Looking for the perfect moving home checklist to ensure you remember everything you need to do and make the big day much less stressful?
Our expert team of independent estate agents have put together a moving house checklist of things to do before you move, on the day itself and afterwards to ensure everything runs smoothly.
We’ve included everything from hiring your removal company, packing your possessions, finding childcare or pet care, changing your address with various companies and packing a moving day survival kit to what you need to do when you finally arrive.
We hope you find it useful.
Before you move
Whilst you’re getting ready to move house, there are many tasks you should take care of weeks in advance to ensure the day is as stress-free as possible and you avoid any nasty surprises. Here’s what we suggest.
● Find a removals company
When you’re moving home, choose a professional and reputable removal company to look after your property and possessions and ensure that your move runs smoothly and stress-free.
Start by asking friends, family and neighbours for recommendations then research online, if necessary. Always check the removal company’s accreditations and whether they have insurance, then ask for a written quote to avoid any unexpected expenses.
● Check your moving date
After your offer on the new house was accepted and the sale completed, you should have chosen your moving date.
However, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget or make a mistake which could make your move much more stressful than it needs to be. Make sure you double-check your moving date so you can get organised.
● Start packing
By far, one of the biggest tasks on your moving home checklist is getting everything packed and ready.
It’s always a good idea to start packing early, decluttering any possessions that you no longer need or want in your new home as you do so. Then make sure you have enough boxes and packing supplies- your removals company may be able to help with this if you contact them directly.
As you pack, it’s a good idea to label your boxes with the room they are intended for to make the task of unpacking much more straightforward.
● Update your address
The next item on your moving home checklist should be notifying companies, family and friends about your change of address. It also gives you the opportunity to cancel any subscriptions that you no longer require.
Here at Cobb Farr, we recommend you contact the following.
Your utility providers
Ensure that you inform your electricity, water, gas and internet company about your change of address. You may be able to swap them directly over to your new home, or instead consider switching providers if you so choose.
Bank, building society and credit card companies
Make sure your bank, building society and credit companies know about your change of address. Remember to do the same for your children if they also have savings accounts, child trust funds or similar.
Television licence
Make sure you have a TV licence at your new home by informing the TV Licencing Company about your change of address by visiting their website.
DVLA
When you move, you’ll need to inform the DVLA so you can change the address on your driving licence.
Insurance
Remember to inform your home insurance provider about your change of address or cancel and arrange new cover for your new home.
Your local council
To ensure you’re paying council tax for the correct property, ensure you tell your local council about your move. You’ll also need to register on a new electoral roll at your new property.
Employer
Your employer should also be told about your change of address.
Family and friends
Make sure those birthday cards or letters don’t go astray by remembering to tell your friends and family about your move.
Subscription services
If you also enjoy grocery delivery services, buy online or use online subscription services, you’ll need to update your address details with them too.
Health professionals
If you’re moving within the local area, remember to tell your doctor, dentist, optician or vet about your move. Otherwise, start looking for new healthcare providers close to your new home in Bath, Bradford on Avon or Somerset so you’re ready for the big day.
Moving day
Congratulations! Finally, you get to move to your new home. Your removal company should have arrived bright and early, loaded their vehicle with your possessions and be ready to transport them to your brand-new home.
But before you lock the door behind you, make sure you conduct a few last-minute tasks and checks. Here’s our moving day checklist.
● Clean up
Before you leave, make sure your home is clean, fresh and exactly how you’d want it to be when you arrive at your new home.
● Get help with kids and pets
Hopefully, you’ve already arranged childcare or help with your pets for moving day so now is the time to use it. Moving day can be stressful enough without energetic bodies, curious fingers and endless questions.
● Make a ‘Moving Day Survival Kit’
Take a moment to think about what you will need most urgently when you arrive at your new home, such as car keys, phone chargers, wipes, toilet paper, milk or even a toothbrush and toothpaste. When you arrive, you’ll be so thankful that you packed the basics and can enjoy a cup of tea or can quickly freshen up.
● Conduct your final checks
Before you leave, double-check that you’ve switched everything off, all the doors and windows are closed and you have taken your final gas and electricity meter readings.
After you’ve moved
There’s just one final section of your moving house checklist to pay attention to; what you need to do after you move. Thankfully, these are very quick and easy to conduct so you can relax and start enjoying your new home.
Remember to do these…
- Check your property for any damage, stains or leaks that weren’t in the original survey.
- Check and submit meter readings for your new home.
- Submit meter readings for your previous property
- Consider getting new locks fitted on your doors and windows, just in case
Summary- Cobb Farr’s Moving House Checklist
Use our moving house checklist to ensure that you arrive at your new home relatively stress-free and don’t encounter anything unexpected along the way.
Organise your removals firm, get packing and change your addresses before you move, clean up, do your final checks and make sure any kids or pets are taken care of on moving day then tidy up any loose ends before you arrive.
Finally, you can start enjoying your beautiful new home in Bath, Bradford-on-Avon or Somerset.
