Moving into a new home is both exciting and stressful. The process of moving, whether it’s halfway across the country or just around the corner, needs lots of planning and preparation (as well as mental energy!). I’ll be moving soon (hopefully) so I wanted to share my checklist with you to help streamline your next move into manageable steps, so you have a smooth transition to your new place.
6 Months Before the Move
6 months might seem a long time away, but it’s the perfect time to start planning and preparing. You may feel like you have plenty of time to go, but the big day will be here in no time!
Write a list of all the addresses you need to change
When you move house, you need to tell your companies like your bank, insurance companies, and the DVLA that you are moving house. You should tell them as close to your moving date as possible, but now is the time to make a list of all the addresses you need to change to make it easier when the time comes. I like to keep this list on my phone using the notes app. This means if I remember something else, I can add it to the list quickly.
Measure your new home
Make sure you’ve measured up in your new home. It’s a good idea to get the dimensions of doors to make sure things like the sofa can fit through, windows for blinds and curtains, as well as any cubby holes so you can start planning what furniture will fit.
Declutter
While it’s too early to start packing, you can start to declutter and get rid of things you don’t want to bring with you. Have a sort out of all your books, DVDs, clothes and anything else that may be just sat gathering dust. Getting rid of it now makes packing and moving easier!
Contact Moving Companies
It’s now time to pick a moving company. Get a quote from some removal businesses to see which is the cheapest. They will come and have a look at your home to see how much stuff you have, so they can plan the size of the moving truck they will need. Professional movers are a big help on moving day. They quickly pack all your belongings up and put them in the correct room of your new home. Make sure to research thoroughly, checking for insurance coverage and examining customer reviews. Remember, it’s not just about the cost – the reliability and professionalism of the moving company can significantly impact the ease of your moving process.
Plan What DIY You Need To Do
Think ahead about what DIY you will need to do in your new home. Do you want to do some painting? Does the kitchen need replacing? Do you need to fix something? Planning out what you want to do and the cost will help you prioritise what you need to do.
Request Time Off Work
Give work as much notice as possible! If you are unable to give an exact date just yet, make your manager aware that you’ll need some time off to move house.
Research Schools
If you’re moving to an area where your child will attend a new school, start researching the schools now and make contact with admissions about your child attending there.
Consider Your Moving Budget
It’s time to think of the cost of moving. How much will you need to spend on packing supplies, removals, self-storage or any DIY you need to do instantly when you move into the house?
5 Months Before the Move
With five months to go before the big house move, there’s plenty of preparing to do. We’re talking research, organisation, and making sure you’re not caught on the back foot when it’s time to go.
Research Your Area
Researching your new location is a must! I like to look at Google Maps and see what’s near by. Are there any supermarkets close? What about local farm shops? How far is the nearest post office or pharmacy? Check out local doctors and dentists if you’re doing a long-distance move.
Join Local Facebook Groups
One of the best ways to get a taste for your new area is social media. Facebook is a good place to start as most areas have a local community page. Here you can find out what’s on and get a taste of the area before your moving date. A bit of local knowledge goes a long way, and can really help you settle into your new village or town.
Set Up A Moving Binder
It’s time to have a place where all your documents are easily accessible. Keep any documents your mortgage advisor or solicitor has requested to see, any legal documents they send and any contracts altogether,
4 Months Before the Move
Right, with four months to go before the big house move, we’re getting close!
Tech and Utilities Sorted:
Start comparing energy providers and broadband packages. A quick broadband speed test can help you figure out which internet service will meet your needs.
Don’t forget to consider safety and security. Wireless security cameras, burglar alarms, and smart plugs are not just cool; they’re smart moves to keep your new home safe and sound.
Pets & Children
As with the above, you’ll need to think about security here too. The last thing you want is to put any of your family into a position of endangerment. So you should make sure that you have a plan in place for how you are going to deal with them and keep them safe throughout the moving process. Organise someone to look after the little ones and furry friends on moving day. It’s going to be hectic, and you don’t want to be tripping over toys or tails.
Plan what you will do with your animals, a dog may be able to go to a family member or friend for the day, but with a cat, it’s better to leave them in an empty room in your old house, and then move them straight into an empty room in the new house with their belongings.
Informing Your Landlord
If you’re currently renting, notifying your landlord should be next on your moving checklist. Remember to provide formal written notice according to the terms stipulated in your lease agreement. This step not only ensures a good relationship with your landlord but also aids in securing the return of your security deposit.
3 Months Before the Move
Start Packing
First, make sure you have enough packing supplies. You’ll need packing tape, bubble wrap, moving boxes and markers to label the boxes.
Start with the stuff you won’t need for a while, like those winter coats if it’s summer, or the barbecue grill if it’s winter. Label those boxes clearly – future you will be grateful. You can also pack things like books, DVDs or anything that you don’t use regularly.
Packing Checklist
Write a checklist of what needs to be packed and when you can do it. Go room by room so you can start packing more and more things as you get closer. Ideally, a week or so before most things should be packed other than clothes and essentials for the following week.
2 Months Before the Move
Right, we’re at the two-month mark on our moving house checklist.
Insurance
Check if your current insurance will cover the move. If not, it’s time to get that sorted.
1 Month Before the Move
Alright, with just a month to go before the big house move, it’s time to get those ducks in a row.
Setting Up Your New Utilities
You should have already compared energy providers so know who is cheapest. (Remember, a penny saved is a penny for the new home decor!). It’s time to contact them about getting set up. Book that broadband installation to ensure you’re connected to the world as soon as possible.
If you’re all about that binge-watching life, make sure your TV and streaming services are set to go at the new address.
Run Down Your Food
Start munching through that fridge and pantry. It’s a good excuse to get creative with recipes. Frozen food is the priority, so try to plan meals around what you have in your freezer to avoid having to move it!
Ensuring Your New Home is Insured
Securing insurance for your new home is an essential step in the moving process. If you’re buying your new place, buildings insurance is often a requirement for your mortgage. As soon as you exchange contracts, the home becomes your legal responsibility, so it’s a good time to get insurance. On the other hand, if you’re renting, it’s wise to consider contents insurance to protect your belongings from loss or damage.
Moving Week
Ahh, it’s moving week! Things are about to get serious.
Confirming the Final Details
- Ring up your moving company to double-check the time and date – no room for mix-ups now!
- If you’re renting, arrange that final inspection with your landlord to ensure you get your full deposit back.
- Get your furniture disassembly game on point – flat-pack everything you can to save space and hassle.
- Organise a locksmith to change the locks at your new place because, let’s face it, safety first!
The Three-Day Tidy-Up
- Tackle that laundry pile; you don’t want to move dirty clothes along with the clean ones.
- Label those spare keys and prepare to bid farewell to your old house keys – it’s been real!
- Disconnect your appliances and give the fridge/freezer a good defrost.
- Snap pictures of your electronics setups – they’re like a treasure map when you’re trying to remember which wire goes where.
- Give your old home a final once-over, cleaning as you go – it’s good moving karma.
- Secure the premises, take meter readings, and snap photos of those empty rooms for the memories.
Moving Day Survival Kit
Don’t forget to set up a moving day survival kit! Essential items should include:
- Important documents
- The holy trinity of moving day: phone, laptop, and chargers.
- A change of clothes, because who knows what the moving day might throw at you.
- Snacks and water – moving is hungry and thirsty work!
- A tape measure and toolbox for those immediate DIY needs.
- Think kettle, mugs, tea, biscuits, and loo roll – the first-night survival kit!
- Toddler sacks!
- Pyjamas so you can get into bed without having to find them!
- Toiletries and shower stuff.
Redirecting Your Mail
In the digital age, it’s easy to overlook the importance of physical mail. However, essential documents like credit cards and important notifications often arrive via post. To ensure a seamless transition, set up a mail redirection service with Royal Mail. This service can be scheduled in advance, safeguarding your personal information and ensuring no important mail is missed.
The Big Move
Alright, it’s the day of the move, and we’re about to cross the finish line! Once the moving truck is loaded, do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind. Then, at your new home, direct the movers to the correct rooms for each box. Finally, take a moment to celebrate – you’ve successfully moved into your new home!
Final Checks and Balances:
- Whip out your notebook and take those final meter readings at both your old and new properties.
- Give the new place a good scrub-down before you go. It’s easier to wipe, mop, and dust without dodging boxes and furniture.
- Keep your moving day survival kit on hand – you know, the one with the toiletries, snacks, and the all-important tea bags.
- Assemble the bed first, so when you’re knackered at the end of the day, you can collapse into a comfy, ready-made bed.
- Your box of essentials should be the first off the truck. This includes the kettle, toaster, and a few kitchen sundries to rustle up a quick bite or a soothing cuppa.
- Tackle the kids’ rooms early on, if applicable. Get those soft toys and games out to keep the little ones occupied and feeling at home amidst the chaos.
- Make sure your utilities are all systems go. There’s nothing worse than a cold shower to dampen the spirits of a moving day.
- Crack open the toolbox and start piecing together anything that was disassembled. Those instructions for the bookshelf weren’t just for decoration!
After the Move
Once you’re in your new home, there are still a few tasks to complete. Register with local healthcare services, update your driving license, and explore your new area. From restaurants and grocery stores to parks and leisure facilities, getting to know your new community is an exciting part of settling into your new home.
Making Your New House a Home
Finally, it’s time to transform your new house into a home. Unpack at your own pace, prioritising essential rooms like the kitchen and bedrooms. Slowly, you’ll start to see your new place come to life with your personal items, making your new house feel like home.
Moving to a new home is a significant milestone. I hope this checklist helps you navigate the moving process smoothly and efficiently. Here’s to a successful move and the exciting new chapter awaiting you in your new home!
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