Comprehensive Moving House Checklist

Comprehensive Moving House Checklist with Expert Tips

8 Weeks Before Moving

1. Start Decluttering: Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.
2. Research Removal Companies: Obtain moving quotes from at least three removal companies and check reviews.
3. Create a Moving Binder: Keep track of quotes, receipts, and an inventory of your belongings.

6 Weeks Before Moving

1. Notify Schools and Employers: Inform your children’s schools and your employer about the move.
2. Order Packing Supplies: Get boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers.
3. Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin with items you use less frequently, such as seasonal clothes and decorations.

4 Weeks Before Moving

1. Confirm Removal Booking: Book your chosen removal company and confirm the date.
2. Notify Utility Providers: Inform your current energy, water, and internet providers of your move-out date and arrange for final bills.
3. Update Address: Notify banks, insurance companies, and other important contacts of your new address.
4. Arrange Childcare and Pet Care: If necessary, arrange for childcare or pet care for moving day.

3 Weeks Before Moving

1. Plan for Moving Day: Create a schedule for moving day, including travel time and key contacts.
2. Contact Your New Utility Providers: Arrange for your utilities to be connected at your new home.
3. Check Insurance Coverage: Ensure your belongings are insured during the move.

2 Weeks Before Moving

1. Deep Clean: Clean your home or arrange for a professional cleaning service.
2. Pack Essentials: Prepare a box of essentials for the first night in your new home, including toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents.
3. Confirm Details: Confirm the moving day schedule with your removal company, childcare, and pet care arrangements.

1 Week Before Moving

1. Defrost Freezer: Defrost your freezer and clean your kitchen appliances.
2. Finish Packing: Pack remaining items, labeling boxes by room and content.
3. Notify Neighbours: Inform your neighbours about the move, especially if moving large items might block driveways or cause noise.

Moving Day

1. Final Walkthrough: Do a final check of each room to ensure nothing is left behind.
2. Take Meter Readings: Record readings for gas, electricity, and water at both your old and new homes.
3. Supervise the Move: Be present to oversee the loading and unloading of your belongings.
4. Secure Your New Home: Change the locks and check that all utilities are functioning.

After Moving

1. Unpack Essentials: Start with the essentials box and gradually unpack other items.
2. Check for Damages: Inspect your belongings and report any damages to the removal company.
3. Register with Local Services: Sign up with a new GP, dentist, and local council for council tax.
4. Introduce Yourself: Meet your new neighbours and explore your new neighbourhood.

Additional Tips for Using a Moving Company

1. Obtaining Quotes: When getting quotes from removal companies, ensure they include:
   • An in-home survey for accurate estimation.
   • Details on what is included in the service (e.g., packing materials, insurance).
   • A breakdown of costs to compare different companies effectively.
2. Packing Materials: Decide whether to buy packing materials yourself or have the removal company provide them. Removal companies often offer:
   • Full packing services: The company packs all your items.
   • Fragile packing services: The company packs only fragile items.
   • Self-packing: You pack all items, and the company supplies the materials if needed.
3. Parking for Removal Vehicles:
   • Ensure there is adequate parking for the removal vehicle at both locations.
   • Obtain any necessary parking permits from the local council well in advance.
   • If parking is limited, coordinate with neighbours to reserve space.
4. Cost Factors:
   • Distance: Longer distances typically cost more.
   • Volume: The more items you have, the higher the cost.
   • Access: Difficult access (e.g., no elevator, narrow streets) can increase costs.
   • Timing: Moving on weekends or during peak times can be more expensive.
5. Additional Services: Some removal companies offer extra services such as:
   • Dismantling and reassembling furniture.
   • Short-term storage solutions.
   • Cleaning services for the old or new property.

For a detailed guide and additional resources, you can visit Horizon Moving.

This comprehensive checklist ensures you cover all aspects of your move, helping you stay organised and reduce stress throughout the process.