 Follow our invaluable step by-step countdown to moving day for a stress free, successful removal and the best possible start in your new home in the country
Two months to go...
-
Confirm the date of your move with your solicitor, the vendor and any estate agents involved
-
Book a removal company or reserve a hire van
-
Arrange for someone to look after the children for the day
-
Organise how any pets are going to be transported
-
Check your home insurance includes the move and organise cover for your new house
-
Have a thorough de-clutter. Take any unwanted possessions to a charity shop or sell them off to defray costs at a car boot sale
One month to go...
-
Fill out a change of address form at the Post Office. Your mail can be forwarded to the new home for a small charge
-
Send out change of address cards or e-mails, or use a moving house website.
-
Start using up the contents of the freezer and larder
-
Inform the utility services of your move. Include gas, water, electricity, telephone, cable and any magazine subscriptions
-
Inform your car insurer - the premium may go down when you move to the countryside
-
Tell your doctor and dentist you need to de-register. Make sure any prescriptions won't be stopped when you move
Two weeks to go...
-
Start packing non-essential items such as books, spare clothes and ornaments. Label boxes clearly and by room
-
Dry clean and pack rugs, cushions and curtains
-
Arrange for the milk and the papers to be cancelled
-
Confirm arrangements with the removal company - make a plan of where furniture will go in your new home
-
Arrange a time to pick up the keys to your new house from the estate agent
Inform your bank or building society of your impending change of address
-
Think about meals on the day of the move. Is there a decent restaurant or pub that serves food close by?
The day before...
-
Pack a 'moving day' box to help you settle in. Include mugs, kettle, coffee, tea, milk, sugar, snacks, picnic plates and cutlery, loo roll, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washing-up liquid, tea towel, hand towel and kitchen roll
-
Keep toiletries, underwear, towels and a change of clothes close to hand for the next day
-
Write a welcome note for the new owners. Tell them the location of the stopcock, codes for the burglar alarm, etc
On the day...
-
Double check all rooms, fitted wardrobes, shelves, attic, cellar and garage to be confident that they are completely empty
-
Make sure you have all your important documents to hand
-
Read the gas and electricity meters just before you go
-
Leave any spare keys behind
In the first week...
-
Change your address on your driver's licence, passport and any other legal documents
-
Register with a recommended local doctor and dentist
|
