Planning your move

With a little forward planning, your move should run smoothly. Here's our guide to help make your move as relaxed as possible.

You can also download this checklist as a PDF file:

pdf Planning your move 237.64 Kb

Three weeks to go...

  • Get estimates from removal firms. Ask about their packing and unpacking service, if you need it, and whether they provide packing cases. Alternatively, find out about hiring a self-drive van.

  • Always make sure that the removal firm has comprehensive insurance cover against damage to or loss of your goods, and confirm your requirements.

  • Check your home contents insurance policy for cover at your new address and during your move.

  • Write to your building society/bank and any credit card companies, advising them of your new address and amending standing orders, for example.

  • Arrange for water, electricity, gas, telephone and other accounts to be finalised. Don't forget to register with your new service providers at your new address.

  • Book a suitably qualified electrician, gas installer and plumber, if required, to disconnect appliances at your old address and re-fit them at your new address as necessary.

  • Notify your doctor and dentist surgeries so that your medical records can be transferred to your new practices.

  • Confirm school transfers.

  • Start collecting suitable packing boxes if your removal firm does not provide them, and start packing things that you won't need until after you have moved.

  • Create a system of identifying the packing boxes that will be opened first (by numbering or colour coding), and label all boxes clearly with the contents and the room in which they belong.

  • Let your employer know your new address.

  • Set aside one or two hours for the demonstration of your new home.

Two weeks to go...

Change of address notification

There are certain to be many people that you will need to advise of your move. The checklist below includes some of the individuals, companies and organisations that you may need to inform.

  • Bank and building society

  • Catalogues

  • Clubs and associations

  • Credit card companies

  • Doctor and dentist

  • DVLA

  • Employers

  • Friends and family

  • Hire purchase companies

  • Inland Revenue

  • Local authority council tax department

  • Magazine and newspaper subscriptions

  • Mobile phone companies

  • Motoring organisations

  • National Savings and Premium Bond companies

  • Opticians

  • Professional associations and trade unions

  • Rental companies

  • Satellite TV companies

  • Schools and colleges

  • Service companies

  • Telephone companies

  • Veterinary surgeons

In addition:

  • Start running down the stocks of food in your freezer.

  • Continue to pack any items that you won't need before the move.

  • Arrange for someone to look after your children and pets on the day of the move.

  • Start throwing away any unwanted items from cupboards, attics and sheds.

  • Arrange for the Post Office to redirect your mail.

  • Complete your change of address notifications.

One week to go...

  • Confirm your moving arrangements with the van hire or removal firm.

  • Clearly label any items you're leaving behind and remove any fixed objects not included in your sale.

  • Collect and label all keys for your existing property.

  • Make up a toolkit with screwdriver, pliers, knife, hammer, hooks, fuses etc., and keep it handy for your move.

  • Make sure your loft, garden shed and other storage places have been cleared out and all items not needed for use have been packed and labelled.

  • Cancel newspapers, milk and window cleaner, and settle any bills you may have overlooked.

The day before...

  • Defrost your fridge. Empty and defrost your freezer, or alternatively switch to maximum if you are taking the contents with you.

  • Complete all packing except for clothing and overnight toiletries, and any food and drink you might need on the day you move. For children, a few favourite toys will help them settle in on their first night.

  • Have some cash available to deal with any unexpected expenses.

  • Clean down all paintwork and work surfaces including sanitary ware.

  • Vacuum the carpets.

  • Advise your solicitor of the time of your move, so that he or she can make sure all completion money is with the builder prior to your arrival on site to collect the keys on the day.

  • Prepare a survival kit containing kettle, drinks and snacks.

  • Keep your Lovell Homeowner's manual to hand as you will need it on the day of your move.

  • Leave any instructions for appliances, central heating etc., and make a list of useful telephone numbers for the new occupiers of your house.

  • Double check contents insurance for your new home is in place.

On the day...

  • Turn off the central heating and all electrical appliances. If you are moving in winter, make sure you drain the water systems unless someone is moving in on the same day.

  • Make a note of gas, water and electricity meter readings.

  • Check all storage spaces and lock all windows and doors.

 
84