Declutter
There's no better time to
declutter
than when you move home. Take this as
an opportunity to really decide whether you need items you've been hanging
onto for a while. Remember that the more things you take with you, the
more it will cost you to move. Use eBay, Facebook and Gumtree to sell what
you can, donate where possible and responsibly dispose of anything else.
Try to arrange your move for
a weekday (not a Friday if possible!)
If there are any issues with getting keys or something's not right at the
new property, you'll have more chance of getting it sorted on a weekday
than at the weekend. If you're moving on a Friday or at the weekend any
issues aren't likely to be resolved until Monday at the earliest.
Collect or order boxes and
packing equipment
If
you're on a budget, supermarkets and other shops often have a lot of boxes
to get rid of, especially on a delivery day. You can also try local
Facebook groups, websites like Freecycle or Gumtree, or a place of
work/study. If you want to buy packing equipment, including boxes, tape,
stickers and pens, we can help out - contact us with your details.
Start Packing
You
can never start packing too early. Start with your least-used rooms or
spaces first: the garden shed, the attic or under the bed are good places
to begin. Remember to make an inventory so you know what each box contains
and where it needs to go. Make sure you pack your boxes correctly - not
too light or heavy, and make sure you can shut the lid and tape it down:
this will make loading the van much easier and will help keep the cost and
time of your move down. Keep some boxes aside for last-minute packing.
Make a to-do list or
calendar
A to-do list or calendar can really help you organise your move,
especially for tasks such as switching utilities or having new furniture
delivered.
Notify utilities
You'll need to turn off or transfer your utilities from your current home:
e.g. gas, electric, water, phones, internet, TV licence. Depending on your
provider you may be able to do everything online - just remember to do it
in advance so you're not left without the essentials when you move in.
Notify others
You'll
also need to notify your local/new council, the DVLA, banks, shops (i.e.
if you have a loyalty card), schools if necessary, inland revenue for tax
purposes, insurance providers.
Arrange disconnections
You may also need to get somebody to come and disconnect your appliances
such as washing machines or ovens. This is absolutely necessary if you own
a gas cooker: these
must
be disconnected and reconnected by
somebody with a gas safety certificate, or you may endanger yourself. At
the very least, you would likely not be covered by insurance if something
were to happen.
Renting?
If
renting, give notice to your agent and/or landlord and arrange for the
property to be cleaned by a professional, it will make the day far less
stressful. If money is tight you can always do it yourself, but wait until
the property is empty before starting. You'll also need to arrange a final
checkout.
Going far?
Get
your car serviced if you're making a long distance move - the move will
likely be stressful enough without your car breaking down.
Change health services
If
necessary, register at new doctors, dentists, opticians, vets etc. Also make
sure you have enough medication to last until you can access the new
services.
Book a removals company
Shop
around for quotes, check reviews and remember to book early so you don't
miss out. Always check reviews! Related: depending on where you're moving
from/to you may need to organise permits for vans to park outside your
current or new home - having to park further away will increase time and
cost of your move if using a company.
Book storage if needed
If
you need to arrange storage for any items make sure to do this early.
Getting items into storage as soon as you can will cost more but can save
you a large headache later on.
Children/Pets
Arrange
for children and pets to be looked after if possible - ask family and
friends! Having so much going on can be stressful and disorienting, and
you'll be too busy to be able to do much about it. Try to get moved into
your new home before introducing pets - it'll help them acclimatise easier
and become less stressed.
Book time off work
Remember
to book time off work if necessary! It may also help to book a few days
off before and after your move so you can get settled.
Clean the new place
If
you already have keys and previous owners have moved out: arrange a clean
of your new home. If it's been vacant for a while it may be quite dusty.
Getting new
furniture/furnishings?
If
you need new carpets or furniture, order them for the day after you move
in (unless you already have the keys before you move - in which case get
them delivered before you move in!)