Key takeaways
- Prepare for a successful move by setting the date, budgeting and organising belongings.
- Transfer utilities, update subscriptions/memberships and notify relevant parties of your relocation.
- On moving day coordinate with removal company. Settle into new home quickly & explore neighbourhood to become an active member of community.
Preparing for your move
A successful move demands meticulous planning. Setting a moving date and creating a budget are key steps to ensuring a smooth relocation.
Our comprehensive moving house checklist will guide you through these essential steps and help you prepare for the big day.
Setting the moving date
Selecting an appropriate moving date is a significant step in the moving process. To avoid additional charges and reduce stress, it’s wise to avoid Fridays and bank holidays when moving house, as removal companies are in high demand on these days. Once contracts have been exchanged, select a moving day and update your old address with relevant parties.
Planning ahead is key, especially if you are at the end of a chain. Be prepared for possible timeline extensions and keep lines of communication open with conveyancers, house sellers, and your estate agent. By selecting a mid-week moving date, you can help ensure a less stressful and more cost-effective relocation.
Budgeting for your move
Preparing for your move involves accurately estimating moving costs. Budget for expenses such as removal company fees, packing materials, and potential additional costs like storage fees, insurance, and pet relocation. Removal company costs can vary depending on factors like the size of your move and the distance travelled, so be sure to compare quotes from different removal companies to obtain an accurate estimate.
When budgeting for packing materials, consider the size of your move and the type of materials you need. Basic packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap can be purchased from most hardware stores, while specialty items like mattress covers and wardrobe boxes may also be necessary. Proper planning and budgeting can help ensure a stress-free move.
Organising your belongings
Efficient organisation of your belongings is vital for a seamless moving process. By decluttering your home, implementing packing strategies, and labelling boxes, you can ensure that your items are easy to find and unpack in your new home.
Let’s explore some helpful tips for organising your belongings during your move.
Decluttering your home
Preparing for your move necessitates decluttering. By reducing the number of items you need to move, you can save time and create more space in your new home. Start by eliminating items that won’t be making the trip to your new property, either by donating them to charity or disposing of them responsibly.
Consider using storage unit options for possessions that you don’t need immediately, but still want to keep. Taking the time to declutter your home before engaging a removal company can make the moving process more efficient and less stressful.
Packing strategies
Packing for a move involves using techniques that maximise efficiency and safeguard your items. For everyday essentials like keys, wallets, and phones, organise them in decorative bowls or other containers for easy access. To maximise space in your moving boxes, utilise vertical space with shelves and stackable containers, which can aid in making packing more efficient.
When selecting a removals firm, consider factors such as:
- cost
- reputation
- insurance coverage offered by insurance providers
- customer service
By implementing effective packing strategies, you can help ensure that your items are organised and protected during the moving process.
Labelling boxes
For a smooth, organised move, proper labelling of boxes is a must. Label boxes clearly with their contents and the designated room in your new home, making it easier to unpack and find what you need. Waterproof permanent markers are ideal for labelling moving boxes, as they provide vibrant colors and legibility.
In addition to labelling the contents of each box, remember to label both sides of the box for easy identification from any angle. By taking the time to label your boxes properly, you can streamline the unpacking process and settle into your new home more quickly.
Handling utilities and services
For a seamless transition to your new home, effective management of utilities and services is necessary. From transferring utilities to updating subscriptions and memberships, let’s explore the steps you need to take to ensure everything is in order when you move.
Transferring Utilities
Transferring utilities to your new home involves the following steps:
- Contact your current utility providers and inform them about your relocation. Provide them with your new address.
- Organise a final bill to be sent by giving at least 48 hours’ notice before your move.
- The new supplier at your new home will automatically place you on a ‘deemed contract’ until you switch to a new contract.
Before vacating your old property, take final meter readings of your gas and electricity meters and forward them to the relevant suppliers to ensure accurate billing and avoid disputes. By transferring utilities and updating suppliers, you can help ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Updating subscriptions and memberships
Remember to update your address for subscriptions and memberships, thereby preventing service interruptions. This includes magazine and newspaper subscriptions, gym memberships, and subscription boxes. To update your address, contact the customer service team of the subscription provider or log into your online account on their website and follow the instructions for changing your address.
By updating your address for subscriptions and memberships, you can ensure that you continue to receive important information and services without interruption. Additionally, this step helps to guarantee that all bills, statements, policies, and services are sent to the correct address, preventing missed payments or policy expirations.
Notifying relevant parties
Maintaining communication and legal compliance requires notifying relevant parties about your move. From personal contacts to government agencies and institutions, let’s discuss the steps you need to take to notify the right people of your new address.
Personal contacts
You should notify friends, family, and current neighbours about your new address and moving date. Consider sending out ‘We have moved’ cards or an email to your personal contacts with your new address and move-in date. This ensures that your loved ones know where to find you and can keep in touch after your move.
Also, remember to update your address with online retailer accounts and remove your old address to avoid any confusion or misdirected deliveries. By notifying your personal contacts, you can maintain strong relationships and ensure they know how to reach you at your new home.
Government agencies and institutions
For legal and administrative purposes, it’s necessary to update your address with various organisations. Here are some important ones to notify:
- HMRC for personal tax affairs
- Local council to update your address on government records
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration form
- Bank and building society
- Pension provider
- Educational institutions
Make sure to update your address with these organisations and the post office to ensure a smooth transition.
By updating your address with these important parties, you can ensure uninterrupted access to medical services, transportation passes, and legal and administrative support. This step is crucial for a smooth transition to your new home and maintaining compliance with legal requirements.
Moving day tips
With all preparations in place, you’re set for the big day. Follow these helpful tips for a stress-free and efficient moving day.
Essentials Box
Create an essentials box with items required for your first night in the new home and all your important documents. You should have easy access to necessities like:
- medications
- body care products
- shower curtain
- towels
Also, include personal items or homey touches that can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity in your new space.
To properly pack and secure your essentials box, follow these steps:
- Choose an appropriate size box.
- Fill any empty spaces with clothing or towels to prevent items from shifting during the move.
- Use suitable wrapping materials, such as bubble wrap or packing paper, for fragile items.
- Seal all liquids in sealed plastic containers to prevent leaks.
- Label the box as ‘Essentials’.
- Keep the box easily accessible during the move.
Coordinating with the removal company
Successful moving day hinges on effective coordination with your removal company. Here are some important details to confirm:
- Confirm the moving route and ensure there are appropriate stops along the way for refuelling and breaks.
- Ensure that your mobile phone is charged and ready to go.
- Put any essential items in a box labelled with your name.
The night before your move, follow these steps to help ensure a smooth and efficient moving day:
- Move your boxes to a convenient location.
- Ensure that your essentials box is easily accessible.
- Coordinate with the removal company to confirm details and timing.
By following these steps and double-checking all the necessary details, you can help ensure a smooth and efficient moving day.
Need help deciding which removal company to choose? Read our article on the best removal companies in London.
Settling into your new home
After the moving process is complete, the next step is settling into your new house. With a few simple tips and a little organisation, you can make your new space feel like home in no time.
Unpacking tips
Start with essentials and organise items by room for efficient unpacking. Begin by unpacking the most important items like:
- Medications
- Body care products
- Shower curtain
- Towels
Then, move on to the other items while organising them according to their designated rooms.
To make unpacking easier, follow the labelling on your moving boxes, and unpack items based on their priority and placement in your new home. By following these unpacking tips, you can settle into your new home with ease and start enjoying your new surroundings.
Exploring your new neighbourhood
Make the most of your new surroundings by familiarising yourself with your new neighbourhood. Here are some ways to do that:
- Discover local amenities and community resources
- Get to know your neighbours
- Use online resources like Nextdoor, local publications, city websites, and My Community to find information on local events, businesses, and community news
These resources can help you connect with your new neighbourhood.
Take the time to visit nearby parks, shops, and community centres to get a feel for the local atmosphere. By exploring your new neighbourhood, you can establish connections with your neighbours and become an active member of your new community.
Good luck with your move!
In conclusion, moving house in 2024 can be a smooth and stress-free process with the right planning and organisation. By following our essential checklist, you can prepare for your move, organise your belongings, handle utilities and services, notify relevant parties, and settle into your new home with ease. Embrace the exciting journey ahead and make the most of your fresh start in your new home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What things do I need to do when moving house?
When moving house, make sure to pack necessary items like boxes, bubble wrap, parcel tape, and cleaning products; book a removals company; update address and utility companies; and notify friends. Finally, unpack room by room, check all utilities are functioning, and get familiar with bin collection days.
How do I plan a move checklist?
To create a move checklist, start by researching your move, arranging a home survey, and finalising contracts and packing. Then, update your address and get organised to leave your old house before finally locking up and checking your new property.
What do you need to do once you move into a new house?
Take meter readings, find the fuse box and water valve, clean your new house, check the bin day, meet the neighbours and make sure you have the necessary insurance coverage when moving into a new house.
Who needs to know that I've moved house?
You should let your healthcare providers, work, bank, insurance, pension and credit card companies, and the council know about your new address as soon as possible. This will ensure that all relevant parties are informed of your move.
How can I estimate the cost of hiring a removal company?
To get an estimate of the cost to hire a removal company, compare quotes from different providers and consider factors such as size and distance.