At The Property Centre, we know that moving can be both exciting and stressful and we want to make sure you don’t forget anything in the process.
Use our checklist below to help guide you through all the things you’ll need to do before, during and after your move.
3-4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
Make a thorough assessment of all items that need to be moved
To ensure a smooth transition to your new home, effective planning is essential. Before you make the move, double-check each of your items and create an inventory list. Visit every room in the house before moving day so that you can decide what should come with you and what needs to be discarded. By taking these preparatory steps ahead of time, relocating will become less hectic and more manageable for everyone involved.
Sort out and donate any unwanted clothing or furniture
After you make an inventory of all the items that merit keeping, double-check and sort them accordingly to generate a definitive list. Don't forget to donate any unwelcome pieces of clothing, furniture, or even kitchen utensils which are no longer required.
Have a garage sale or sell online to get rid of unwanted items
When downsizing, it's not wise to simply throw away or donate everything. Many of your items could be valuable but just won't fit in your new living space. If you're struggling with letting go of some possessions that you can't take with you, why not list them for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Vinted or Gumtree?
Start collecting moving supplies like boxes and newspapers for wrapping
Ensure that you have all the necessary packing supplies to hand - boxes, tape, bubble wrap and markers. Additionally, you may want to order some special packing boxes that are now available for items such as mattress covers and wardrobe boxes.
Use Royal Mail's redirection service
To ensure that you don't miss out on important bank letters, bills and other mail, it is best to arrange redirection with Royal Mail. That way all future correspondence will be delivered directly to your new address.
Choose your removals company and confirm the arrangements
To ensure a smooth transition, it is important to contact professional removal services early - before your desired move-in date. Don't just take the quote you're given over the phone; instead, look into other options that are available and compare prices. Keep in mind that if your preferred company is booked up on the day you want to move, then more time should be allotted for planning and estimating by different movers so that alternative solutions can be found.
Research items that can’t be moved
Prior to your move, be sure to consult with your removal company about any items that may be too cumbersome or require additional time and effort. For instance, some heavier appliances are installed securely in place which can make them a hassle to relocate.
Image by gpointstudio on Freepik
2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
Start packing up your home by boxing up the items you use less often
Begin by packing items that you don't use as often, such as books and Christmas decorations. To make sure everything is accounted for, consider jotting down each item before it goes into the box.
Have rugs and curtains cleaned and leave wrapped when returned
Should you choose to have your rugs and curtains cleaned before you move into your new home, the cleaners usually return them wrapped. You may not want to take them out until you reach your new place and start unpacking.
Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify their value
As you begin to pack, be sure to document the cost of any antique or particularly valuable items. It's possible that your moving company may need extra insurance for these pieces when transporting them.
Contact the insurance company to transfer policies
It is essential to contact your insurance provider and update your policies for optimal protection.
Prepare a list of friends, companies, and personal accounts who should be notified of your upcoming move
It's essential to keep the pertinent people informed of your move, such as banks, employers, magazine subscriptions and utility companies.
Arrange to be off work on your moving day
Notify the human resources department at your office that you plan to supervise the move and will need a day off.
1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING DAY
Start actively packing the rest of your home room by room
To ease the transition to your new home, you should begin by packing one room at a time. Don't forget anything that may be of use or importance.
Everything that can be put in a box should be - all boxes should be taped shut and stackable
Pay close attention to this step on your moving checklist, as it is the most important. Gather all of your items and place them in boxes that are secured with tape and labelled correctly. Additionally, don't forget to pack a suitcase of clothes for several days so you have something comfortable to wear during the move and in the coming days.
Check furniture for dents and scratches
Before the moving company begins packing and loading your furniture onto their truck, be sure to examine each piece for dents or scratches. This way you can easily detect any further damage that may occur in transit.
Label items you need to access quickly
Labelling is a simple but effective way to stay organized when moving. By labelling your boxes and bags, you can easily unpack quickly without the headache of searching for what you need.
Clean out the refrigerator/plan to defrost and dry the day before moving
Before the big moving day, take 24 hours to defrost and thoroughly clean your refrigerator. Make sure it's empty before transporting it with you.
Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family
Before you move to your new home, take a moment to assess the most efficient way of getting there. Plan ahead, especially if you are taking pets with you so that your journey is comfortable and stress-free.
Arrange for the cut-off/activation dates for your broadband, gas, electricity, water
Notify the primary agencies about your move and get the cut-off dates set for internet, gas, electricity and water. Likewise, you may want to follow up with your utility agencies about the activation date at your new address.
Place all appliance manuals and warranties in one place for the new occupants
Make sure to give the new occupants easy access to these documents.
Capture visuals of all electronics before removing the cables, so that you can easily reinstall them
Skip the tedious manual and opt for photos to help you assemble your equipment quickly or work faster in your new home.
ON THE DAY OF THE MOVE
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Determine which boxes and items are last to load
Carefully assess your inventory and mark off the items as they are being loaded. By assigning a priority level to each item based on its value and importance, you can determine which items should be loaded first or last. Your removals firm will have experience of dealing with this.
Ensure all loose items are packed in boxes
Pack kitchen utensils, cutlery, and decorative items securely in cardboard boxes to ensure their safe transportation.
All boxes are labelled with their destination room in your new home on the top and sides of each box
It is important to not only label the boxes by what type of items are in them but also by where you want them to go. Be sure to label both the top and the side of the box in case they are stacked differently. This will facilitate a faster and smoother unpacking process so that everything can be placed exactly where you need it.
Check all rooms and fitted wardrobes
Carefully check all closets, cabinets, and other storage areas to ensure no important items are accidentally left behind.
Disassemble the remaining bedroom furniture
To expedite the process, it is recommended to disassemble large and unwieldy bedroom furniture so your movers can quickly load them.
Be present in your new home to help guide the movers on where items should be situated
Ensure that you get to your new house before the movers arrive. Doing so will assist them in setting everything up adequately and quickly.
Prepare an essential box list
Don’t forget to put the following items in your essentials box:
- Toilet Paper
- Phone Chargers
- Snacks
- Kettle
- Tea & Coffee
- Scissors
- Bin Bags
- Paper Towels
- Change of Clothes
- Dish Soap
- Towel
- Pet Food and Dish
- Tools
- Minimal Cleaning Supplies
- Mug/Plates/Cutlery
Things to consider before you leave the house
Make sure that there are no mishappenings after you leave the house. Here are a few things to check before leaving:
- Water shut off, lights turned off
- Windows shut and locked
- Surrender house keys
- Check for items left behind
- Heating and hot water off
IN YOUR NEW HOME
Unpack, then flatten and donate the boxes
Once you've removed all items from the boxes, make sure to flatten them and donate them to a nearby charity or any people who may need help with moving.
Change the address on your driver’s license and car insurance
When you relocate to a new address, it is critical that you update the information on your driver's license, car insurance policy and any other relevant documents.
Plan a housewarming party
Now that you are settled in your new abode, why not throw a housewarming party to celebrate?
