Home moving tips.

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” ― Abraham Lincoln

Confirm the date of your move

First things first, you'll need to get your moving date officially confirmed by your conveyancers and the house sellers. If you happen to be at the end of the chain, you may find yourself waiting a long time for all the other transactions to go through. Find out your place in the chain, and plan accordingly in case things take longer than expected.

Give notice to your landlord (if you're renting)

If you're renting, you'll need to let your landlord know the exact date you're moving out. Hopefully this will coincide with the end of your lease, as this avoids paying for both rent and your mortgage at the same time.

Contact your utility suppliers

Let all of your utility suppliers know that you're planning to move out – electricity, gas, phone and broadband suppliers will all need to know when you're leaving the property.

Chances are, you'll be moving your phone and broadband across to your new property. Give your supplier as much notice as possible, as moving service may take several weeks.

You may have to wait for your internet connection to be set up at your new property, so make sure you download anything important you might need, like appliance instructions, directions, and those films you've been meaning to watch.

If you find yourself without internet when you move in, try turning your phone into a mobile hotspot. It's not a long term solution, but it will help you keep on top of things.

Take a final meter reading

Do this and pass them on to the right suppliers. Taking a picture of the meter might help, as the photo will have a timestamp, proving exactly what the meter reading was when the photo was taken.

Organise a personal items box(es) and or document pack

Whether or not you are having a packing service make sure you've got all your special valuables, sentimental or personal items, and documents in a safe and accessible place (Be careful not to put all your eggs in one basket!) but there are certain things that you will want to pack yourself, or you will need close to hand, or you will want to know the whereabouts of at all times.

Make a list of where everything is in your new home

Most people wait until there's a gushing radiator before they work out how to switch the water off – make sure that doesn't happen to you. Ask the sellers of your new property exactly where the following things are:

Stopcock (valve for controlling the main water supply)

Instructions for appliances

Gas and electricity meters

Thermostat

Fuse box

If you're selling, make a list of where all the important things are in your home, and leave it for the people moving in. They'll really appreciate you going the extra mile, and it may come in handy if you need to ask them for a favour (like posting those shoes you bought online and sent to the wrong address)

Label boxes

When you’re packing everything up, label all the boxes properly. Make a list so you know exactly what’s inside each box after the journey. Make a checklist of what's in each box, so you don't have to root around whenever you're trying to find something. Mark on each box the room it is going to in the new house.

Pay for bills, let friends and family know you're moving

Settle up all the bills and council tax still owed on your current property; you don't want any bills coming back to haunt you when you're all settled in your new place.

Contact the following people to let them know you're changing your address:

Your work

Your bank, insurance, pension and credit card companies

The council, electoral roll

TV Licensing

Doctor and dentist

DVLA

National Insurance / DSS offices

Post redirection services (this requires at least 5 days notice)

Tip – Don't forget to delete your old address from all online retailers (such as Amazon). There's nothing worse than realising your package has been delivered to an old address.

When that's done, send out one big email to friends and family to let them know your new address and the exact date you move in. They might not need it right away, but when Christmas card season comes around they'll be grateful you planned ahead.

 Grab the essentials for moving day

You'll need the essentials for the first night in your new place, so it’s best to make a box or two with the following things to hand, or make your own list;

Medication

Kettle, mugs, tea, milk, coffee, sugar

Cleaning products, plus vacuum cleaner and bin bags

Phone and laptop chargers

Loo roll, kitchen roll

Duvet and bedding for the first night

Temporary furniture - deck chairs etc.

Television or radio

And make sure you keep all your important documents, like your passport and mortgage paperwork, where you can easily find them.

Move into your new home

Once you've unloaded everything, do a deep clean of the property before you start unpacking. This is definitely the easiest time to scrub tiles and clean carpets.

Unpack room by room, starting with the kitchen

Check all the utilities are up and running

Make sure you have keys to every door, window and cupboard

Find out what day your bins are collected

Finally, take the rest of the night off. Find a local takeaway, order something delicious and put your feet up – you've earned it.

You can download a copy of our checklist here: