Whether this is your first move or you're a seasoned expert, it's easy to forget one of the many things you need to consider. In preparation for the big day, we've compiled a checklist of 20 main points to remember when you're moving house.
The checklist
1. Make sure you get written quotes from a number of local moving companies before the move. Find your nearest removal companies with UpMyStreet.
2. If you are moving to a new area, find out where your local GP is, and notify your current GP that you'll be changing to a new practice.
3. Hold a garage sale or take your unwanted clothes and items to a charity shop. There is no better time than when you're moving house to cull your wardrobe and cut back on clutter.
4. Start packing non-essential items such as books, CDs and DVDs early; it'll help prevent a big rush in packing at the last minute.
5. Label your packing boxes with what's in them, be as specific as you can, and mark on them the rooms they will be going to in the new house.
6. Make all of your service providers aware of your address change, including your gas, electricity and water suppliers, the DVLA, your TV/broadband/home phone providers, subscriptions, etc. There are online sites available which will allow you to change all of your addresses at once.
7. Make your bank aware of your address change and move your accounts to the most local branch
8. Take apart any large, outdoor furniture in advance, such as children's play-sets.
9. Make sure you use any food left in the fridge and freezer in the days leading up to the move, as you will need to defrost the freezer before you go.
10. If you have young children, you may want to arrange for someone to look after them on moving day.
11. Ask friends to help you move house. Many hands make light work, so why not invite your friends to help you move and make a tough job that little bit easier? If they're reluctant, try offering them a small incentive, like a moving-day takeaway.
12. If you're going to need a parking permit at your new house, find out what you need to do to obtain one. If you can't get one straight away, you may need to get a temporary visitors permit in the meantime.
13. Visit the Post Office and have your mail redirected to your new house. Prices start from £6.90 a month with the Royal Mail, but if you have forgotten to change your address with any suppliers you'll soon find out.
14. Prepare your pet for moving and collect their medical records from the vet before you go. Try to make the journey as stress-free for them as possible by making them comfortable and putting one of their favourite toys in the carrier with them. If it's going to be difficult to keep an eye on them on moving day, make other arrangements for them whilst you move.
15. Make sure you have directions of how you get to and from the new house, for you and the removal company.
16. Make sure you take meter readings for the gas, electricity and water meters for both your new and old properties.
17. Remember to put your valuables and important documents somewhere safe while you are moving.
18. Before you leave, have a walk around and check all cupboards to make sure you've left nothing behind.
19. Now that you're moving into a new property - you need to make sure you have home insurance in place from the day you move. Compare home insurance providers and make sure you get a competitive policy that covers your requirements.
20. You might want to consider having broadband , digital TV or home telephone services installed. Compare packages at uSwitch and make sure you're on the most competitive packages for your new area.
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