Checklist for Moving Home

A handy checklist to make moving to your new home simple.

Moving into a new home can sometimes be as stressful as it is exciting. There are lots of things to keep track of, and not just loose socks that never seem to find their way into the proper box.

So that you can focus on the excitement and alleviate the stress, we’ve created a handy checklist of all the things you need to take care of before a move.

 

Eight Weeks before the Move

• Find a conveyancing solicitor
• Finalise your mortgage
• Research the area you are moving to
• Confirm moving date with current landlord or buyer
• Check your insurance for the move
• Create a physical file for important documents
• Inventory your possessions and decide what you are taking
• Make a checklist of important items to move
• Get rid of large items that you’re not taking to the new home
• Confirm how you are physically moving items – removal service, renting a van, etc.Find a suitable RICS member to conduct your home survey
• Start clearing out cupboards
• Collect packing materials – boxes, bubble wrap etc.
• Check restrictions on removal vehicles at both your current and new home
• Book time off work
• Speak to your children’s new school and get any new uniforms, books, and other supplies they might need

 

Four Weeks before the Move

• Confirm exchange of contracts with your solicitor
• If you are using a removal firm, renting a van or employing any other moving services, confirm the booking date and costs
• Determine the route you will take from your current home to the new home. Are there any areas that the removal vehicle may have difficulty navigating – low bridges, weight-restricted areas, ongoing construction? Also consider what time of day you will move to avoid the most traffic
• Arrange storage facilities if required
• Purchase new furniture
• Determine whether you need to replace any carpets in the new home and arrange fittings
• Start packing non-essential items and store them in the least-used rooms in your current home
• Start clearing out any storage spaces such as lofts or sheds
• Make cancellation arrangements with your utility providers
• Arrange for insurance policies to be transferred to your new home

 

Two Weeks before the Move

• Finalise details with moving company
• Arrange child and/or pet care for your moving day if required
• Arrange any other required services you need for your move, such as having your vacated property cleaned or booking a plumber to assist with washing machines and dishwashers if you are moving these
• Cancel any services such as newspapers, cleaners or regular deliveries
• Inventory your perishable food and make a meal plan so you can use up as much of it as possible

 

One Week before the Move

• Put all important items and documents together so you can keep track of them. This includes passports, house documents and jewellery
• Create a survival kit of all the things you’ll need for the first night. This should include items such as linens/towels, kettle and mugs for tea, snacks, a knife to open boxes, and bin bags
• Finish as much of the packing as possible
• Arrange redirection of your post
• Defrost fridge/freezer so they are completely dry by moving day
• Ensure you have sufficient funds to pay for the move as well as any emergencies that may come up
• Set a time to collect keys for your new home

 

One Day before the Move

• Do a final walk-through and check each room so you don't leave anything behind
• Pack a night bag for each member of the family
• Put together a toolkit. Include a sharp knife for opening boxes
• Ensure you have the keys to the new property
• Gather all the keys for your current home together

 

Day of the move

• Record all utility meter readings – you may wish to take photos. Once this is done, turn the utilities off
• Pack your bedding
• Check all the windows are secure

 

Once in your new home

• Get kettle going for tea and unpack biscuits
• Confirm what boxes/furniture go where as well as any special instructions for the moving company
• Check that all items in your inventory arrived and check for any damage
• Unpack your survival kit
• Put important documents somewhere they will be safe 
• Check the utility meters at your new home and take pictures of the readings
• Confirm all the keys work properly
• Inspect the garden
• Check for any items left by the previous owner