Moving Home Guide

One month to go

• Finalise moving date
• Make removal arrangements
• Post change of address cards
• Collect boxes, newspapers and packing materials
• Notify the landlord, if applicable
• Take final meter readings
• Arrange utility services for new home
• Book time off work
• Dispose of unwanted bric-a-brac, or give to charity
• Transfer club memberships
• Advise your GP if you need a repeat prescription before you move
• Arrange to register with a GP nearer your new home
• List belongings – take pictures of valuables
• Advise your bank of change of address
• Check your insurance policy covers losses as a result of the move

Two weeks to go

• Advise your local authority about the change of address
• Advise Royal Mail to re-direct
• Pack non-essential items
• Arrange for children and/or pets to be supervised during move
• Tag pets with contact details for new address

One week before the move

• Pay bills
• Cancel orders for newsagent, milkman and window cleaner
• Check details with utility companies regarding supply to your new home
• Give directions to your removal company from old house to new house
• Put all move related documents together in a folder or file
• Complete packing
• Label boxes with room they are to be posited e.g. kitchen – glassware – FRAGILE
• Advise neighbours when you are leaving
• Return any hire items e.g. DVD or library books

One day before the move  

• Pack essentials for travelling and a survival kit for the first few hours in your new home – food, drink, clothing, kettle, toilet paper, torch, light bulbs and cleaning materials
• Defrost fridge and/or freezer
• Clean the house for new owners

Moving day

• Collect the keys for your new home
• Give removal men your new address and a contact number
• Disconnect any remaining appliances
• Check that nothing is left behind
• Lock all doors and windows
• Leave a note for new owners advising them about security alarms, gas, electricity, water and stop taps etc.

In your new home

• Check electricity, gas and water supplies. Contact the relevant suppliers if not switched on
• Essential cleaning and making beds
• Place pets in a quiet place, and try and keep cats indoors for several days until familiar with their new surroundings
• Ensure you have a valid TV licence
• Renew your driver’s licence with new address details
• Revise your will and inheritance tax planning, if appropriate
• In case of emergency, find out where local GPs surgery and hospital are located