Moving house can be stressful — but a little planning goes a long way. Here's our step-by-step checklist to keep your move smooth from the first box to the first night in your new home.
The single biggest thing you can do is start early and pack a little at a time. Decide what's coming with you and what can be left behind, given away or thrown out. You can never plan too much for a move.
Packing
- Get your packing materials ready: boxes, tape, bubble wrap and a marker.
- Start with things you rarely use and won't need before the move — dinner services, ornaments, photo albums and so on.
- Your loft, garage or attic are good places to begin. Then pack the things you can live without.
- Dispose of anything that isn't going to your new house.
- Pack the essentials you'll need for your last nights in the old home and first day in the new one last.
In the final few days
- Inform your utility companies, banks and building societies that you're moving, and tell the Post Office your change of address (arrange redirection if needed).
- Give your phone/broadband provider notice of your moving date.
- Arrange gas and electricity meter readings, and the disconnection/reconnection of appliances.
- Confirm with your solicitor when you can collect the keys to your new home — this helps avoid waiting around on the day.
- Let your removal company know if access or parking will be tricky at either property.
- Tell your removal company about any furniture that needs dismantling.
- Your online quote form is the basis of the removal team's checklist, so flag anything important you may have missed (a piano, for example — they'll bring specialist equipment).
On moving day
- Your job is to co-ordinate — leave the heavy lifting to the professionals.
- Pack an overnight bag: a change of clothes, toilet roll, a plate and cutlery for each person, some drinks, the kettle, and anything else you'll want before the boxes are unpacked.
- Make arrangements for children and pets to be cared for during the move. If a child has a special toy or night light, pack it separately.
- Take a final electricity meter reading and keep a copy.
- If no one is moving in straight away, make sure water and power are switched off.
- Make sure your old home is left secure.