Moving House Checklist – Our guide to making your move a little less stressful
You’ve found the dream house and signed the contracts…. all that’s left to do is move in. Which is the easy bit, right? Maybe not!
There are so many things to consider when you’re moving home from removals to utility bills and all the other household admin, not forgetting the pets…and the children!
We’ve put together a handy guide which covers the most important things you need to remember and some of our top tips to help you too.
Confirm your move-in date with as much notice as possible
If you’re renting, you may be able to arrange to have a few days overlap so that you can collect the keys ahead of the removal lorry arriving and have a bit more time to move in. It also allows you the chance to check the property over first, making sure any cleaning or maintenance that has been agreed at offer stage has been attended to and that the property is being handed over to you in good condition.
If you’re buying a house then usually completion will take place on the same day, and if you’re at the end of the chain it can be a long wait for all of the preceding transactions to happen.
Once you have exchanged contracts, however, your move date will be set, so if you’re using a removal company you could arrange for them to come and pack up a day or two before your completion date and consider staying in a hotel or Airbnb the night before so that moving day is a little less frantic.
Compare removal quotes
Removal companies often get booked up well in advance, especially through the summer months so try to get this arranged early. Get two or three local companies to give you a quote so you can make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Contact your utility suppliers
You will need to let your utility suppliers – gas, electricity and water – as well as the local council, that you are moving and provide them with the new address you are moving to.
You will also need to take meter readings for the property you are leaving and your new property so that they can issue accurate final bills and open the new accounts for your new property.
TV and Broadband
This can often take a few weeks to be activated so make sure you contact the supplier for your new property well in advance so that you have TV and internet available from the day you move into your new house!
Have a good clear out
Moving house is the perfect time to get rid of things you don’t need or don’t use any more. Our garages and the attic are often the places we hoard things the most and it feels great to let go of any unwanted items. Perhaps do a car boot sale or donate children’s toys, books and clothes to a local charity. It’ll save a lot of time and effort at the other end!
Make sure you know where things are in your new home
Ask the agent, or the sellers, where the fuse box, gas/electric meters and the stop cock are. Ask for copies of the instruction manuals for any appliances that are included and ask them to leave instructions, or show you, how to work things (especially the heating and hot water). It will make life a little easier in the first few days if you know where things are and how to use them!
Change of address
You’ll need to notify the following authorities and companies of your change of address;
- Utilities (as mentioned above)
- Bank accounts, pension, investments and credit card companies
- Electoral roll
- TV Licensing
- Driving Licence (DVLA)
- HMRC
- Home, car, life and pet insurances
- V5 document for your vehicles
- Doctor and dentist
- School and work
- Friends and family
You can also set up a mail redirection service with royal mail so that you don’t miss any important post during the change-over.
Mail Redirection | Post Office
Moving day essentials
It’s a great idea to keep some essentials handy in a separate box for moving day and the first night in your new home. We recommend putting it in the car before the removal guys arrive so that it doesn’t get mixed up.
- Kettle, mugs, tea, milk, coffee, sugar
- Cleaning products, plus vacuum cleaner and bin bags
- Phone, laptop and chargers
- Loo roll, kitchen roll
- Duvet and bedding for the first night
- Temporary furniture – deck chairs etc
- Television or radio
It’s also a good idea to keep important documents with you, such as passport, driving licence and mortgage/rental paperwork in case you need them.
Moving with pets
Moving house can be a stressful time for your furry friends too so consider keeping them in a quiet area or even asking a friend to look after them on moving day. Check on them regularly and keep them fed, watered – and walked if applicable. Make sure they have something that smells of you to provide comfort throughout all the noise and disruption of the move.
Pack an ‘overnight kit’ that has enough food, bowls, litter, toys and blankets to sustain your pet and keep them comfortable during the first few days of unpacking.
If you’re moving out of the area, inform your vet so you can take records and any prescription medications with you. You can also ask them if they can recommend another vet in your new area.
Once you’ve transitioned to your new home, keep your pets inside for a few days whilst they adjust. If you let them out too soon they may become disorientated and get lost. Give your pet lots of attention and introduce familiar objects like toys or blankets as soon as possible to make them feel as comfortable in your new home as you do!
And lastly, don’t forget to update their microchip details.
Happy moving!
Naomi Gleeson – Managing Director