So, you've finally snagged your dream home, sealed the deal, and got your mortgage sorted. Moving in should be a piece of cake now, right? Well, not exactly. There are a ton of little details you might not have thought about, like locating the fuse box or giving your broadband provider a heads-up about the move. To avoid any last-minute surprises, it's essential to stay on top of things. Check out our handy moving into new house checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly.
14 things to consider when moving
1. Confirm a date of the move
Alright, first things first – nail down that moving date. Get the green light from your conveyancers and the sellers of your new place. Now, if you're renting, you might have a bit of flexibility. Spread out the moving process over a couple of days if you can. This way, you can tackle stuff like cleaning or painting without the chaos of moving boxes everywhere. But hey, if you're at the tail end of the chain, brace yourself for some waiting. It could take a while for all the other pieces to fall into place. Know where you stand in the chain and be prepared for any delays.
2. Inform your landlord (if you’re renting)
Alright, next up – let your landlord know what’s up. If you’re renting, you gotta give them the heads-up that you’re hitting the road. Make sure they know the exact date you'll be saying goodbye to their property. Ideally, your moving day lines up with the end of your lease. That way, you're not shelling out double rent or dealing with both a mortgage and rent if you're buying a new place.
3. Get removal quotes
Time to figure out how you’re getting all your stuff from point A to point B. Depending on your budget and how much stuff you've got, you've got a few options. If you're moving into a smaller house or keeping costs low is a priority, renting a van and roping in some friends for help might be the way to go. Just remember, it can add a bunch of stress to moving day, so think it through. No matter what route you choose, make sure your valuables and important docs are kept safe. Keep 'em with you if you can, just to be extra cautious.
4. Don't forget about the little ones – whether they're furry or human
If you've got kids, you'll want to sort out new school arrangements or at least let the old school know about the address change. For your four-legged pals, if they're not tagging along for the move, you'll need to line up a spot for them. Kennels or a cattery should be booked well ahead of your move. And when it comes to moving day, make sure you've got a plan for keeping the kids and pets safe and sound.
5. It's decluttering time!
Before you start packing up, take a good look at all your stuff. Sort through your clothes, gadgets, and furniture – if you haven't used it in ages, it might be time to say goodbye. Clearing out the clutter will make moving a breeze. Plus, you'll feel lighter knowing you're not lugging around stuff you don't need.
6. Don't forget to update your details
When you move, there are plenty of people and places that need to know your new address. From banks to utility companies to magazine subscriptions, make sure you notify everyone who needs to stay in the loop. Keeping your contact info up to date will help things run smoothly during the transition and beyond.
Make sure you keep everyone in the loop about your move to avoid any hiccups or missed communications. Here's a list of who you need to notify:
Work
- Let your employer or HR department know about your new address.
- If you're part of any professional associations or have professional licenses, update your address with them.
- If you're self-employed, inform your clients or customers of your new contact details.
- Don't forget to update your address with the Department for Work and Pensions if necessary.
Government Entities
- Make sure to update your address with government entities like the post office, electoral registration office, and local council tax department. This ensures that you receive important communications, voting materials, and tax-related documents without any issues.
Local Authorities
- Post Office: Arrange for mail redirection or update your address directly with them.
- Electoral Registration Office: Make sure your voter registration details are updated.
- Council Tax Department: Notify them of your address change for tax purposes.
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA): Update your driving license with your new address.
- TV Licensing: Update your television license details.
Services
- Internet Service Provider: Update your address with your ISP to ensure uninterrupted service.
- Cable or Satellite TV Provider: Notify them of your new address for continued service.
- Phone Service Provider: Update your address for your phone service.
- Cleaning Services: If you use any cleaning services, inform them of your new address.
- Lawn Care or Gardening Services: Update your address with any gardening services you use.
Recreational
- Gyms or Fitness Clubs: Update your address with any fitness clubs you're a member of.
- Sports Clubs or Organizations: Notify them of your new address for membership purposes.
- Libraries: Update your address with your local library.
- Social Clubs or Memberships: Inform any social clubs or memberships you have.
Household moving checklist
- Landlord or Property Management Company: If you're renting, inform your landlord or property management company.
- Mortgage Lender: Update your mortgage lender with your new address.
- Homeowners Association: Notify your HOA if applicable.
- Home Security or Alarm Companies: Update your address with any security or alarm companies.
- Pest Control Services: If you use pest control services, inform them of your new address.
Transportation
- Vehicle Insurance Provider: Update your address with your car insurance company.
- Vehicle Registration Authorities: Notify the authorities of your new address for vehicle registration purposes.
- Public Transport Providers: Update your address for travel cards or other public transport services.
Healthcare
- General Practitioner (GP) or Primary Care Doctor: Inform your GP of your new address.
- Dentist: Update your address with your dentist.
- Optometrist or Eye Care Provider: Notify your eye care provider of your address change.
- Specialists: If you see any specialists, inform them of your new address.
- Pharmacies: Update your address with any pharmacies you use.
Education
- Schools or Educational Institutions: Notify schools or educational institutions of your children's or your own new address.
- Universities or Colleges: If you're a student, update your address with your educational institution.
Money
- Banks or Financial Institutions: Update your address with your bank or financial institution.
- Credit Card Companies: Inform your credit card companies of your new address.
- Investment or Brokerage Firms: Update your address with any investment or brokerage firms you use.
- Loan Providers: Notify loan providers of your address change.
- Pension Providers: Inform pension providers of your new address.
Insurance
- Home Insurance Provider: Update your address with your home insurance company.
- Life Insurance Provider: Notify your life insurance provider of your address change.
- Health Insurance Provider: Update your address with your health insurance company.
- Car Insurance Provider: Inform your car insurance provider of your new address.
- Other Insurance Policies: Update your address with any other insurance providers you have.
Utilities
- Gas Provider
- Electricity Provider
- Water and Sewage Authority
- Waste Collection and Recycling Services
- Internet and Broadband Provider
Remember to check with each organization for any specific procedures or forms required to update your address.
7. Redirect your mail
Moving to a new house is both thrilling and overwhelming, but amidst the hustle and bustle, don't forget to redirect your mail. It's a small yet crucial step in ensuring you don't miss any important correspondence. Redirecting your mail helps prevent missing out on crucial letters, bills, or business-related documents. It's also a security measure, reducing the risk of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. Simply visit the local post website or a local post office to set it up, providing the necessary details. It's a simple process that can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
8. Prepare essentials
Grab the essentials for moving day to ensure you're all set for your first night in your new digs. Here's a moving house checklist to make sure you've got everything you need:
- Kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, milk, and sugar for that much-needed brew.
- Cleaning products, vacuum cleaner, and bin bags to tidy up any messes.
- Phone and laptop chargers to stay connected.
- Loo roll and kitchen roll for those immediate needs.
- Duvet and bedding for a comfortable first night's sleep.
- Temporary furniture like deck chairs for seating.
- Television or radio for some entertainment.
Don't forget to keep your important documents, like your passport and mortgage paperwork, easily accessible in case you need them.
9. Pack up your belongings
Start getting serious about packing roughly two weeks ahead of your moving day. As the big day approaches, aim to have most of your packing done. By tackling packing early, you'll have the peace of mind to label your boxes logically. Consider using helpful tools like the Evernote app to create detailed lists for each box, ensuring you have a clear record of its contents. Start considering clearing out your kitchen cabinets and defrosting and drying out your fridge/freezer.
Don't forget about your attic and garage! The night before, try to move your boxes downstairs or to a convenient spot. Gathering as many of your belongings in one or two places will make loading them onto the moving van much easier the next day.
10. Finish the food in your freezer
Finish up the food in your freezer before moving day rolls around to avoid wasting both your groceries and your cash. Try to use up all your frozen items before the big move. If you've still got some leftovers, consider reaching out to a friend or neighbor to store them in their freezer until you're settled into your new place and have your appliances up and running.
11. Take final meter readings
Before bidding farewell to your old place, jot down the readings on your water, gas, and electricity meters. Snap a photo of the meter if you can — it'll be time stamped, serving as proof of the reading's accuracy. This step is crucial nationwide, so don't skip it. Failing to inform your utility providers before you move could lead to unexpected bills for someone else's usage.
Most utility companies offer change of address forms on their websites, making the process easy. You can usually stick with your current gas and electricity suppliers if you'd like, and they'll handle the switch when you provide your new address. However, if you're not locked into a fixed deal, it's worth exploring if you could save by switching to a different gas or electricity plan.
12. Prepare a list of the location of important items
It's a great idea to create a list of essential items and their locations for the new occupants of your home.
Here's what you should include:
- Stopcock: This is the main water shut-off valve. It's typically located under the kitchen sink or in a nearby cupboard.
- Appliance Operating Instructions: Compile a set of instructions for operating the various appliances in the home. Keep these in a designated drawer or folder in the kitchen for easy reference.
- Gas and Electricity Meters, Thermostat, and Fuse Box: Provide information on where these essential utilities are located. Gas and electricity meters are usually outside or in a utility cupboard, while the thermostat is often in the hallway or living room. The fuse box can be found in the garage, utility room, or hallway cupboard.
- CO Detector: Make sure to point out the location of any carbon monoxide detectors in the home. These are typically installed in areas where people spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
- House-side Gas Valve: This valve controls the flow of gas into the house and is usually located on an exterior wall, near the gas meter.
- Boiler: Provide information on the location of the boiler, which is commonly found in the kitchen, utility room, or airing cupboard.
By providing this helpful document to the new occupants, you're demonstrating thoughtfulness and making their transition into the home smoother. Additionally, keeping a copy of the list for yourself can be beneficial in case you need to request assistance from the new residents in the future, such as forwarding misplaced online purchases.
13. Say goodbye to your old house
As you bid adieu to your old abode, ensure every nook and cranny is clear. Give your house a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning and dispose of any rubbish. Don't overlook leaving all sets of keys for the new occupants, as previously agreed upon. Also, don't forget to leave keys to any sheds or internal doors if needed. We trust that these moving house reminders alleviate some of the stress associated with the process. Proper planning is bound to streamline these challenging tasks.
14. Move into your new home
Once everything's unloaded, give your new place a thorough clean before diving into unpacking. It's the perfect opportunity to scrub tiles and freshen up carpets. Take it one room at a time, beginning with the kitchen. Ensure all utilities are functioning properly. Double-check that you have keys to every door, window, and cupboard. Note the day your bins are scheduled for collection. After all the hard work, treat yourself to a well-deserved break. Order some tasty takeout, kick back, and relax – you've certainly earned it!
Are you planning a move? Don't let the stress of relocating overwhelm you. Move4U moving company is here to make your move hassle-free and smooth. With our professional labor and attention to detail, we ensure that your belongings reach their destination safely and securely. Contact us today to experience a stress-free move with Move4U!
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