Moving checklist

2 months before you move

• Draw up a list of your main possessions.
• Decide what items you’ll take to your new home and where you will place larger items. A floor plan of your new home may help with this so try and acquire one; your seller may be able to sketch you a rough copy.
• If you have items you don’t want to take with there are a number of ways you can get rid of them, including car boot sales, online auction sites and charity shops.

6 weeks before you move

• Clean out cupboards and place possessions in usable piles/larger rooms. Take a full inventory so you know exactly what you own.
• Items you won’t want to take with can be sold or given away - don’t forget removals companies quote by volume so the more you bring with the more you pay.
• If you’re relocating due to a job move, find out what costs your employer will cover.

1 month before you move

• Finalise your move date so you can start making firm bookings for removals and other related services - this will be easier once contracts have been exchanged.
• Appoint a removals firm, but remember to make sure they are a professional and reputable company. Ask them when they offer discounts, as many companies will charge a premium for moving you on bank holidays, weekends, and in the summer months.
• If you’re looking for moving insurance, cleaning or storage check with your removals company - they may offer these at a discount.

2 weeks before you move

• Check you have adequate prescription medicines to cover the moving period.
• Safely dispose of all flammables e.g. Paints, Gas Bottles, Cleaning Fluids etc.
• If your removal company is not making arrangements for you, book people to carry out services. e.g. Removing light fittings, House Cleaning.

1 week before you move

• Put all your important documents in one plain, sturdy box and place it where you won’t lose it - this should include passports, driving licenses, house deeds, wills, insurance papers, football pools, jewellery and cash.
• Keep all moving-related documents in a single folder for easy access.
• Finish packing so you have everything boxed up and ready to go - make sure you do this systematically.

1 day before you move

• Walk through your house one last time to make sure everything is accounted for.
• Strip the beds.
• Keep linens in a box that travels with you, so you can use them the first night.
• Make sure you have the keys to your new home, or have arranged to collect them.

On the day you move

• Record all utility meter readings (gas, electricity, and water).
• Stay until your movers have finished.
• Check the traffic for your journey with keepmoving.com
• Take one final look around to see if you forgot anything.
• Before leaving check that all windows are secure and water, gas and electricity supplies are switched off.

Once you are in your new home

• Make sure you are present when the removal crew arrives so you can guide them around the house confirming what is to be moved and any special instructions.
• Check the unloading of your items and account for each one on your packing inventory.
• Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.
• Place moving and other important documents in a safe place.
• Collect held mail from the post office if you’ve arranged this service.

After you have moved in

• Start cleaning and make the beds.
• Plug in your telephones, answering machine and large appliances.
• Unpack your 'survival kit'.
• Let older children organise their own rooms.
• Settle younger children in one room with some toys and treats.
• If possible, keep pets away until you are settled in.