Moving home can be one of the most stressful events in our lives, but with careful planning it can be made easier, so we have completed a short guide to moving home:
4-8 weeks
• Book your removal company/removal van
• Set-up a folder for your important moving documents
• De-clutter, this is a great opportunity for you to get rid of any unwanted items, selling them in garage sale could help you to raise money for removal costs
• Measure the space in your new home to make sure the furniture fits
• Start using up food in your freezer
• If doing your own packing then purchase boxes, packing paper on-line, there are some great sites to choose from
• Hand in your notice on a rental property, most rental contracts require 2 months notice
• Set-up a postal redirection either at your nearest office or on-line@ https://www.royalmail.com/delivery/inbound-mail/redirections
2-3 weeks
• Contact all the relevant utility companies to let them know you are moving
• Arrange for any pets to be housed or looked after during your moving day
• Organise utility suppliers for your new home
1 week before moving date
• Draw up a plan for your removal company of each room in your new home and mark boxes with numbers in accordance to your room plan
• Make sure there is clear access for your removal company
• Cancel any newspapers, milk and any other deliveries (notice times might vary)
• Drain the lawn mower, remove batteries from battery powered items
• Start to dismantle large furniture
2 days before moving
• Make sure your removal company have clear instructions of how to get to your address and your new address, and make sure they have a mobile number they can contact if necessary
• Arrange a key collection for your new home
1 day before
• Defrost the fridge/freezer, move any chilled food into a cool box
• Leave a welcoming note for the new owner/tenant, with your new address details for any missed post
• Prepare any boxes, clothes you might need to take yourselves
Moving day
• Take meter readings of all of your utilities
• If hiring a removal van make sure you take the appropriate payment and documents required
• If renting make sure you have made provisions to clean the house, following the letting criteria in your rental contract
• If moving into a rented house you will need to arrange to pick up a key
• Make sure you follow the manufacturers guide-lines on how to move your white goods
• Check the whole house including cupboards before the removal lorry leaves to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.
• Turn off the power and make sure you leave the keys where agreed, orhand back to your rental agent
Once in your new home:
• Check for any damage to your goods on moving
• If renting make sure you fill out a rental form and mark any damage
• Take Utility readings and store in a safe place
• Contact your local council to let them know you have moved in
• Introduce yourself to your new neighbours
If you need any further advice on moving, why not pop into your local branch of Intercounty.