HELPING YOU MOVE :

Moving Preparation :

Moving house can actually be enjoyable if you carry out a little forward planning.

Here is our guide to help you smooth the path to your new home.

You might find it useful to print this page and check the items off as you have completed them.

Change of address checklist :

It's not only your family and friends who need to know of your change of address, so here is a list of some of the people you will need to notify :

Bank
Building Society
Credit card companies
Your employer
Insurance companies
Council Tax office
Store cards
HP companies
Inland Revenue
Gas
Electricity
Water
Telephone company
Doctor
Dentist
Post Office
Schools
Optician
Driving Licence Centre
TV and Video rental
Publications / subscriptions
Sports and social clubs
Professional bodies / Trade Union
TV Licence Centre

Four weeks to go :

Ring round for quotes from removal firms and appoint one.

Make sure they are properly insured and establish exactly what they are prepared to do.
Start collecting packing boxes.

Make sure you have lots of newspaper, tissue or bubble wrap for padding and remember to buy plenty of wide adhesive tape too.

Don't use very large cardboard boxes (e.g. an old fridge or dishwasher box) for packing unless the contents are extremely light.

Large, heavy boxes are difficult to manoeuvre and removal men won't thank you for it on the day.

Start clearing out cupboards. If you come across something you have not used for 18 months or more, you are unlikely to need it in your new home. So be ruthless and throw it out !

Start packing any non essential items such as out of season clothing, together with your best china, glassware and ornaments.

Mark the contents clearly.

Clear out your loft.

Pack as many items as you can from your garage and shed.

Tell your employer when you are moving and arrange time off, if necessary.

Let everyone know that you are changing address and the date from which they need to amend their records.

Arrange to have post re-directed to your new address - there is always somebody you will overlook when you send out your change of address notes !

Keep all correspondence from your sales agent, your solicitor and the removals company safely together for easy reference.

Contact your insurance company to arrange transfer of your home contents insurance on the move day.

Your buildings insurance should already be in place on the day you move in.

Two weeks to go :

Start running down food stocks in your freezer.

Continue to pack any items you won't need before the move.

Kitchens in particular can take an amazingly long time to pack up. So be prepared !

Arrange for someone to look after your children and pets during the move.

Contact the gas, electric, telephone and water companies to inform them of the impending move.

One week to go :

Double check the booking you have made with your removal firm.

Keep your vacuum cleaner, duster, polish, etc., unpacked for that last once over on the big morning.

Cancel newspapers, milk and window cleaner and settle any bills you may have overlooked.

The day before :

Pack overnight bags for everyone and put out the clothes for the following day.

For children, a few favourite toys will help them settle in on the first night.

Prepare your moving day 'survival kit' containing a kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, milk, sugar, teaspoons, sandwiches, snacks, biscuits, crisps, fruit, washing-up liquid, tea towels and a hand towel (not forgetting the all-important toilet roll !)

Pack all your valuables such as jewellery together and carry them securely with you.
Keep the file containing all valuable documents relating to the move with you at all times in case you need to refer to them.

Advise the telephone company of the time you want your telephone disconnecting (or the number transferring, if you are keeping it).

Defrost the freezer and fridge (if you intend to transport the freezer and its contents intact, put it on fast-freeze overnight).

Make a list of useful telephone numbers for the new occupiers of your home, plus instructions for operating any appliances, central heating, etc.

Make sure you have cash available for unforeseen circumstances and for tipping your removal men.

Telephone your insurance company to double check that your new contents cover will be in force on the morning of the move.

The morning of the move :

Get breakfast quickly out of the way, wash up and pack any further items you won't need.

Telephone the gas and electric companies to give them your final meter readings.

After you move in :

Please be vigilant, a new homes development may still be under construction.

For your own protection and that of your family please be careful.

Your home is the product of many skills and hundreds of different materials.

It has been carefully constructed, however much like any quality product, the more care you take to maintain and look after your new home, will mean you will get lasting enjoyment out of it.