Six to four weeks before the move | Tick | Date |
| Confirm the date of your move | | |
| If you're renting, notify your landlord of your moving date | | |
| Check your home insurance - make sure you have cover from the day you move in to your new home. | | |
| Obtain written quotes from several removal firms. Get references and check the limits of their insurance. | | |
| If you're not using professional removers, ask friends to help and start collecting boxes and packaging materials | | |
| Book extra storage space if required. | | |
| Notify the relevant utility companies of your departure. | | |
| Start getting rid of possessions you no longer need. | | |
| If you need new furniture or carpets - order them now and arrange delivery for when you move in. | | |
| Check parking arrangements at both homes. | | |
| Review your financial arrangements to see if you could save money on insurance, etc. | | |
| Have a good sort out and get rid of any unwanted
items by having a car boot sale, selling on Ebay or donating to
charity. Clear the loft or garage. | | |
| Start running down your food and household supplies –
don’t fall for ‘3 for 2’ offers unless you know you’ll use the goods
before the move. | | |
| Arrange for your gas appliances to be disconnected professionally. | | |
| Check with your insurer that you have cover for your belongings in transit. | | |
Two weeks before moving | | |
| Start packing non-essential items such as books and non-seasonal clothes into boxes. | | |
| De-register from your doctor, dentist and optician if you're moving out of the area. | | |
| Visit the post office and arrange for your post to be forwarded (you will be charged a fee for this service). | | |
| Notify your milkman and newspaper shop that you'll be moving and give them a date you want the service to stop. | | |
| If you have children or pets, arrange for someone to look after them during the move. | | |
| Make a list of everyone who should know about the move. Send out change of address e-cards. | | |
| Finalise arrangements with your removal company.
Confirm arrival times and make sure your removers have directions to
your new address. | | |
| Arrange a time to collect the keys for your new home from the estate agent. | | |
| Notify your bank of any changes to direct debits and standing orders. | | |
| Run down freezer contents | | |
| Notify TV licence and passport offices and DVLA - you must update your driving licence and vehicle log book | | |
Two days before moving | | |
| Defrost and clean the fridge and freezer. If you are transporting food in your freezer, turn it up to full power | | |
| If you’re doing it yourself, take down fittings and mirrors and dismantle large items where possible | | |
| Finish packing and begin cleaning | | |
One day before moving | | |
| Assemble a ‘survival pack’ containing the kettle,
tea, coffee, sugar, mugs, snacks, toilet roll, bin liners, washing up
liquid/bowl, tea towels, fuses, screwdriver, pliers, overnight
clothes and toiletries | | |
| Separate valuables and important documents ready for you to hand-carry on moving day | | |
| Disconnect the power and water from your washing machine if you’re taking it | | |
| Withdraw some cash for tips and emergencies | | |
| Finish the cleaning and have a final check over the home. | | |
Moving day | | |
| Take gas, electricity and water meter final readings | | |
| Take down your satellite dish if it’s going with you. | | |
| Take down any curtains or blinds that are going with you. | | |
| Collect the keys to your new home and give your removers a spare, if possible. | | |
In your new home | | |
| Check the smoke alarms | | |
| Take gas, electricity and water meter readings | | |
| Arrange to have any gas appliances serviced | | |
| Register with a new doctor, dentist and vet as soon as possible | | |