From stopping newspaper deliveries to dismantling furniture, there are a million and one things to keep track of when you’re moving house. It’s likely going to be one of the most stressful times in your life, but staying organized can help minimize the mid-packing breakdowns and keep things progressing smoothly. Here’s a checklist that will help you stay calm amidst the chaos of moving.
2-3 months before the move
Before you can even begin to prepare for your move, you need to make sure everything is ready for putting a deposit down on your new property. Finding your conveyancing solicitor and organizing your mortgage should happen about two months before you plan to move. Using a mortgage broker or an online mortgage comparison service is often a great way to ensure you find lenders who offer great rates.
Two months out, you should also be doing more research on the area you will be moving to. For instance, look into the local council and what facilities are offered in the area. Transfer important files, like your children’s school records, and, if necessary, prepare to sign up with and have your medical history sent to a new GP.
6 weeks before the move
This is when list-making really come into play. You’ll want to make a comprehensive list of the major items that will be making the journey with you. It’s also during these weeks that you’ll be getting rid of everything that you don’t want to take. These lists not only help keep you on track with packing but if you are hiring professional movers, it will help them understand the amount of furniture and items they’ll be moving.
You should aim to get a handful of quotes from moving companies. Websites like ReallyMoving.com offer online comparison services that allow you to see multiple company quotes at one time. You can also check which packing materials different moving companies offer, and at what additional costs.
If moving for your work, see if your company is willing to pay certain relocation costs and contact your employer about the reimbursement process.
This is also the right time to have a Chartered Surveyor go through and inspect the property you will be moving into. The Surveyor is there to make sure you are fully informed on the structural safety and condition of the property.
1 month before the more
With one month to go, it’s now time to keep in close contact with your solicitor so that housing contracts can be exchanged and moving dates decided on.
You will want to have confirmation from your chosen moving company and find a storage company if you need extra storage space while the move is happening. It’s usually a good idea to hire a professional cleaning company to come to your house before the new owners move in.
When you start packing your belongings, it’s best to start with the rooms you use the least and with nonessential items. Usually, this means starting with nooks and lofts, as well as outdoor sheds or bins.
The final weeks before the move
By this point, you have hopefully packed up your home, contacted utility and insurance providers, and have all the final confirmations for the moving day.
All that’s left is to make sure you have the contact details of your removal and moving companies, arrange childcare for the moving day to ensure that the day runs as smoothly as possible for everyone, and cancel any subscription services for your old address.
With one week left, you’ll want to make sure you have things lined up for when you get to the next house. The means washing and drying all your linens and favorite items of clothing so that they can be unpacked quickly and immediately put to use.
Also, make arrangements with your post office so they forward your mail to your new address, this will cost a small fee.
Finally, make sure that the property you’re leaving is all set for the newcomers: clear and defrost the fridge and freezer, make sure you’ve removed all portable plants from the garden and house, and gather your keys together for handing over.
