Moving Home Check List

Get organized!

A month before you move

• Book time off work if necessary
• Have a clear out. Anything that you don't need should be recycled or given to charity
• Contact removal firms for quotes

Unless you have not got a lot of furniture and personal belongings it is worth hiring a removal company. Family and friends may be able to recommend a firm to you or alternatively ask your estate agent. Check the quote includes insurance for any damage to your belongings during transit. Most firms will supply packing materials such as boxes, padding and tape and may also offer a packing service.

Obtain packing materials such as newspapers, tissue paper, boxes, cardboard, wrapping, padding and parcel tape.

At Exchange

• Book a removal firm
• If you are living in rented accommodation give notice to your landlord
• Arrange building insurance and contents insurance for your new home

Two weeks before you move

• Start packing things you rarely use
• Contact your telephone and utility providers and tell them you're moving

One week to go

• Pack everything except things that you will need between now and your move
• Redirect your mail
• Pay any outstanding bills
• Use the checklist below to inform the right people and relevant authorities you are moving
• Put important and valuable items, such as passports, birth certificate and jewellery in a safe place
• Obtain TV license for your new home

The day before you move

• Finalise last minute packing
• Pack a box of essential items, such as toilet paper, a torch, a kettle, teabags, coffee, mugs, spare bulbs etc
• Defrost the fridge and freezer
• Disconnect appliances
• Check your utility suppliers have switched on your gas, electricity and phone in your new home
• Clean the house
• Leave a 'welcome' card for the people who have bought your house, along with a few local takeaway menus and any instructions they may need
• Get a good nights rest!

Your moving day

• Turn off electricity, gas and water supplies at the mains at your old address
• Check all appliances are disconnected
• Secure all windows and doors before heading to your new home

Packing tips

• Label which boxes are for which rooms - this will make it easier to unpack and find essential items when you arrive in your new home
• Label each box and write a brief summary on a separate sheet of paper as to what is in that box. This is especially useful if you don't think you will be unpacking each box immediately after your move
• Mark fragile items clearly - and if you're moving yourself, load then into the van last
• Take very fragile items with you in your car
• Remember to keep essential items handy until the last minute - this may include a kettle, a couple of mugs, toilet paper, snacks, water etc.

Moving checklist

People to inform your moving: