Life Event - Moving Home: Planning Your Move

Planning your move well in advance can save you hours of stress in the long run. Once you know the date of the move, start planning!  The following will help you focus on what needs to be done and when.

The Month Before

• Inform your landlord (if applicable)
• Contact telephone company to arrange reconnection/installation of a line
• Inform gas and electrical companies that you will be the new owner/occupier of the property
• Start collecting packing materials
• Book time off work
• Have a clear out!

Two Weeks Before

• Book removal company or van
• Arrange transit insurance (if necessary) for the move
• Inform appropriate people of your change of address
• Complete appropriate forms at the Post Office to redirect mail from date of move
• Make plan of new home and decide which rooms will be used for what
• Start packing - it's never too early

One Week Before

• Arrange for any final bills to be paid
• Have meters read and pay any outstanding amounts
• Cancel any services, e.g. window cleaner, milk, newspaper delivery, etc
• Arrange exchange of keys
• Start cleaning the house

The Day Before

• Label boxes and finalise packing
• Pack a container for emergency supplies
• Defrost fridge/freezer
• Finish cleaning the house

The Day of the Move

• Disconnect any remaining appliances
• Have one final check to ensure everything has been packed
• Lock doors and windows
• Check that all containers have been delivered

Packing Tips - Before

• Start collecting boxes as soon as possible.
• Have a good clear out and throw out all the accumulated junk that you know will never be used. Taking a stall at a car boot sale may help.
• Start collecting newspapers and bubble wrap for packing delicate items.
• Pack non-essential items as early as possible.

Packing Tips - During

• Clearly label all boxes, stating which room they should go to.
• Spread the weight of heavy items over several boxes, if possible.
• Make sure the boxes are easy to carry and the tops are secured.
• Use bubble wrap and newspaper to wrap fragile items.
• Indicate which boxes contain fragile items for the benefit of the removal company.
• Take apart large items of furniture, if possible.

Packing Tips - On the Day of the Move

Remember to keep handy essential items which you will need during the move. The following list gives some ideas:

• Money
• Kettle, tea, coffee, sugar, milk, mugs, spoons
• Cleaning materials
• Light bulbs
• Toolkit
• Children's toys
• Pet food and dishes
• Plasters
• Driving licence
• Toilet roll
• Rubbish bags

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Last updated : 17.12.2008, 09:38:45