Moving Home Checklist

Moving home can be an overwhelming and chaotic experience, involving numerous tasks and details to manage. That’s where a moving home checklist becomes invaluable. This comprehensive guide helps individuals and families stay organized, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition from one home to another. A moving house checklist acts as a roadmap, breaking down the process into manageable steps, from planning and packing to utilities setup and address changes. By following a moving house checklist, individuals can reduce stress, save time, and ensure that nothing important is overlooked during this significant life event.

What to do 7-8 weeks before your moving day

• Start making a plan and even doing it for what you can get rid of and what will not be coming and needed at your new home.
• If you are currently renting, it is crucial to inform your landlord using the appropriate notice, as failing to do so may result in an illegal termination of your tenancy.
• Refer to your tenancy agreement to obtain specific details and information regarding the protection of your deposit.
• Conduct thorough research on your new area, exploring local newspapers, blogs, or community websites to familiarize yourself with the surroundings.
• Commence the collection of free cardboard boxes to facilitate the packing process. If the money is not an issue you can call us and get an estimate of how many boxes you will need and what sizes are the best for moving home.
• Contact your landline telephone provider to notify them about the upcoming change. If you plan to cancel the service, ensure to provide them with at least one month’s advance notice.
• Similarly, inform your internet service provider for the same reasons.

Moving preparations 3-4 weeks before your moving day

• Commence the search for a local removal company, that provides all help you need to move quickly and stress-free. Movivan Removals offer hassle-free moves to all London residents, providing additional services like packing, storage, handyman, and packing supplies. 
• Ensure to inquire about any parking restrictions that apply to both your current and future addresses. Depending on which borough you are situated in, applying for a parking suspension period will differ. Some boroughs need just a few days, while others might need 3 or 4 weeks’ notice.
• Contact the HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) to update your address information.
• Inform your new local council of your relocation to ensure your eligibility to vote at the new address.
• Notify the relevant authorities for tax purposes, ensuring that your address is updated accordingly. Additional information can be found here.
• Consider purchasing moving insurance to provide coverage for all your belongings during the transportation process. If using our services, you do not need to do this. Our Goods in Transit insurance will cover and issues and damages. We are fully insured for up to £50,000, but it is important to follow our guidance after you decide to use our removal and storage services, so you can get access to our full liability.
• Transfer your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy to your new home.
• Make arrangements for mail redirection, which can conveniently be done online.

What to do 2-3 weeks before your moving date

• Make arrangements for childcare and/or pet care on the day of the move.
• Inform your newspaper delivery person and milkman to discontinue their services.
• Take the necessary steps to deregister from your current General Practitioner (GP) and find a new one in your new vicinity.
• Forward copies of your children’s school records to their new educational institution. Contact the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) to update both your Driving License and Vehicle Registration Certificate.
• Request time off from work to coincide with the moving day.
• If you are planning to use temporary storage facilities, find a local self-storage company that offers the best rates and terms. Movivan Removals also provide removals and storage services, but depending on where you want to move this might not be suitable. If you still need a storage quote from us, call us on 020 8003 3260.

What to do a few days before your moving date

• Ensure to confirm the date and specific time with Movivan Removals or your chosen moving company, while also providing them with accurate directions to your new home. If there is a change in your circumstances you must notify us immediately.
• Schedule an appointment with a locksmith to arrange for a change of locks at your new residence.
• Commence the process of disassembling any flat-pack furniture that you plan to take with you. Alternatively, leave this task to our removal specialists. For a little bit extra we can dismantle and assemble any type of home or garden furniture.
• Secure a safety deposit box to safeguard valuable items such as expensive jewelry, important documents, and other valuables until your relocation is complete.
• If you are renting, arrange a final walk-through with your landlord to ensure the return of your safety deposit. Do not forget to take many photos of your property in detail in case a problem arises. Before conducting a final walk-through with your landlord, fill nail holes with a soap bar to restore the condition of the walls.
• Prepare entertainment options for children, such as coloring books, crayons, and games, to keep them engaged and occupied during the moving process. If you prefer giving them digital devices, have the cables ready and any phones or tablets charged, especially if you are moving long-distance.
• Remember to update your TV license as it does not automatically change, and failure to do so may result in a fine of up to £1,000.

What to do one day before your moving date

• Ensure to empty and defrost your refrigerator/freezer ahead of time when moving. This process may require more preparation than just a day before the move.
• Pack all remaining items, excluding essential ones in the kitchen and bathroom. Alternatively, you can opt for our packing services, where we provide packing materials and necessary boxes.
• Organize all hardware items in labeled baggies to facilitate easy reassembly of furniture. Utilize color-coded stickers to label each box according to its designated room. Clearly, mark boxes containing fragile items to ensure careful handling during the move.
• Perform a final thorough check of all drawers, closets, cabinets, and the garage to ensure that nothing has been overlooked.
• Prepare a snack-box for the following day, filled with non-perishable food items and refreshments.

During your move

• Indicate to the removal team which boxes they should handle and transport to the new location.
• Ensure that your children and/or pets are safely situated at the predetermined locations as planned.
• Conduct a final round of cleaning throughout the premises.
• Take note of the readings on all meters, such as gas, electricity, and water.
• Ensure that all windows and doors are securely locked and properly secured.
• Capture photos as you depart the property, serving as evidence of its condition upon moving out.
• Perform one last comprehensive inspection of the entire premises, including the garden area.
• Pack any last-minute items from the bathroom, such as toothbrushes, perfumes, and hair conditioners, and place your sleepwear for the final night on top of the designated “Bedroom” box.
• Kindly offer refreshments to the movers, as they would greatly appreciate it.
• Once all belongings are unloaded, thoroughly inspect the removals van to ensure that nothing has been unintentionally left behind.

After you have moved

• Return the keys to your previous property to the landlord or letting agent as necessary.
• Ensure that all necessary setup procedures for your new residence are completed, including deposit protection, gas safety checks, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), smoke alarm checks, and other relevant requirements.
• Verify if electricity, water, and gas services are functioning properly in your new home.
• If you are renting the new property, take photographs of its condition as evidence for future reference.
• Ensure that the locksmith arrives and successfully changes the locks as planned. 
• Prior to using the chimney for the first time, remember to sweep it to maintain cleanliness and safety.
• Take a moment to relax, treat yourself to a takeaway meal, and enjoy the comfort of your new place.