THE MUST HAVE HOUSE MOVING CHECKLIST

PREPARING FOR YOUR HOUSE MOVING DAY

Make your house move go smoothly with our “Must Have House Moving Checklist”

Moving house can be stressful at the best of times. There are so many things to consider it can all get a bit daunting. That is why we have put together a comprehensive “Must Have House Moving Checklist”.

We’ll give you fantastic tips from 8 weeks out, right up until your move in date. If you think we have missed anything, just let us know and we will gladly add it to the checklist.

8 weeks before you move

  • Create a “moving” file or folder on Google Drive or Dropbox to store any quotes, receipts, and records related to your move. With the best will in the world, you will not remember all the details, and having a folder with them all in makes like a lot easier.
  • Make an inventory of everything that will be going with you to your new house. Make a note of breakable or fragile items. This will be important for getting a quote from a moving company – and any special packaging requirements.
  • Book time off work – 8 weeks should be plenty of notice for your employer. If you can, plan to take off and move on a Friday. That gives you the rest of the weekend to get yourself organised.
  • Set yourself a realistic budget for moving expenses – and then add a little more for unexpected expenses. Try and make sure that you stick reasonable to this moving budget.

  • If you are using a moving company for your house move, get estimates now. Make sure that they are reputable, have insurance and are available for your moving date.
  • Ask prospective moving companies what insurance is included and check your homeowners’ policy to see what it covers

    Ask prospective moving companies what insurance is included and check your homeowners’ policy to see what it covers.

    Ask prospective moving companies what insurance is included and check your homeowners’ policy to see what that covers as well. Consider extra insurance coverage for items they may not cover.

  • If you are moving to a new house yourself, make sure you have the correct transport booked. Maybe think about a bigger van with a tail lift if you have heavy furniture – moving everything by car is probably not the way to go.
  • If you are asking friends and family to help with the move, make sure they know the date and that they will be free – they may need to book time off work. Maybe ask more than one set of friends to help, situations occur where people have to cancel their plans to help you – having more than one set of friends reduces the risk of you moving to a new house by yourself.
  • If you have children, contact the local schools, and make sure they are able to take your children in.
  • If you’re renting, make a note of the notice you have to give. Check your rental agreement – then notify your landlord on the date required.

7 weeks before you move

  • Contact dentists, doctors’ surgeries, etc to make sure they are able to take you and your family on

    Contact dentists, doctors’ surgeries, etc to make sure they are able to take you and your family on

    If you are moving to a new area, research banks, doctors, and schools. Gather all the proper paperwork you need to set up new accounts.

  • From this list, contact the dentists, doctors’ surgeries, etc to make sure they are able to take you and your family on. When it has been agreed that will take you on, contact your existing surgeries and inform them of where they are to send any records.
  • Read over documents from your movers, estate agents and solicitors before signing anything. Don’t let contracts intimidate you by learning about the documents you’ll be receiving ahead of time. If there is anything you don’t understand – just ask. Don’t be afraid to ask for things to be spelled out simply.
  • Make a list of all the businesses you will need to contact to change your address. Don’t forget to list your online accounts, too, like PayPal, Amazon, Netflix, etc.
  • Get the packing process started by assessing your wardrobes, drawers and donating clothing that no longer fit or you no longer want. When the this has been done, start to assess items room by room. Be ruthless, if you haven’t used it for a long time, consider selling or donating it rather than packing it.
  • Work out roughly how many boxes you need. Make note of any large items that may need special boxing requirements. Buy them now, along with plenty of packing tape and gaffer tape (gaffer tape should be used to secure boxes that will contain heavy items). A good pair of scissors or a box cutter should also be purchase. Consider using the vacuum bags for clothing – it’s amazing how small you can get a full size duvet to be when you suck all of the air out of it – they are also easier to move.
  • Make a room-by-room packing schedule and stick to it.
  • Begin packing non-essential items. Seasonal items, rarely used gadgets, and items stored in the loft, shed or garage are a good place to start.
  • Think about renting some extra storage space. Putting non-essential items in storage will help create a bit more room in your house while you pack the items you use regularly. It also takes the pressure off you on moving day.
  • Research packing hacks to make moving day easier.

6 weeks before you move

  • Selling items online or maybe a car-boot sale – these can add a few pounds to your moving budget.

    Selling items online or maybe a car-boot sale – these can add a few pounds to your moving budget.

    Look at doing a first round of donations of unwanted goods to charity shops. Selling items online or maybe a car-boot sale – these can add a few pounds to your moving budget.

  • Collect free boxes from restaurants, supermarkets, and electrical supply stores. They often have spare boxes than they know what to do with and will be more than happy to hand them over for free.
  • Make a plan where you label your moving boxes using different coloured stickers/tape for each room. This will make your life a lot easier when you are ready to start unpacking in your new home.
  • Make a list of every item that goes into each box.
  • Mark any boxes that contain breakable items as fragile. Mark them on all 4 sides and the lid.
  • Take photos of any high-ticket items. Note any existing scratches, dings, or damage to your furniture.

  • Remove light bulbs from all lamps you plan to move.
  • Use socks, t-shirts, towels, and linens to use as free packing supplies. Wrapping glasses in tea towels gives them a little more protection than the traditional newspaper!!
  • Take photos of all your electronics before unplugging them. This helps when you are reconnecting things such as your TV and stereo.
  • Pack a little every day. You don’t want to find yourself packing all of your belongings a few nights before the move.

5 weeks before you move

  • Have your vehicles serviced. The last thing you want is to deal with a breakdown mid-move!

    Have your vehicles serviced. The last thing you want is to deal with a breakdown mid-move!

    Have your vehicles serviced. The last thing you want is to deal with a breakdown mid-move!

  • Address minor home repairs before moving out. If you live in rented accommodation, this might be the difference between getting your bond back, or not.

  • Measure doorways, patio windows, stairways, and side access routes to make sure all your furniture will fit. Measure twice – move once!
  • Notify all of the relevant utility companies of your leaving date.
  • If you need new furniture or carpets – order them now and arrange delivery for when you move in.
  • Gather all financial and legal records in one place., including birth certificates, driving licenses and passports for everyone in your home. Then, carry these important documents on your person during your move.
  • Update your voter registration!
  • Transfer your home phone and internet plan to your new home and schedule your installation appointment. Slots fill up quickly!
  • Check your home insurance – make sure you have cover from the day you move into your new home.
  • If you have pets, make sure any chip details are changed. Check out local vets and register with them. Get your existing vets to send over all details to your new vet.

4 weeks before you move

  • Make a moving day song playlist to enjoy while moving and unpacking.

    Make a moving day song playlist to enjoy while moving and unpacking.

    Make a moving day song playlist to enjoy while moving and unpacking.

  • If you have a daily newspaper delivered – cancel it and set up a delivery in your new neighbourhood.
  • Start packing your non-essential items. Books, DVD’s, manuals, clothes that you definitely won’t need (bikinis in winter, winter coats and jumpers in summer).
  • Visit the post office and arrange for your post to be forwarded (you will be charged a fee for this service).
  • If you have children or pets, arrange for someone to look after them during the move.
  • Finalise moving day arrangements with any removal company you have booked. Confirm their arrival time and they they have directions to you current home and new home.

  • Arrange a time to collect the keys for your new home from the estate agent.
  • If you are moving major appliances, make sure that they’re clean and ready to go. Remember: Freezers need to be defrosted and you may need a professional to disconnect gas lines on particular appliances.
  • Make a “Moving Day Plan”. This should include times that you have just finalised with the moving company. Double check with any friends or family that are helping, that they are still available. Making a note of what items need to go in what order. Heavy items – do you have the right people at the right time. It is all worth double checking. Edit this plan over the next 4 weeks if anything changes.

3 weeks before you move

  • Back up computers, tablets and phones. If something goes awry during your move, you’ll be thankful you have everything saved in an alternate place.

    Back up computers, tablets and phones. If something goes awry during your move, you’ll be thankful you have everything saved in an alternate place.

    Back up computers, tablets and phones. If something goes awry during your move, you’ll be thankful you have everything saved in an alternate place. Google Drive or Dropbox are ideal places to store these backups! If you don’t have an online storage account for your backups – use an external hard drive – but make sure it travels in a different box to your computer !!!

  • Get the word out to friends and family members that you’re moving. Send them your new address or send a moving announcement through email.
  • Fill prescriptions and make sure that everyone has packed medications they need.
  • Withdraw cash to tip the movers and make sure you have enough money on hand for any unexpected emergency expenses.
  • Use Google Maps to find your way to work by car or public transportation.
  • If you have memberships at a gym, martial arts club, yoga studio – find out if you can transfer them to your new area – and if not, cancel them. For any cancelled memberships, find out new venues in your new area.

  • Update your driver’s license. Update your address with Amazon and any monthly subscriptions boxes you receive.

  • Change your address for your car insurance and car registration. Make sure that you are given a quote for any increase in policy premiums as a new postcode may increase (or possibly decrease) your policy.

2 weeks before you move

  • Use up food from the refrigerator and freezer.

    Use up food from the refrigerator and freezer.

    Use up food from the refrigerator and freezer. Refrain from buying too much food, especially bulk orders, from here on out. For the next few weeks, try to only buy food that is easy to transport – tinned food – or food that you are definitely going to eat. Maybe set out a meal plan to make sure you keep any food wastage to a minimum.

  • Donate unopened unwanted food to a local food bank.
  • Make a worst-case scenario plan in case your movers run late.
  • Clean outdoor furniture before it’s moved.
  • Empty oil and fuel lawn mowers.
  • Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for your first 24 hours in your new home.

Final Week Before Moving

  • Unplug your fridge & freezer to defrost the night before.

    Unplug your fridge and freezer to defrost the night before.

    Unplug fridges and freezers to defrost the day before. To prevent water leaking everywhere, place a towel in front of them to soak up any water that leaks. If you have an ice build up in your freezer, try and speed up the defrosting process with bowls of hot water placed inside. The last thing you want is a still defrosting freezer whilst you are moving.

  • Drain water hoses to your washing machine.
  • Clean your current home for the next resident.
  • Make sure nothing is hiding on shelves or in closet corners.
  • Watch the weather channel and prepare for rain or snow.
  • Withdraw cash to tip your movers and for any unexpected occurrences.
  • Clean your new place. A lot of times, the previous homeowners may not be as hygienic as you.
  • Utilities should be turned off in your current home one day after your move-out date. All utilities in your new home should be turned on the day before you move in.
  • Make a note of ALL meter readings in your current AND new home – water, gas, electricity – photograph them.
  • Send these readings off to the relevant utility companies.
  • The night before your move – set an alarm so you can get up early on moving day.

IT HAS ARRIVED - Moving Day.

  • Go over your moving day plan. It is always good to give it a once over so that it is fresh in your mind for what is going to be a busy busy day.

  • Protect your floors and carpets during the move. A clean tarp will save you having to get wet and muddy footprints out of the carpet.

  • Don’t panic and try not to stress out. Whatever happens, even if something doesn’t go according to plan – it can be fixed.
  • Take photographs of your empty place to prove it’s in move-out condition.
  • As soon as your movers leave, make your bed, and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries. This makes a nap and a shower so much easier. And let’s face it, it’s the first thing you’ll want to do post move.
  • Introduce yourself to the new neighbours!
  • Thank your estate agent or broker. A simple thank you note goes a long way. Maybe leave them a review on Google or Facebook.
  • If you’ve had friends and family helping you move – treat them to a takeout meal with you, or/and a beer with you. They will appreciate it and let’s face it, they’ve given up some of their spare time – it’s the least you can do x