Moving Home Checklist

Home Moving Checklist

With some careful organisation and plenty of forward planning, you can help minimise the stress of moving house. Use our Home Moving Checklist to help organise the process as efficiently as possible.

3 weeks to go

• Hire a self-drive van or obtain estimates from removal firms asking about packing and unpacking services. Ensure the removal firm has comprehensive insurance cover against damage or loss to your goods. Confirm in writing
• Check your home contents insurance policy for cover at your new address during your move
• Correspond with your Building Society/ Bank and any credit card companies advising them of your new address and amending standing orders etc.
• Arrange for water, electric, gas, telephone and other accounts to be finalised
• Book an electrician and plumber if required to disconnect and refit appliances from your old address to your new address
• Notify your dentist and doctor for your medical records to be transferred to your new practices. Confirm school transfers
• Start collecting suitable packing boxes if they are not provided by the removal company and pack what is required
• Create a system of identifying packing boxes which will need to be opened first (by numbering or colour code) and label all boxes clearly with their contents and in which room they belong
• Inform your employer of your move, confirming whether you require time off work
• Arrange for someone to look after your children and pets during your move

2 weeks to go

• Begin to discard unwanted items from cupboards, attics and sheds
• Arrange for the Post Office to redirect your mail
• Double-check your correct change of address with:
  1. Bank/Building Society, insurance companies, Premium Bonds and other savings certificates, credit card companies and store accounts
  2. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre and mortgage organisations
  3. Inland Revenue, Local Council Office, Social Security Office
  4. Clubs and other memberships, newsagents/magazine and other subscriptions
  5. Milk and any other direct delivery service
  6. Relatives and friends

1 week to go

• Confirm moving arrangements with van hire or removal firm
• Clearly label any items you are leaving behind and remove any fixed objects not included in your sale
• Collect up all keys for your existing property
• Deposit valuable documents and possessions safely in the bank
• Make up a tool kit with screwdriver, pliers, knife, hammer, hooks, bulbs etc. and keep it handy
• Make sure loft, garden shed and other storage places have been cleared out
• Advise your solicitor of the time of your move so they can ensure all completion money is with the builder prior to your arrival on site to collect your keys

Moving tomorrow

• Defrost fridge and freezer; alternatively switch to maximum if you are taking them with you
• Complete packing except for clothing and overnight toiletries etc. and food and drink needed for the moving day.
• Have cash available to deal with unexpected expenses
• Clean down all paintwork and working surfaces including sanitaryware
• Clean and cover carpets which are being left to avoid damage

Moving today

• Strip beds and pack bedding, nightclothes, towels etc.
• Take down curtains and remove rugs and loose floor coverings that you are taking with you
• Turn off central heating and all electrical appliances
• Make a note of gas, water and electric meter readings
• Check all storage spaces and lock all windows and doors
• Leave keys as arranged with the new owners
• Collect your keys from seller or, if you’re moving into a Taylor Wimpey new build home, from the Site Manager’s office
• On arrival at your new home, unpack carefully and methodically

Take care!

It is important that you take care when moving into your new home. You will probably need to carry several items during the move which, if done incorrectly, can cause injury. The golden rules of manual handling are:

• Assess the weights of the items before lifting them
• Lift within your capabilities; split or share the load if you need to
• Plan your route, remove obstructions and avoid any obstacles
• Wear suitable footwear and gloves if necessary
• When you start to lift use your legs not your back; imagine yourself as a hoist, not a crane
• If necessary, carry for a short distance and then stop to rest before you restart