Planning a House Move? Here’s a Checklist to Ensure You’ve Got Everything Covered
Congratulations on sealing the deal on your new home. The real excitement begins now. Moving home, whether this be into your first home or you are moving again, can be stressful. Approaching it in the right way can save you a lot of sleepless nights and worry when planning a house move.
This checklist for moving home will go someway to help you:
Image is courtesy of Chris Potter
Things to Do 2+ Weeks Before Your Move Date
Start Packing
If you are planning on packing yourself, you need to start as soon as possible. Buying a house has changed, and it is now the ‘norm’ to exchange and complete within the same week. You may feel that you are starting to pack too early. Get rid of this thought immediately. There are plenty of rooms and items you can start packing straight away. Think about what you have in the loft, basement, garage or attic that will not be used until you move home. Pack the clothes that you know will not be used. Box up the items that are only used on very special occasions. As you can see, there are lots of different items around your home that you can pack almost immediately. So, what are you waiting for?
Change Your Address
Your post is your own. Make sure that you give the postal services (Royal Mail) plenty of time to redirect your post if you have to. The best way to ensure you do not miss anything is to make a list of companies that you currently receive post from. Get in touch with them to advise your new address. You may even be able to update your details online.
Voting
Even though voting turnout is at an all time low, make sure that you update the Electoral Register with your new address. It is your right to vote. Don’t lose it.
Driving Licence
When you move, you will have to apply for a new driving licence. It is a legal requirement that you do, as your insurance and road tax may be null and void if you do not change it.
Removal Services
Another thing that you may want to consider now is a removal service. Most good removal service companies can get fully booked during the peak moving seasons. These moving seasons tend to be during the Spring and Summer months. Make sure that you have booked well in advance of your move. You should also consider any parking restrictions that may hinder access to your new property. A thorough plan should ensure that the professionals movers company can get your belongings to you on time.
Utility Providers
At this point in the moving process, you should advise your current utility providers that you intend to move. Make sure that you give them a moving out date so that they can make a note on the system.
School
If you have children, you will need to let the school know that your children intend to leave. At the same time, you will need to find them a new school to attend. You will need to do this as soon as possible to ensure that they get a place at the school you want.
Landlords
If you currently rent a property, then you will need to advise your landlord when you intend to move out. Within your tenancy agreement, you will find further information on the notice that you are required to give. Some landlords will offer a degree of flexibility, providing you give them enough notice. If not, then you will have to run down your contractual tenancy agreement and move out on the date the contract expires.
Be Neighbourly
If you have borrowed many items from a neighbour or local friend, make sure that you return them. It may also be to your advantage that you let them know you are moving out.
Things to Do Less Than a Week Before Your Move
Babysitting Services
If you have children, you need to make arrangements to ensure that they are properly looked after on the day you move out. Moving can be very stressful for adults, and it is best that you keep your children away from a potential stressful environment.
The Survival Kit
You will need to pack a bag of essentials. This bag should contain a number of things. Your bag may include a change of clothes, toothbrush and other bits which you may need within the first day of being in your new home.
Laundry
During the last week before you move, make sure that you have done as much laundry as possible. The last thing you want is to be catching up on laundry in the first few days after you have moved.
Old Home Keys
Make sure that your old house keys are clearly labelled. You should leave all keys, copies and originals, in a place where they are easily seen.
You should also make sure that the keys to your new home are available. If a date has changed, it is better to find out now rather than later down the line.
Things to Do In the Last Day or So
Fridge & Freezer
Defrost your fridge and freezer and allow these to dry out. This is essential. There have been plenty of horror stories surrounding freezers that were not left to defrost. They leaked all over the furniture in the back of the removal van. Try and avoid this happening to you.
Check Your Cupboards
Make sure that you have checked and double checked your cupboards. Whether they are in the kitchen, dining room or within fitted bedroom furniture. If you find yourself doing this time and again, that is fine. It is better to be more thorough before you move and before it is too late.
The Last Bits
Before you leave your home for the last time, make sure you have packed everything. Check room by room and pack up the last remaining items. Ensure that all your boxes are clearly labelled by items and by room. This helps give the boxes a destination when you reach your new home.
