Moving House Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide

Moving to a new house is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting task. With so many things to organise and remember, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate moving house checklist to help you stay organised and ensure a smooth transition into your new home. From notifying important entities to packing essentials, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to do before, during, and after your move. If you need help moving your furniture, you can use a professional moving company. So grab a pen and get ready to check off those tasks individually!

Create a catalogue of all those who require notification

Consider all the individuals who depend on your present address. In addition to friends and family, you must inform your employer, children’s schools, GP, dentist, optician, bank, mutual society, insurance firms, and so forth. Consider all the individuals and establishments that contact or mail you, and ensure they are informed of your relocation.

Notify your landlord or property proprietor

If relevant, communicate with your landlord or property proprietor to inform them of your intended move. Even if you have already informed them of your intention to terminate your tenancy or rental agreement, it would be beneficial for all parties involved to provide an official letter or email specifying your departure date. It will offer you protection in case of any rental disputes and ensure a clear understanding between both parties.

Inform Important Parties

Notify your employer or educational institution about your change of address. Update your address with healthcare providers, including doctors, dentists, and opticians. Inform your local council to update your electoral registration details.

Utilities and Services

Schedule the disconnection of utilities such as gas, electricity, and water at your current property for the day after you move out. Connect utilities at your new home: Ensure the necessary utilities are set up and functioning before arrival. It includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and other essential services.

Change of Address

Inform the Royal Mail of your change of address to ensure your mail is redirected to your new home. Update official records: Notify government agencies, banks, insurance providers, and other institutions about your change of address. Inform service providers: Contact utility companies, internet and cable providers, and phone companies to arrange for services to be transferred or cancelled.

Organise for your post to be redirected to the Post Office

Although you may have already updated your address with your utility and service suppliers, there will still be numerous databases that list your previous address. The redirection service is a contingency plan to ensure you receive mail from individuals unaware of your address change. Make sure to arrange for all your mail to be redirected to your new address, which can be done at the Post Office. There is a fee associated with this service, but it is much more convenient than relying on the new occupants of your property to forward your mail.

TV License and Subscriptions

Inform the TV Licensing Authority about your move to ensure uninterrupted television services at your new address. Cancel or update subscriptions: Contact your magazine subscriptions, streaming services, and any other subscriptions you have to update your address or cancel services if needed.

Take apart non-essential furniture and cupboards

Make it a priority to dismantle the furniture and cabinets you intend to bring along, as long as they can be reassembled. It will significantly simplify the moving process and reduce the risk of damage if they are packed in a flat state.

Organise the last metre readings and bills

Obtaining the final metre readings for your electricity, gas, and water metres. It guarantees a smooth transition without any disagreements between you and the new owner of your house. Additionally, upon moving into your new property, promptly record the metre readings and compare them with the lessons provided by the previous occupants.

Verify that your home insurance provides coverage from the day of the move

Refer to your home insurance policy documents to ensure they include your property’s coverage during moving. Since significant lifting will be involved in both your old and new homes, there is a potential risk of property damage. It is important to understand your liability in such cases. Alternatively, contact your insurance company for personalised advice and information, particularly if you are contemplating switching providers. It may present an opportunity to negotiate for a more favourable deal.

Prepare your new residence for occupancy before settling in

During the day of your relocation, your goal will be to transfer your possessions and unload them efficiently and promptly into your new dwelling. Undertaking the task of cleaning your new home on the same day of the move, particularly before the commencement of loading items, will prove challenging due to time limitations. Therefore, it is advisable to contemplate utilising steam-cleaning methods for the carpets and walls before your scheduled move-in day.

Accommodation during the interim period

Suppose you anticipate a period where you’ll be in-between houses or unable to move into your new home due to renovation work. In that case, arranging temporary accommodation at the earliest opportunity is advisable. Booking hotels in advance tends to be more cost-effective, and you won’t encounter the same room demand as you would if you left it until the last minute. If you’re considering storing some of your belongings, contact a storage facility to inquire about availability.

Maximise the utility of your Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi setup at your new home may take a few days, so make the most of the functioning wireless internet in your current residence while you still can. Please print out any necessary directions or instruction manuals for new electronic devices for your new property. In case of urgent internet requirements, you can consider seeking out a nearby café or relying on your mobile data.

Create an informative information pack for the new owner of your home

It would be highly beneficial for the new owner to have a comprehensive factsheet that outlines all the essential details about your house. It will help minimise the likelihood of them contacting you repeatedly with inquiries while you are in the process of setting up your new home. Include information such as the location of the stopcock, gas and electric metres, garbage collection schedule, and details regarding energy, broadband, and landline providers.

Organise childcare and pet care for the day of the move

The day of the move tends to be bustling and frantic, so the last thing you want is to have a young one (whether a child or a pet), adding further complexity to the day. Make an effort to arrange for family members or a registered childminder to care for your children while you relocate. As for pets, consider utilising a pet transportation service to ensure their safe arrival at your new home.

The moving day

When the moving day arrives, you may not have the opportunity to visit the shop if you require something essential. That’s why it’s advisable to assemble a box of items that will be useful to you in a nearly empty house. The kit should comprise a kettle, milk, tea, coffee, mugs, bread, bottled water, toilet roll, toiletries, cutlery, and plates.

Moving requires careful planning and organisation, but with the help of this comprehensive checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for the journey ahead. Remember to start early, stay organised, and enlist the assistance of professionals when needed. By following this checklist for house removal, you’ll be able to tackle each task systematically, ensuring a smooth and stress-free.

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