We recognise that moving is a stressful time so we have put a moving hints checklist together to help you spend less time on admin and more time on enjoying your new home!

A month before:

De clutter – There has never been a better time to do a spring clean. Clear the loft, garage and shed of ‘unessential items’, throw away items you no longer need as this will help the packing process to run a lot smoother.

Schools – If your children will be moving schools, ensure that you have secured a place for them at a new school. We recommend that yourself and your children visit their new school before they start as this helps to calm their nerves if they know what to expect.

2 Weeks Before - (At point of exchange)

Packing – If you are completing the packing yourself, we recommend that you start packing once you have exchanged contracts.

Schools – If your children are moving schools, ensure that their current school knows when they are leaving and that their new school knows when they will be arriving.
Pet Care – If required, book catteries/kennels as they often need 2 weeks notice.

Hire a removal Company/Van hire
Arrange Van hire/Removal Companies at least 2 weeks in advance. Some Companies have insurance, provide packing materials and even help with packing which can be a great help.

Order packing materials – If you would prefer to order the packaging and complete the packing yourself, now is the time to do so. Remember boxes, tape, labels, marker pens, fragile stickers, newspapers/tissue paper to wrap items.

Change of Address – Complete before moving or once you have moved in. The following need to be notified of your change of address:

DVLA, Banks, Insurance, Doctors, Dentists, Opticians, Vets, Store/Credit Cards, Clubs, e.g. Gym, Newspapers, Internet, Mobile/Landline, Council Tax, Gas, Electricity, Water/Sewerage, TV Licence, Satellite/Cable TV, Inland Revenue, Electoral Roll, Healthcare.

1 Week Before

Apply for a Re-Direction – Visit your local Post Office and complete a re-direction form so that any post sent to your old address can be sent on to your new address. N.B. Please be aware that the Post Office usually requires 7 days notice so try not to leave it too late.

Final Packing- Pack items you won’t be using in the next week. Remember to clearly mark each box with the room it needs to go into. Keep a box of essentials to hand, (e.g. kettle, tea bags, toilet rolls snacks) as there’s nothing worse than sitting down in your new home and not being able to have a drink or a bite to eat!!

A few days before

Clear fridge & freezer – Make sure that the fridge/freezer has been defrosted and cleared of perishables as removal companies will not allow fridge/freezers to be moved with items still inside.

Pack a Survival Kit– Pack essential items, such as food, drinks, kettle and toiletrees.
Check when the keys will be available – Find out when you need to drop off your old keys and pick up your new ones. Be sure to pass this information onto the Removal Company.

Maps – Make sure that you know the directions to your new home!! If you are unsure, use www.theaa.com or www.multimap.co.uk which will give you step by step instructions.

Moving Day

Remember your Survival Kit - Keep a box of essentials to hand, (e.g. kettle, tea bags, toilet rolls snacks) as there’s nothing worse than sitting down in your new home and not being able to have a drink or a bite to eat!!

Do a final check – Check everywhere and make sure you haven’t left anything behind.

And then…wave goodbye and look forward to a new and exciting time ahead!

Good Luck from the www.madaboutmoving.co.uk team.

We hope that you have found our checklist useful.