Moving Advice: Checklist

When your removal manager calls, be sure to let them know of the items that will not be moving house with you.
 
Packing
Probably the task that will take the longest. If you are planning on doing this yourself then don’t leave it to the last minute! Label boxes and crates clearly and have lots of newspaper on hand to deal with delicates. Now's the best time for a clearout, and is your chance to sell all that junk!
 
Car
Make sure that your vehicle is fully serviced and problem free ready for the move and long journey
 
Bank and Utilities
Make sure that you let all the institutions know that you are changing address. These include:
 
• banks
• credit cards
• standing order providers
• schools
• premium bonds
• insurance
• national insurance and the DSS
• pensions
• DVLA
• Stocks and shares
• TV licensing – www.tvlicensing.co.uk/moving
• BUPA/private medical providers
• Council tax
• Subscriptions (magazines etc)
• Don’t forget your mobile provider as well
 
Doctors
You’ll also have to register yourself and your family at a new dentist, doctor and optician in your new area. You also need to de-register at your current doctor and dentist. If you are having ongoing treatment or have an operation scheduled then you’ll need to liaise with the hospital.
 
Mail Redirection
The Post Office requires at least seven days notice to put in place a mail redirection operation. This can only be done over the counter.
 
Printers
You may wish to print new address labels.
 
Hotels
You might need hotel accommodation during the move. Book your rooms well in advance, especially if you are moving over the summer.
 
New Carpets & Curtains
Make sure that you have the right measurements and confirm the correct delivery dates well in advance.
 
Pets
You may need to put your pets in kennels, or ask your relatives to look after them during the move.
 
Utilities
Electricity ask for at least 48 hours notice. Gas – remember that the market is now open to competition; there are alternatives to BG. Water also require at least 48 hours notice, and you’ll also need to arrange a new water mains supplier for your new house.
 
Loaned Items
Remember to return all library books, and items lent to you by neighbours etc
 
Milk/Paper
Remember to cancel all milk and paper delivery accounts. You may also wish to set up new accounts in your new neighborhood.
 
Children
If you have young children you may wish to organize childcare for the day of the removal.
 
Clothes
Remember to hold a set of clothes ready for the move, and also some toiletries.
 
Removal Kit
Ready for the other end, pack a kit of essential items that you may need
 
• screwdrivers
• light bulbs
• nails, screws and picture fasteners
• hammer
• pliers
• matches
• paper towels
• toilet rolls
• cash
 
Keys
Ensure that the keys for your new home are going to be available.
 
Laundry
Do last minute laundry
 
Defrost
Empty and defrost your fridge and freezer. If you have asked us to move your freezer with the contents, place all the contents in plastic bags, so they can be lifted out so we can move the freezer.
 
Packets & Jars
Seal all packets and jars, not allowing for any spillages.
 
Valuables & Documents
Lock away any valuables and documents, and put them out the way of all the clutter.
 
Access
Make sure that there is going to be enough street space for the removal van, and also sort out lift access if you live in a flat or apartment.
 
Refreshments
Make sure you have enough refreshments to last the day, remember moving is hard work! Include items such as tea and coffee, biscuits, cake, juice cartons and sandwiches.
 
Evening Meal
Perhaps make the meal today, something that will last. Maybe eating out will be more convenient.
 
Plants
Make sure all plants are safe for removal.
 
Children
Make sure that all young children are settled with their carer. If the children are staying with you, then they may want individual tasks to keep them busy, such as packing their own box.
 
Removal Manager
When the team arrives they will all introduce themselves, and the removal manager will be grateful if you could show the team around the house.
 
Beds
Put all the bed linen in bags, ready to dress the new beds at the other end.
 
Double Check
Once the removal van is fully loaded, have a second look around the whole house and garden making sure that nothing has been left behind.
 
New Home
At the other end, the team will help you unpack and arrange the furniture, if quoted for.
 
Finally
You will be asked to sign the removal sheet which verifies that everything is unloaded and in the correct place.