Moving Tips

We recommend that you print this page out and mark off things as they are completed!

Checklist – well in advance of the move:

  • Get quotes from removal companies well in advance using www.movehouse.com – do not leave this until you have a moving date as often by then it is too late to book a decent company.
  • Consider the quotes you have received. Are you comparing like for like (e.g. is insurance and VAT included?).
  • Once you have chosen your preferred removal firm ask them if they can accept your booking on the day that you wish to move. Fridays/the end of the month are the busiest days and usually get booked quickly so consider moving on other days. Book as far in advance as possible.
  • Contact the local authority about any parking restrictions outside the collection or delivery addresses. They should be able to suspend parking bays on the day of your move. Your removal company may charge you more if they cannot get close to the property.
  • Dispose of any unwanted or unneeded items before your move. You can ask your mover to deliver the items to a local auctioneer perhaps or ask the council if they will collect large items for disposal. House clearance companies can be paid to take things away for you.
  • Run down your freezer/fridge contents and switch off the day before the move to let gasses in system settle. Leave for 24 hours after move before switching on again
  • If you are packing for yourself get in packing materials and start packing as far in advance as possible. Remember, for a smooth move all packing should be completed before the day of your move.
  • Plan where everything will go in your new home - draw a floor plan and label boxes accordingly.
  • Arrange for friends to look after children or pets on the day of your move.
  • Decide what you need to take with you on the day of the move and keep these separate. For example: important documents, mobile phone chargers, telephone numbers, refreshments, children’s toys and valuable items.
  • If items of furniture need to be dismantled by you for the move, do this in advance if possible - remembering to keep the fixings in a safe place.
  • Inform the necessary people of the move and date e.g:

    • Family and Friends
    • Post Office - redirect your mail
    • Local Council
    • Utilities
    • Cable/Satellite Company
    • Milk Man and Newspapers
    • Internet Service Provider
    • Banks and Building Societies
    • Creditors
    • Doctor
    • Dentist
    • Vet
    • Schools
    • D.V.L.A.
    • Insurance Companies

The big day:

  • Use your cars to reserve the best parking spot for the removal lorry if parking might be an issue and warn neighbours if they might get blocked in.
  • Ask the people moving out of your new home to keep the space that their removal lorry used if parking is an issue there. If local to you, try and pop over mid-morning to check how their move out is going.
  • Explain and label any items that are not to be taken by your movers.
  • Make sure you have left spare keys and instructions for the heating, alarms or any other appliances you are leaving for the new owner. When loading is complete you must make a full inspection of your old home to make sure nothing has been left in error - if your movers have to make a second trip as a result of items being left in error you may face additional charges. Remember to read your meters and phone the details in to the Utility companies.
  • Provide your mover with a map showing your new address (if you are moving outside the local area) and drop the keys for your old house at your estate agent. Take the foreman's mobile telephone number and give him yours. It's important that you can remain in touch. If you are completing on your new house on the day of your move it's a good idea to arrange to be at the estate agents between 12 noon and 2pm as this is usually the time they will be able to release the keys to your new home. If you are there when the keys are released you will save time.
  • At the delivery address you will need to be on hand at all times to direct the movers to place items where you want them. Label rooms to make reference to the parts of your new home easier. If you would like to see any items of furniture in a different position now is the time to tell them.
  • Visit your new neighbours if you have not already met them before.
  • Of course, your movers will appreciate the odd cup of tea during the move so make sure the kettle is on hand!