BEFORE YOUR MOVE

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One-two months before

• Put together a ‘moving book’ to keep notes of what you need do, what you’ve done etc.

• Use this checklist to help you assess what you need to do and when and write out your own plan.

• Buy a file to store all the documentation and paperwork associated with the move.

• If you haven’t got a moving company yet, GET ONE!

• If you need to move vehicles, pets or specialist items and you need outside help start sorting it out now.

• If you need to use storage facilities look at your options and book it.

• Make a list of everyone you need to notify of your change of address.

• Start contacting key financial providers such as your bank or other institutions to have your details changed and to start up the process of cancelling/setting up automatic payments and/or accounts etc.

• Notify schools and employers of change of address. If moving out of the area you’ll need to register your kids for a new school.

• Start packing non-essential stuff (it’s never too soon to begin!) whenever you have some free time.

• Buy, hire, beg, borrow or steal suitable boxes and containers to pack your stuff into.

• Talk to your doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc., to notify them of your change of address or to come off their books if necessary. In some cases you may need to get copies of your records to take with you. If moving abroad ask about vaccinations etc. If you or your family (or pets) have regular medical prescriptions, get them filled to cover you throughout the moving process. If you’re moving out of the area ask for referrals to new practices.

• Contact all of your insurers (home, vehicle, medical etc) to notify them of your move. Ask your home insurer for details of your existing coverage for the actual and arrange new coverage or a transfer to your new home.

• Get a lockable box and start putting in important documents as you come across them.

• Give all service providers such as gardeners, domestic help and regular delivery services notice that you will be moving. Cancel or change any subscriptions or memberships you have.

• Send out change of address notices to friends and family if you have a firm moving date now. You’ll have less time as the days pass so it’s good to get this out of the way.

• Get a form from your local Post Office for their mail forwarding service, fill it in and send it off.

• Start making an inventory of your goods and take photos/videos of valuable items.

• Complete any repairs to your home that you are committed to.

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Two-three weeks before

• Contact utility companies and service providers to arrange to have your appliances/services disconnected and, if necessary, reconnected in your new home.

• Move your packing up a gear. Take a room a day and start packing up stuff you don’t use regularly.

• Take back library books, pick up dry-cleaning and think about any other similar things you may have pending in the area.

• Have your car(s) serviced.

• Start living off your store cupboard and freezer and stop buying frozen or perishable food – you can’t really take it with you and it’ll make the move easier.

• Put aside a box/boxes for personal/essential items that you want to take with you yourself rather than have the movers take. Start putting stuff in it as you come across it. Mark it DO NOT MOVE so your movers don’t load it by mistake.

• Pack up your garage and any stuff that is stored in your yard, garden or sheds.

• Empty your lawnmower and power tools of fuel etc.

• Dispose of anything that is flammable or hazardous.

• Think about what you’re going to do with the kids!

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One week before

• Call your mover and any other companies involved with the move (vehicle movers, storage facilities etc) and confirm all of your arrangements, times etc.

• Carry on packing!

• Start taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.

• Check that your new home is still set to be insured.

• Make sure all your outstanding bills are paid.

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One-two days before

• Defrost and clean your refrigerator/freezer and secure major appliances such as washing machines/cookers etc. Make sure that utility companies are confirmed to disconnect services/take meter readings etc.

• Finish taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.

• Sort out any plants you’re taking with you.

• Check that all the paperwork related to your house sale/rental/purchase is complete.

• Close bank accounts if necessary.

• Finish your major packing.

• Pack up your PC and other electrical equipment. Write down the serial numbers in your moving book.

• Put together a box of essentials for the move such as tea, coffee, mugs, sugar, tools, paper and pen and cleaning materials.

• Make sure all boxes are clearly marked/labelled.

• Start cleaning the house as you go along.

• Make sure you have all the documents related to your move to hand.