House Move Checklist

Are you moving house? It’s a pretty stressful time, so we’ve put together a helpful list of things to think about before you shut that door behind you for the last time...

Six Weeks before moving day

• Get quotes from removal companies, or if you’re planning to do it yourself, now is the time to ask around for friends who might like to help. For help finding an approved removal firm try the British Association of Removers http://www.bar.co.uk

• Make sure that your home and contents insurance are arranged from the day you move into your new home, and that your wordly goods are also insure while in transit.

• Order your removal sundries like boxes and bubble wrap.

• Clear out sheds and attics and have a car boot sale/eBay session/ charity giveaway with the things you don’t want to keep.

• Sort out additional storage if you need to.

Three weeks before you move ( or when you exchange contracts)

Tell all the utility companies when you’re moving out and arrange final meter readings if needed.

• Order new carpets and furniture for the new place.

• Notify DVLA of your change of address

• Tell dentists and doctors, and if you’re moving out of their area, find a new one at: http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx

• Start packing things you don’t need right now

• Change the TV licence details at: http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk

• Set up a redirection on your mail.

A week before you move

If you have pets and children, sort out someone to take care of them while the removals are under way.

• If your pets are micro-chipped, your vet of your change of address at https://www.petlog.org.uk

• Tell banks, employers, schools, and your local council

• Make a quick call to the removers to make sure they have everything booked in and the right details.

• Put all important documents (passports, birth and marriage certificates etc) in a safe place so that you don’t lose them during the move.

• Use up as much as you can in the fridge and freezer and defrost them as necessary

• Collect up any spare keys to the hose you’ve given people.

• Arrange for a professional cleaner to come in and get the house spick and span for your new owners – contact 1st Choice Chemdry for carpet and curtain cleaning.

A few days before you move

Write a helpful guide to the new owners with things like local doctor’s number, instructions on how to use the boiler etc.

Get your emergency supplies box ready, and include things like cleaning products, toilet rolls, medicines, snacks, tea and coffee, UHT milk, and a mobile phone charger.

Moving day!

• Arrange to pick up the keys to your new home

• Take all your meter readings

• Lock all windows and doors and make sure everything is secured.

Good luck in the new place!