Top Tips on Moving Home
PLANNING & PREPARATION!... are the secrets of a successful home move, and there’s no time like the present!Four to six weeks before you move home...
- Arrange quotes from several removal firms and weigh up the cost of those against hiring a van yourself.
- Some removal firms provide extras such as insurance and packing - be sure to ask if you require these.
- If you use a removal firm, check your contract so you know what to do if any of your goods get damaged in the move, and also check your household insurance.
- Make a thorough inventory of everything to be moved and give a copy to the removal firm.
- Try to avoid peak times to move if possible, e.g. Bank Holidays, end of school terms and Fridays.
- List the utility companies you will need to notify and keep the contact details to hand.
- Arrange for your final telephone bill, and your connection at your new home.
- Arrange to have your mail redirected by notifying the post office, this service does incur a charge.
- Start to pack any items that will not be needed before the move.
- Recycle or give to charity any unwanted items.
- Take some photographs as keepsakes… its nice to look back in years to come.
One week before the move...
- Cancel deliveries such as papers and milk.
- In the last few days - defrost the freezer.
- Arrange final readings of water/gas/electricity (At least 72 hours notice).
- Send out "We are moving" cards to friends and relatives.
- Plan where the furniture is going to go in your new home.
- Label all the boxes with their contents and which room they are to go into.
One day before the move...
Pack essential items into a SURVIVAL KIT to keep with you.Survival Kit Contents:
- Kettle, mugs, coffee/tea, milk and bread
- Plates and cutlery
- Toiletries and toilet rolls
- Essential medicines
- Mobile phone charger
- Cleaning items
- Bed linen and towels
- Important documents
- Keys to your new home!
Day of the move...
- Turn off all remaining appliances.
- Take a final reading of all the meters (gas, electricity, water).
- If you have children keep their favourite toy close to hand.
- Finally, take a last look around the house to make sure you have locked all the doors and windows, and left nothing behind...
Once you have moved in
- Unpack your all-important SURVIVAL KIT and other essential items
- Place the boxes in relevant rooms
- Make sure the telephone and utilities are connected
- Start cleaning
- Make the beds
- Put up curtains and blinds
- Find the nearest take-away!