Moving into a house is very rarely easy, but being well prepared with a checklist can be the key to keep any stress to a minimum.
So you’ve found a new home, signed the contract and it’s time to start planning moving into your dream house!
Write your moving checklist
Firstly, you should write a list of all the things you need to do before you start moving home. Putting on paper what you have to do step by step makes it easier to work your way through the move-in checklist. Start at 5-3 weeks before you move home and go through each item one at a time. Doing so will make certain you don’t forget anything.
Careful moving organisation and forward planning can minimise the stress of moving into the new house. Print out our moving in checklist and keep it handy.
The ultimate moving checklist
Love Your Postcode have facilitated hundreds of property transactions, so we understand how to make moving home as simple as possible. That’s why we have created this simple Moving Guide to make things easier for you. Our step-by-step checklist of things you’ll need to do before and during your move will help you to remember all those important details, like making sure your new phone line is connected or redirecting your post.
Free printable moving house checklist – Don’t miss anything!
You can download a PDF version of this guide from moving home pdf version list.
2 months before
Research. Start researching your new community, and look for housing, schools and childcare. Knowing where the best opportunities are can help you find the perfect area for your family.
Collect records. Compile medical and dental records, and arrange to have school and veterinarian records transferred to your new location. Gather copies of legal and financial documents, and create a move file to keep track of quotes, receipts and other important information.
Get quotes. Collect estimates from moving companies, and create a moving budget. Before hiring a removal company, ask neighbours and friends for recommendations and look around for estimates.
Once you have chosen your removal company and received a price quotation, arrange a visit so they can see how much you have to move and if there are items that require special handling. This is also a good time to give them info about your new home address so they can find out about parking and arrange access.
6 weeks before
Inventory items. Plan how you will move valuables and difficult-to-replace items, and begin purging your home of things you don’t want to move. Consider having a garage sale or donating items you no longer need.
Know what you can and can’t move. Use items such as frozen foods, cleaning supplies and aerosols in advance, make travel arrangements for your pets and plan how to transport your plants so you’ll be prepared on moving day. Most companies have a do not ship list to help you know what isn’t safe to place in the equipment.
Start packing. Order boxes and moving supplies and begin packing items you don’t use often. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. This is also a good time to review packing and loading tips.
1 month before
Reserve your move online or with your pre-sellected company.
Notify utility services. Call these departments at your current and future locations to cancel, transfer or set up new service: Electric, Water, Gas, Cell phone, Trash collection, Cable/satellite, internet and landline phone. You can redirect online your Royal Mail. Also in England, you can change your voting address online at the UK government website.
Apart from your personal family and friends, you’ll probably have to take into consideration any health establishments you are affiliated with. Notice about your new address your family doctor. With a simple email, you’ve got everyone noticed.
Get automobile serviced. Check oil, fluids, air pressure and other components to ensure everything is functioning properly before you make the trip to your new home.
2 weeks before
Arrange for parking. Make sure you know where your moving equipment will go and where any moving help will park. Obtain parking permits if needed.
Plan meals. Prepare meals that use up any perishable food you may have during the last weeks before your move.
Prepare the house. Assemble a folder of important information about your house for the next homeowner and make sure you complete any necessary repairs. Leave a note with your new address so future residents can forward stray mail.
1 week before
Review moving plans checklist. Call or email your moving consultant with questions and print or save a copy of your bill of lading.
Prepare for payment. Contact your bank or credit card company if you’re planning to pay for your move by debit or credit card so you won’t receive any fraud alerts. You may also want to mention that you’ll be travelling so your card won’t get declined for suspicious spending activity.
Pack an essentials box. Fill the box with things you might need once you arrive at your new house (paper products and utensils, light bulbs, small tool kit, trash bags, scissors, etc.). Pro tip: load the essentials box onto the moving equipment last so that it’s the first thing you unload upon arrival.
Pack for travel. Bring enough clothes and toiletries to cover the days you’ll travel as well as the first days in your new home. Don’t forget to refill prescriptions and bring them with you, too.
Prepare appliances. Drain gas and oil from lawn equipment, gas grills, heaters, etc. and empty and defrost the refrigerator/freezer at least 24 hours before the move.
Measure furniture and doorways. Measure large items to determine if they will fit through the door. Plan an alternate route if necessary
Moving day
Clear a path. Make sure nothing is blocking the walkway from the house to the moving container and place carpet, floor and door frame protectors throughout your home to avoid scratching surfaces.
Do a final walkthrough. Check every room and closet one last time to make sure nothing is left behind.
Arrange for pick up. Call the service centre of the moving company to have your loaded moving equipment picked up.
Say goodbye. Take time to say a proper “so long” to your old house before things get hectic. Children, in particular, benefit from some closure: Walk through the house recalling fond memories you have and talk about what fun you’ll create in your new home.
Moving in
Clean and inspect. Scrub surfaces and make sure everything is working properly before your household goods arrive.
Unpack. Unload your items and begin organizing your new home. If you notice any damage to your boxes, set them aside until the moving company can return to inspect them. Take photos of the damage for your records.
Get settled. Pick up any mail being held at the local post office, get a new driver’s license and automobile tags (register to vote while you’re at it) and locate places such as gas stations, doctor’s offices and grocery stores.
Got your moving in checklist but need to sell your property first? Haven’t found your dream home yet? Love Your Postcode Group is here to help you. With us, you’re guaranteed a trusted partner that knows the property market better than anyone with an experienced staff that anticipates your every need. Contact our teams today, call us on 0800 862 0870 or book your free valuation.
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