Move In
If you're moving a long distance or just want a hassle-free move, it's worthwhile hiring a removal company.
Ask friends and family whether they can recommend a firm. Alternatively, search for a removal company that's a member of the British Association of Removers . Get written quotes from two or three specialists. Ask them whether the quote includes insurance for any damage to your belongings during transit and what they will do if there is an accident.
If you decide to move your belongings yourself, hire a van. Again, get a couple of quotes before making a decision and check that they include unlimited mileage. If you choose to move your belongings yourself, enlist some friends of yours to help. And make sure that someone can help carry heavy items of furniture. Check whether your home insurance will cover you for any belongings damaged during the move.
Moving home can be stressful. However, a little bit of organisation can go a long way toward making your move as smooth as possible:
A month before the move
- A month before the move
- Book time off work
- Give notice to your landlord and if you are living in rented accommodation
- Have a clear out and throw away anything you don't need or give it to charity
- Start collecting the newspapers, tissue paper, boxes, cardboard, wrapping and padding
- Contact your telephone and utility providers to tell them you're moving
Two weeks to go
- Book the removal company
- Start packing things you rarely use, and any clothing that you're unlikely to need in the next couple of weeks, e.g. if it's summer, you can pack your winter clothes
- Phone the telephone company and ask them to connect the phone in your new home
- Arrange building insurance and contents insurance for your new home
- Tell the local authority that you're moving home
One week left
- Start packing everything else except those things you'll need between now and your move
- Pay any outstanding bills
- Redirect your mail
- Use our checklist to inform the right people and relevant authorities you are moving
- Reconfirm your address and moving details with the removal company
- Put important and valuable items, such as passports, birth certificate and jewellery, in a safe place
- Get a tv license for your new home
The day before moving
- Finalise last minute packing
- Pack a box of essential items, such as toilet paper, a torch, a kettle, spare bulbs
- Defrost the fridge and freezer
- Disconnect appliances
- Clean the house
- Check your utility suppliers have switched on your gas, electricity and phone in your new home
Your moving day
- Turn off electricity, gas and water supplies at the mains at your old address
- Check all appliances are disconnected
- Secure all windows and doors before heading to your new home
Packing tips
- Label which boxes are for which rooms - this will make it easier to unpack and find essential items when you arrive in your new home
- Mark fragile items clearly - and load then into the van last if you're moving yourself
- Take very fragile items with you in your car
- If you're moving your belongings yourself, put one or two heavy items into each container so that they weigh roughly the same
- Remember to keep essential items handy until the last minute - this may include a kettle, a couple of mugs, toilet paper, snacks etc