Moving House Checklist – Top Tips For Moving Home
There are a lot of things you need to do when you move into a new house. It’s easy to forget something, but we made this moving home checklist for you so you can be fully prepared for moving day. We have included a printable handy moving house checklist so you can tick it off to completion; this step-by-step guide is guaranteed to see you through. A moving house checklist is essential regardless of whether you’re renting or purchasing a new home. The lists may vary depending on your unique circumstances, but it will help you organize and keep track of the tasks that need to be completed when moving.
Confirm Moving Date
Once you have decided on a moving date, you’ll need confirmation from your estate agent and the house sellers.
If you’re last in the chain, be prepared to wait, as every other deal before yours needs to go through. Determine where you are in the chain and plan for delays just in case they happen.
Hand in Notice (If Renting)
Plan when to give notice to your landlord and tell your landlord when you will move out. This is especially important if your lease is ending soon. That way, you don’t pay rent and a mortgage simultaneously.
If you are renting, try to overlap your moving-in date with your current tenancy; then, you can spread moving out across several days. That way, you can move into your new home without the stress of having to do it all in one day.
Utility providers (Inform of Moving Date)
Be sure to notify all your utility suppliers of your plans to move – this includes electricity, gas, phone, and broadband companies. They will all need to know the date you plan to vacate the property, and if you are struggling to remember who all your suppliers are, check your monthly bank statement, which will typically reveal all. Some of your bills may be quarterly, so go back as far as you need to.
Phone and Internet
Your phone and internet providers should be one of the first people you contact after you’ve finalized your move. Give them plenty of time to transfer service, as it might take a few weeks for everything to go through.
Before you move, download anything you might need during the transition that requires internet; now’s your chance! If you’re ever without an internet connection when you move, you can use your mobile phone as a mobile hotspot in the meantime.
Lastly, remember to take a meter reading at your property and pass it along to related suppliers. Take a picture of the meter as photographic evidence of the final meter reads, so there will be no doubts in future disputes.
Choosing a Removal Company
If your move is minimal or you are on a budget, it may be less expensive to rent a van and call upon some family for help. Just keep in mind that this could add more stress to an already hectic day, so make sure it’s the right decision for you before going for a rental; as well as moving everything, you’ll also need to unpack on the other side, leaving you exhausted.
Advanced Notice
It’s always best to plan ahead; leaving this step till the last minute will leave you scrambling for anyone with availability to conduct your move and likely see you paying more than you originally anticipated.
Picking the right removals company ahead of schedule can make a huge difference; many offer extra free services, such as disconnecting your washing machine or disassembling oversized furniture.
All Day Bookings
If you are in a large chain, there will likely be delays. In this case, you should book a moving company for the entire day to avoid any potential issues. The last thing you want is for the movers to leave before the job is finished because you should have booked more time, and they have another appointment scheduled; many companies will also offer a discounted rate for all-day bookings.
Declutter Your House
Packing everything up and moving is stressful enough – why make it more difficult by bringing along things you don’t need? Get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past year and any large furniture you intend to replace. This will lighten your load for you and save you money on your removal costs by getting rid of unwanted items.
Start Packing Early
Start packing all the boxes you won’t need before your move. This can include things like excess bedding, books, garage supplies and some of the children’s toys; if they’ll let you. Additionally, try to source some moving boxes as soon as possible; if you start your search early enough, you might save yourself a stack of cash.
- Stopcock (Isolating Water at Old Property and Switching on Water at New Property)
- Water Meter (Old and New Readings)
- Gas and electric meters (Old and New Readings)
- Fuse Box (Just something you should know the location of)
Changing Address, Who Should I Tell?
There are a lot of companies that need to know when you move. Make sure to update your contact details so they can contact you. Before you proceed, make sure you pay all the bills associated with your current property. Otherwise, they might come back to bite you; the easiest way to remember all your suppliers is by checking your monthly statements from your bank.
The most important ones are:
- Your employer
- Your bank, insurance, pension and credit card companies
- Local Council Tax
- TV Licence
- DVLA – driver’s license
- National Insurance / DSS offices
- Utility companies (Water, Gas & Electric)
- GP & Dentist
- Phone and internet providers
- Inland Revenue
- Electoral Roll
- Insurance providers (including car, pets, travel and home insurance)
- Online Store (amazon and eBay)
- Family members and friends
Pack Your Important Documents
Ensure your valuables and all your important documents are in a safe location. Keep them close!
- Tax paperwork
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificate
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Medication
- Credit cards
- Cash
- Jewellery
- Any valuables, heirlooms or irreplaceable items
- Any other personal documents you can think of
Moving Day
Record Readings
On the day of your move, record and photograph utility meter readings for water, gas, and electricity. This way, you can confirm the readings with your respective providers and ensure they match your utility bills.
Final Sweep of the House
As the last items are placed into the moving van, do a final house sweep. Ensure you have everything. Carboards, loft spaces or garages need to be remembered.
Make your new house a home.
- Check water, gas, and electricity are working (take necessary meter readings).
- Ask somebody to connect up your washing machine and dishwasher.
- Place all your perishable and frozen food back in the fridge.
- Unpack the kitchen and bathroom boxes first.
- Unpack your survival kit.
- At this point, you could order a takeaway and call it a day; but that choice is yours!
Bonus Tips – Moving House Checklist
Please ask the previous owner of your new home a few questions about the new property before moving day.
- Where is the thermostat?
- Do you have any instruction manuals or warranties for electrical items on the property?
- What day are the bins collected?
- Which companies supply gas, energy, water, home phone, and internet/broadband?
Use this Moving House Checklist to make your house move go more smoothly. Planning ahead is the best way to reduce stress during a move. Good luck with your new home! Click Here For Downloadable Checklist.
