Preparing to move checklists

• Make a list: 
  Making a list of everything that needs to be done and by when will help ensure that nothing gets overlooked and everything is done in time.
  
  
• Have a clear out: 
  Before a moving date is even in the diary, it makes sense to begin a thorough clear out, as every box and bag you move with will add an element of complication to the move. Auction websites and flea markets can turn objects you no longer need into money. And any items you are unable to sell will be gratefully received by charity shops.

• Tell your landlord: 
  If you are moving from a rental property, be sure to give your landlord sufficient notice. The notice period should be stated in your tenancy agreement.
  
  
• Book time off: 
  While you may be able to pack some items up in the evenings leading up to the move, you may be grateful for having some time off around the moving day, even if you plan to move house at the weekend.

• Contact removal firms: 
  If you plan to use a professional removal firm, which can alleviate a lot of stress and risk, begin to shop around and get a few quotes. You may need to arrange a parking permit for the removal lorry, so remember to check this with your local council.
  
  
• Collect boxes: 
  Begin to collect boxes to pack things into. Supermarkets often have boxes that they will give away. Sturdier boxes are the most suitable, and you can buy boxes specifically for this purpose. Decent packing tape is also recommended, as regular sticky tape may not be strong enough to seal heavier boxes. Should you be using a professional removal firm, often they will provide boxes and even pack up your belongings.
  
  
• Problem items: 
  Begin to make provisions for moving items that are going to be problematic. Lawnmowers should be drained of fuel, and pianos may require specialist assistance.

• Plan the move:
  Thinking about the logistics of the move ahead of time may enable you to stagger the move over several days, which can make things easier. Ask yourself if you will need to put anything in storage, whether it will help if you stay at a friend’s house for a few nights, and whether you will have access to your new home before you need to vacate your existing one.
  
  
• List contacts:
  Make a checklist of all the relevant people you will need to contact, a date you will need to contact them by, and their contact details. This should include friends, family, utility providers, banks, your children’s schools and work.

• Clear the freezer: 
  Begin to plan meals so that you have cleared the contents of your freezer in time for the move.
  
  
• Start packing: 
  Start to pack up non-essential items, such as books, ornaments and any clothes that are out-of-season. Do not overfill boxes with books, as they can become very heavy very quickly.

• Check removal company/van hire:
  Double check contact details and timings with your removal company/ information required for van hire. You may need to arrange a parking permit for the removal lorry, so remember to check this with your local council if you haven't already.
  
  
• Packing:
  Label your boxes with their contents and the room they are intended to be unpacked in. Begin to stack them together somewhere that will make it easier for them to be loaded into the removal lorry or van.
  
  Leave yourself just enough cutlery, crockery and clothes to get through the week.
  
  
• Inventory: 
  Start an inventory of everything that is being moved. The list need not be very detailed, but numbering boxes and bags can help you check that nothing is lost during the transition.
  
  
• Defrost the freezer: 
  If you have planned your meals well, your freezer should now be empty and ready to defrost.
  
  
• Have a final sort out: 
  Sort through and get rid of anything you do not need by throwing it out, recycling it or taking it to a charity shop.

• Essentials kit: 
  Plan your essentials kit and identify the things you are likely to need on the day and the night of the move, such as bed linen, towels and a change of clothes.
  
  Pack this up separately so you do not have to unpack everything immediately. Your essentials kit should also include your phone charger, toiletries and any medicine you may need.
  
  
• Important information: 
  Along with your essentials kit, keep all important documents readily accessible in a safe place, and carry these with you on the day.
  
  
• Children and pets: 
  If you have children or pets, you may find it easier if somebody is able to look after them during the move.

• Storage:
  If it is necessary for you to move anything into temporary storage, it may be best to do this during the week building up to the move.
  
  
• Furniture:
  If you have not done so already, make sure that your furniture will fit in your new home. Consider not only whether the furniture will fit into the new rooms, but also whether the new property has any stairwells or narrow doorways that may will hinder access. 
  
  
• New furniture: 
  Order any new furniture and carpets, and arrange for delivery to your new home.
  
  

• Notify service providers: 
  Alert all relevant companies of your change of address. Remember to notify banks, utility companies, HMRC, the local council, your children’s schools, your employer, insurance and pension providers and any gardening, cleaning or other services.
  
  
• Update documents: 
  Contact the DVLA and UKPA to update the details of your driving licence and passport.
  
  
• Cancel subscriptions: 
  Cancel any newspaper, magazine and other subscriptions, such as wine or regular food boxes. Cancel any regular milk or grocery deliveries if you have these set up.
  
  
• Change of address: 
  Tell your friends and family your new address, and consider arranging for post to be forwarded to your new address by Royal Mail.

• Keys: 
  Arrange a time to collect the keys to your new home from the seller’s estate agent, and decide with your estate agent or landlord how you will hand over the keys to your existing home. Your estate agent can only release the keys upon confirmation from the seller's solicitor that they are in receipt of funds. You will need to bring photo ID with you to collect your new keys.

• Cleaning: 
  You may want to consider arranging for professional cleaners to clean your new home before you begin moving in. 
  
  
• Decorate:
  If there is a period between having access to your new home and having to vacate your existing home, you may choose to decorate the new property as this will be easier while it is empty.

• Insurance: 
  Ensure you have home and contents insurance in place for your new home. This should have been in place from the date of the exchange.
  
  
• Bills: 
  Cancel any standing orders or direct debits you have set up for services you will no longer be using, and make sure that all accounts are settled.
  
  
• Internet: 
  Arrange for internet access at the new property. If you leave this until you have moved in, you may have to wait several days to enable internet access in the new property.

Carefully check your existing home before you leave for anything left behind. Check the attic and every cupboard in every room.

Your bag of essentials should be packed and to hand. Keep this with you throughout the move.

Take any food that is worth keeping in a cool box and eat or dispose of the rest.

If you are using one, double check the removal company has two correct addresses and your phone number.

Switch off all appliances and the heating.

Check and make a note of your meter readings.

Leave a note for the new owner welcoming them into their new home. Provide any instruction manuals you have for appliances you are leaving behind, together with your contact number and a forwarding address.

Lock up your old house and leave the keys wherever specified, usually with your estate agent.

Your estate agent can only release the keys upon confirmation from the seller's solicitor that they are in receipt of funds. You will need to bring photo ID with you to collect your new keys.

Check with the removal company that each box, bag and item of furniture is unloaded and placed in the allocated room, and that nothing has been damaged in transit.

Double check the removal vehicle before it leaves to make sure that nothing is left behind.

Check all your utilities are working. Make sure you have electricity and hot water.

Put any food you have brought with you into the fridge or freezer, and make a trip to the local shop to stock up any essentials, such as milk and bread.

Take your time unpacking to avoid damage.

Get the larger items of furniture in place first, and focus on the most important tasks first, such as building your bed.

Flat-pack boxes and stack them neatly as you empty them.

Introduce yourself to any neighbours you see on the day.

Take meter readings and make a note of these.