happy couple checking their checklist for moving home

The Ultimate Checklist For Moving House

Tick Off As You Go… 

It is not an exaggeration to say that moving home is one of the biggest milestones in life. It is a huge job and can be quite a stressful time. There are so many different things to consider, and so much to do both in terms of preparation and also the big day itself. However, there are steps that can be taken to help ensure things go smoothly and with less stress. With that thought in mind, here is our moving house checklist which runs through a few key points to check off.

Sort House Belongings

A good place to start is to begin sorting through your house belongings. After all, the less you take with you, the easier and quicker the move will be. And the less costly the removal service will be. Anything you do not need to take with you, see if you can make a quick sale. Perhaps using an online marketplace. Or you could donate anything you don’t want to a charity shop or someone in need.

Research and Book a Moving Company

Speaking of moving companies, the next task should be to start researching one to hire. Look for the best prices based on your requirements. For example, moving companies will usually either charge a fixed rate by the hour or they will work out a cost based on how much stuff needs to be moved (and what the exact contents are). 

They will also take into account what the to and from addresses are. Do not be afraid to phone around getting as many quotes as you can, sometimes you will not find the best option straight away. Have a look at the reviews too, and avoid companies with lots of negative reviews and instead favour those with mostly positive feedback. If you know someone who you can trust that had a great experience with a removal service recently then they are ideal.

Update Schools

If you have children, remember to contact their schools to give them plenty of notice you are moving. Likewise, contact the doctors to obtain copies of medical records for you and any family. The other option is to have your details sent straight to your new doctors. You should also check with your insurance company in case the move means any changes in your medical, dental, personal property, or vehicle insurance.

Update Utility Services

Also, contact your utility companies and ask them to disconnect services the day after your move. And make sure you have them set up for your new home a day before you arrive so you do not run the risk of being without any key services.

Pack

You might think you can leave the packing until the last moment, but in this writer’s opinion, this really is not a good idea! You can be very surprised by how long this job can actually take, so get a good head start on it. Pack the items you are unlikely to use anytime soon, and your more frequently used items pack a little nearer to the moving date. But make sure to still give yourself plenty of time. And make sure you have plenty of packing materials beforehand.

happy couple packing up their home into boxes

Update Your Address

Remember to change your address a couple of weeks before your move. This is vital for companies whose services you use and of course on your ID. Including both your driver’s license and passport. You should be able to update your address officially at the post office. 

Unplug All Appliances

Before you leave, make sure all your appliances are unplugged, such as the washing machine, toaster, fridge, etc. And contact a professional when it comes to disconnecting gas lines.

Moving house can be very exciting, it’s like a fresh start. We hope that our blog has been helpful and you’re all prepared with ideas for your move. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01865 744993 or head over to our contact page to fill in our online enquiry form.