Countdown to Moving

So you’ve sealed the deal? Now it’s time to countdown to moving day! Here’s our handy checklist to help keep you on track…

Ten weeks to go…

• Choose your removal or van hire company checking their insurance.
• List paperwork that needs to be done before you move.

Eight weeks to go…

• Draw a floor plan of your new home and look at your furnishings and how they fit.
• Tell your GP and dentist that you’re moving. If you’re a pet owner, tell your vet too.

Six weeks to go…

• Talk to your home insurer about transferring coverage to your new home.
• If you’re not using professional removers, now is a good time to ask friends to help.
• If you need new furniture or carpets order now and arrange delivery for when you move in.

Five weeks to go…

• Think about what you could pack early, items that aren’t used a lot e.g. Christmas decorations.
• If you’re packing some items yourself, start gathering boxes, you will need more than you think!

Four weeks to go…

• Arrange connection/disconnection dates with utilities in both locations.
• Inform your employer of your move, confirming whether you require time off work.

Three weeks to go…

• If you have newspapers and/or milk delivered call your newsagent and/or dairy with a cancel-by date and sign up for deliveries at your new address.

Two weeks to go…

• Hire a cleaner to do a final-sweep cleaning job once the house is empty.
• Arrange for Royal Mail to redirect your post.
• If you have children or pets, arrange for someone to look after them during the move.
• Notify your bank/s of any changes to direct debits and standing orders.
• Advise your solicitor so they can ensure all completion money will be ready.
• Change of address with:
  • Bank/Building Society, insurance companies and credit card companies.
  • Driver and Vehicle Licensing (DVLA) and mortgage lenders.
  • Inland Revenue, Local Council Office, Social Security Office.
• Finalise arrangements with your removal or van hire company.
• Collect up all keys for your existing property.
• Make sure loft, garden shed and other storage places have been cleared out.
• Arrange a time to collect the keys for your new home.
• Hold a car boot sale or sell online to get rid of all that stuff you don’t want to move
• Start packing non-essential items into boxes.

One week to go…

• Send out change-of-address announcements to family and friends.
• Plan meals for once your dishes are packed and your fridge is empty.

A few days to go…

• Defrost fridge and freezer.
• Complete packing except for clothing and overnight toiletries needed for the moving day.

Moving day…

• Turn off the central heating and all electrical appliances.
• Check all storage spaces and lock all windows and doors.
• Leave keys as arranged with new owners.
• Make a note of gas, water and electric meter readings.
• Eat breakfast! You’re going to need fuel for the busy day ahead.

By Jacob White