The Essential Moving Checklist For A Stress-Free Move
Moving home is an exciting yet often overwhelming process. With so much to remember, having a comprehensive moving checklist can help keep everything organised and reduce stress. This guide covers every stage of moving, ensuring you don’t miss a step in preparing for the big day.
Eight Weeks Before the Move: Start Planning
Begin your planning at least two months before the move. At this stage:
Create a moving folder:
Keep all paperwork, quotes, and documents related to your move in one place.
Set a budget:
List expected costs such as removal services, packing supplies, and possible storage.
Notify your landlord (if applicable):
If renting, provide your landlord with a formal notice according to your tenancy agreement.
For a more detailed timeline guide, go here!
Six Weeks Before the Move: Organise Utilities and Services
With about six weeks to go:
Research removal companies:
Obtain several quotes, consider reviews, and book early for the best rates.
Begin decluttering:
Go through each room and set aside items to sell, donate, or recycle.
Plan for utilities:
Contact utility providers to arrange for services to be transferred or disconnected on your moving date.
Four Weeks Before the Move: Finalise Plans
At the one-month mark:
Pack non-essential items:
Begin with seasonal or seldom-used items. Clearly label each box with its contents and destination room.
Confirm with removal company:
Reconfirm the booking and clarify any questions about services or costs.
Notify important contacts:
Update your address with banks, employers, healthcare providers, and other institutions.
Ensuring that you have quality packing materials is vital for a safe move. Go here to get clued up on what you need and why!
Two Weeks Before the Move: Sort and Pack
With two weeks to go, it’s time to accelerate packing:
Pack room by room:
Label each box with the room it’s destined for to ease the unloading process.
Prepare an essentials box:
Include items like toiletries, clothing, and important documents that you’ll need right away at your new home.
Arrange childcare/pet care:
If you have young children or pets, arrange for someone to care for them on moving day to reduce distractions.
Looking for tips on how to settle into your new home? Go here to learn how you can Settle Into Your New Home Quickly And Easily.
One Week Before the Move: Final Preparations
In the last week, focus on preparing your current home and packing remaining items:
Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer:
Allow at least 24 hours for defrosting and drying.
Back up important files:
Ensure electronic files are backed up on an external drive or cloud.
Arrange parking permits:
If your new home requires a permit for parking, secure it in advance to allow the moving van easy access.#
Our blog post that highlights safe handling tips may be of interest to you!
Moving Day: Checklist for the Big Day
On the day of the move, keep the following in mind:
Wake up early:
Give yourself plenty of time to handle last-minute tasks.
Take a final meter reading:
Photograph the gas, electric, and water meters in your old property to avoid future disputes.
Do a last check:
Walk through each room to make sure nothing is left behind.
Arriving at Your New Home
Once you arrive at your new property, it’s time to start settling in:
Direct the removal team:
Guide movers on where to place boxes and furniture.
Inspect your belongings:
Check items for any damage during transit.
Set up utilities:
Ensure water, electricity, and heating are working in your new home.
Looking for advice on How To Stay Calm On Moving Day? We've got you covered!
After the Move: Unpack and Update
Even after the move, there’s still work to be done:
Unpack essentials first:
Start with the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.
Register for council tax:
Check your new council’s requirements for updating your tax records.
Update your address:
Notify DVLA, banks, and other services of your new address.
Conclusion
A well-planned checklist can transform a stressful move into a manageable, even enjoyable, experience. By starting early, staying organised, and ticking off each task as you go, you’ll be settled in and comfortable in no time.
We encourage you to check out this blog post if you're wanting to learn more about hassle-free moving!
