Moving House Hints & Tips

Remember to start thinking about packing early by collecting as many boxes and as much bubble wrap, tissue paper newspapers, cardboard, wrapping and padding that you can – somehow there never seems to be enough!

Four weeks before moving

• Confirm the date when you’ll be
  moving in
• Book time off work
• Decide whether you are going to move yourself or use a professional removal company. If you are using professionals, gain several quotes and compare prices. If you’re moving yourself, ask some friends to help you
• Contact your telephone and utilities companies to tell them about the move
• Have a clear out of anything you do not really need
• Consult our packing checklist to make sure you’re prepared

Two weeks before moving

• Tell your local authority
• Arrange with the Post Office for your mail to be re-directed
• Start packing things that you will not use before you move

One week before moving

• Pack everything apart from things you will definitely need between now and the move
• Confirm your move with utility companies
• Confirm all the details with your
  removal company
• Put important or valuable items in a safe place (passport, driving licence, birth and marriage certificates, etc)

The day you move

• Pack a box of essentials to help you through the first day in your new home (kettle, tea bags, coffee, toilet paper, snacks, spare lightbulbs, etc)

Packing

• Start early – packing will always take longer than you think!
• Protect your valuables with bubble wrap
• Clearly label boxes with fragile items and load them into the van last
• Take extremely delicate items with you in the car
• Write which room the boxes are going to on the labels
• Consider how you will move valuable items such as antiques, computers and pianos - you may need a specialist removal company to help you
• Keep your stereo speakers away from the television as the speakers contain magnets that can damage it
• Put one or two heavy items in each container so that they weigh roughly
  the same

• Before you lift a box, test its weight. Put it down straightaway if it is too heavy
• Keep your survival kit close at hand – tea, coffee, biscuits, and kettle!
• Finally, a spare pair of hands could be useful so ask someone to help you on the day of your move

Who to tell

• Utilities
  Water, Gas, Electricity, Telephone (landline & mobile), TV Licence, Cable/ Satellite/ Internet Companies

• Financial
  Banks, Building Societies, Investment Companies, Pension Companies, Credit Card, Loan Companies, Council Tax, Insurance Companies (Home, Travel, Life, Pet), Inland Revenue, Employer

• Motoring
  DVLA, Vehicle Insurance Company, Motoring Association (AA/ RAC/ etc)

• Others
  Friends and relatives, Magazine and newspaper subscriptions, Schools or colleges, Sports or social clubs

• Health
  Doctor, Dentist, Optician