Moving house checklist
Moving house can be a stressful and busy time, but if you make sure to plan ahead it doesn’t have to be. To help you be prepared and make your move as smooth as possible, we’ve compiled these top moving house tips to ease the moving process. Be sure to follow them so that you’re completely ready come moving day:
– Prepare
Make sure you’re fully prepared for moving by making lists of everything and organising things well in advance. You’ll need packaging materials such as moving boxes, which you can get from removal companies in Reading or from a shop, and organise any care you might need for your children or pets during the actual move. Research the area you’ll be moving to so that the transition is less stressful. You should also decide what it is that you definitely want to take with you and what you will leave behind, for example, if the home is small you won’t be able to have as many things. What you decide to leave you can either give away to friends or charities, or sell in a garage sale. When you’ve decided what you’re taking, make a list so you don’t forget anything.
– Moving company
Once you’ve found the right moving company, make sure you determine the moving date with them well ahead of time. Ask them any questions you might have, and contact them a few days before the actual move to confirm plans.
– Removal van
Make sure that both your old and new houses have sufficient access for the removal van, for example, is there on street parking available? Make sure your neighbours are aware that you’re going to be moving so the van does not get in their way, and ensure you have any permits if necessary.
– Packing
You can either get your removal company to provide a professional packing service, which is a good idea if you’re moving abroad or just if you want to ensure all your items are completely safely packed, or you can pack your things yourself. Start your packing a few weeks before moving day, working through the house to make sure you’ve got everything on your list. Pack things based on how you plan to unpack them in your new home, making sure to pack any essentials last. You should also make sure to not pack any personal documents or money, as you may need these during the move. Label all your boxes so you know what’s what, and don’t overpack boxes so they’re too heavy to lift, or under-pack them so you’re not making the most of space.
– Change of address
You’ll need to notify relevant people that your address is changing. This includes banks, utility providers, employers, and schools if you have children.
– On moving day
Make sure that you’re actually there on moving day, to oversee things and ensure they go to plan.
Once everything pack in the moving van and ready to go, do a last check of your house to make sure you’ve not forgotten anything, and to ensure you’ve not left any lights on or left the windows open.