify your electric, gas and water companies, as well as services like internet, TV, phone, etc., that you are moving. Book to have the services disconnected at your old house and switched on at your new house.
Address change
Notify the right people about your new address. This includes banks, insurance companies, doctors, dentists, schools, your employer, the DVLA, HM Revenue and Customs, your local council for council tax reasons, and all of your lovely friends and family or you'll wonder why you get no cards at Christmas.
Redirecting your mail
Set up a Royal Mail redirection service if you want to make sure you get your mail at your new home. It can also prevent identity theft.
Create an Essentials Box
Pack a box with the things you'll need for the first day or night. This could be a change of clothes, toiletries (loo roll), basic kitchen items, important papers, medicines, chargers, and maybe even some snacks or a bottle of bubbly.
Plan your moving day
Make sure you have a thorough plan for the day, whether you hire movers or do it yourself. Include important dates and times, as well as phone numbers and a diagram of where furniture and boxes should go in the new home. It is worth noting that usually key release comes around lunchtime so you won't be able to get into your new home until then.
Doing chores
Why not organise a professional cleaning service for both your old and new homes (before you move in and after you have moved out). This can make moving in a lot easier and, if you are moving from a rental, it may help to get your deposit back in full.
Read the meters
Take the final readings from the meters at your old home and the first readings from the meters at your new home. Tell the utility companies as soon as you can (same day is best).
Look at the parking
If you are hiring a moving company or a large van, make sure that there is enough parking close to the homes you are moving from and to. You might need to get a permit or have parking restrictions suspended for a period of time.
Remember that moving can be hard work and quite stressful, so don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Good luck with your move, remember that we are here if you need our assistance:
- 0118 334 7410
- firstcontact@whiteknights.co.uk