Moving home checklist

They say that moving home is one of the most stressful life events that most of us endure. But with careful planning in the weeks and months before the big day, you can break down the process into manageable tasks and avoid getting overwhelmed. There is a lot to do leading up to your moving day. Make sure you have everything covered in plenty of time. Stay organised and keep on top of your to-do list with our moving house checklist.

BOOK YOUR REMOVAL: COMPANY OR TRANSPORT
You might plan to move your possessions yourself, with the help of friends, or with a professional removals company. Whichever you choose, you’ll need to arrange it well in advance to ensure availability on your chosen date and get the best prices for transport. You’ll also need to shop for packing supplies or, for a more sustainable option, ask at local stores for leftover boxes.

ENROL AT THE LOCAL SCHOOL
Most schools require you to enrol your child at least six weeks in advance. Nurseries and other childcare facilities may be more flexible, but popular choices could also have a waiting list.

ARRANGE CONTENTS INSURANCE
Your buildings insurance should already be in place as your mortgage provider will have required it, but if you didn’t arrange contents insurance at the same time, you could do so now. Since your possessions could get lost or damaged as part of the move, you might want a policy that will cover this.

CALL YOUR GAS AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLIERS
It might be possible for your current gas and electricity suppliers to move your account to your new address, or you may need to close your account and register a new one once you move in. Either way, you’ll likely need to supply your final meter readings to settle the bill at your current home, so remember to note these down on
moving day. Now might be a good time to shop around for new energy deals to begin at your new property.

CALL YOUR WATER COMPANY
Water companies are regional, so whether you’re staying with the same provider depends on how far you’re moving. If you won’t be changing providers, you’ll just need to notify them about your change of address and make sure your bill payments are up to date. If you’re changing providers, you’ll need to contact both of them.

MOVE YOUR TV, PHONE AND BROADBAND CONTRACTS
If you want to move your existing contracts for internet and entertainment services, try to give your provider plenty of notice so that everything is up and running when you move in. If your provider doesn’t offer service to your new address, you’ll need to close the contract and shop for new deals.

CLOSE YOUR COUNCIL TAX ACCOUNT
Contact your local council to confirm your moving date and close your council tax account. You may need to settle a final bill, or you may get a refund if you’ve paid in advance.

ORDER CRUCIAL FURNITURE
If you’ll need new sofas, beds, curtains or blinds in your new house, you may need to order many weeks in advance.

MANAGE YOUR MAIL
Remember to update your address with your bank, other financial service providers, your employer, et cetera, to ensure you continue to receive important communications. You might want to keep a note of other mail you receive in the months leading up to your move in case there are any service providers you’ve forgotten about. You could also use Royal Mail’s redirection service to have your post forwarded to your new address.

ARRANGE PARKING PERMITS
If you have to apply for a permit to park near your new home, it’s best to arrange it a number of weeks in advance before you move.

PACK AN ‘ESSENTIALS’ BOX
While you’re packing up your home, there are some things you’ll want to keep separately, in a box that you’ll have immediate access to during and after the move. Add anything you’d take for an overnight trip, such as clothes, towels, toiletries, and essential medications and documents. Include toilet paper, snacks, mugs, and
tea and coffee. You might even want to pack a bottle of champagne, so you can celebrate as soon as your move is over.