Moving house checklist

Keep all screws and bolts in one place

Once you’ve started disassembling furniture, you’ll likely be left with many stray screws and bolts. The worst thing you can do is put them to one side and agree with yourself that you’ll find somewhere for them later.

All you need is a self-seal bag. Every time you disassemble something, drop it in a bag. Once you get to your new home, you’ll know exactly where all the screws and bolts are to reassemble your furniture. It’s probably best to label the bags clearly to avoid any potential mix-up too.

Properly label all boxes

Labelling your boxes with the corresponding room’s contents can save you heaps of time once you’re unpacking in your new home. When unloading your boxes from the removal van, you – and removal company employees – will know exactly where to put each one, helping to make the process seamless.

Redirect your mail

Arranging the redirection of your mail before you move will take a lot off your mind once you’re settled in your new home. Royal Mail has a redirection service that you can set up for up to 12 months, giving you enough time to change your address with the relevant companies without the stress.

If you’d rather avoid the cost of Royal Mail redirection and sort it out yourself, then you can simply change the addresses yourself before you move out. This is often more straight forward than people think, especially if you are able to edit addresses online.

Regardless of which option you choose this is an important part of the moving process as there’s nothing worse than having to repeatedly return to your old address to pick up your mail.

Arrange your internet provider

This is one that new homeowners often leave until the last minute, or once they’re in their new home. However, since you’re at the mercy of the provider’s availability to set up your internet connection, leaving it until the last minute may mean you are without the internet in your new home for several weeks.

Limit the chance of this happening by organising it a few weeks before you intend to move into your new home.

Don’t forget to pick up your keys

It might sound obvious, but don’t forget to pick up keys for your new house when you exchange contracts with the seller. The sale isn’t officially finalised until the contracts have been exchanged, so make sure you outline a date for this with your solicitor and the seller.

Give your landlord notice (renters only)

If you’re moving from a rented property into a mortgaged property, you’ll need to give your landlord notice that you won’t be renewing your lease. Check your tenancy agreement to see how much notice you need to give. Four weeks is common, but it may vary.

Arrange removal company

It’s likely you’ll have some bulky furniture to move, or at least more than you can fit in the back of your car. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to organise a removal company for your moving date.

You can hire a van to move your items yourself, but removal companies come with insurance that protect you if anything gets damaged. If you do decide to do it yourself, just check that your home insurance covers you for any potential damage. If it doesn’t, we recommend getting insurance for the day.

Organise care for kids and pets

Trying to take care of your kids and pets while moving house is a lot to manage all at once. Reduce some of the load by making sure they have somewhere safe to spend the day in advance. This way you can concentrate on moving.

Declutter your space

Over time houses collect clutter. Moving home is a perfect opportunity to have a good clear out. After all, you don’t want to clutter your new home or waste energy and time on packing and unpacking things you don’t necessarily need or want.

In the weeks before you move, you can start decluttering your space little by little. Doing one room at a time can be a great way to make it more manageable.

Get some cash out

You may find yourself needing cash on moving day for things like tipping the removal drivers. It’s better to be prepared than be caught off guard, so nip to the local cashpoint on the morning of your move (or the night before).

Fill up the car

You might find yourself making a few trips back and forth between your old and new homes, as well as to the shops to pick up bits you need. A full tank of petrol means smooth sailing for moving day.

Take meter readings

This is important for renters and homeowners. Make a note of your meter readings before you move out. Better yet, take a picture. This will ensure your final bill is as accurate as possible. You should contact your provider with the final readings before you leave.

Don’t be caught without…

• Toilet roll
• Light bulbs
• Bedding

Picture it: you’re all moved into your new home. You’re exhausted but content, and happy to leave unpacking until the next day. However, it starts getting dark and you realise that all the light fittings are missing bulbs, you forgot to pack toilet paper, and you don’t know which box the bedding is in. Cue another wave of stress. Keeping these three essentials close keeps you covered for your first night.