Moving Home Tips Checklist 2022 – Everything You Need To Know

Moving house isn’t exactly fun. In fact, many people consider it one of the most stressful life events, even if it’s for the better. Whether you relocate often or you’re moving house for the first time in decades, preparing for the big day can be overwhelming. Don’t let stress get the better of you! Simply follow this checklist for house removals based on the recommended timeline to ensure smooth progress leading up to, including and after the move.

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Follow our timed checklist to make sure your move is as smooth as possible:

8 Weeks Ahead Your Move

• Book a removal company. Choose a provider with a highly experienced team and an array of services to take the hassle out of moving. Get quotes from multiple companies and compare Berkshire removal costs to help you make a wise decision.
• Buy boxes and packing supplies. A typical three-bedroom home needs about 80 boxes of varying sizes, plus supplies like packing tape, packing paper, stretch wrap and bubble wrap.
• Start packing nonessential items. Begin with art, decorations and other non-functional belongings.
• Gradually pack increasingly important items up until you move house. Remember to label boxes with their contents and where you want them in your new home to make unpacking easier.
• Declutter and sort. During the early packing stages, create piles to sell, donate or toss. Avoid bringing unneeded items with you so moving house is that much easier next time. If you have enough belongings worth selling, consider having a jumble sale.
• Make arrangements for your kids and pets. Think about new school placements if you’re moving a long distance. As for moving day itself, board the youngsters with friends or relatives. You may also need to book a kennel/cattery or ask a friend to watch your pets whilst you move house.
• Consider your storage needs. If you need a temporary place to keep some of your belongings, consider short- and long-term storage in Reading. For safe and secure storage, choose a location with adequate security measures, comprehensive insurance and friendly staff. You’ll want to compare storage costs as well.

2 to 4 Weeks Ahead of Your Move

• Clean as you pack. Simplify moving day by cleaning areas once all your belongings have been removed. This includes kitchen cabinets, appliances, the loft, the garage and other spaces. Work on clearing out the fridge, freezer and pantry so you end up moving or throwing out the least amount of food possible.
• Service your car. If you have a long drive ahead of you, get a tune-up and check the tyres well before your trip.
• Browse medical professionals in your new area. Depending on how far you’re moving, you may need to register with a new doctor and dentist.
• Change your address. You need to let numerous people and institutions know about your new address. Keep this in the back of your mind and phone companies as you think of them. Here’s a list to get you started:
• Friends and family
• Your employer
• The post office
• TV licensing
• The kids’ schools (if they’ll continue attending there)
• Utility providers (water, sewer, gas, electric, phone, internet)
• Medical providers (general practitioner, eye doctor, dentist)
• Financial services (banks, credit card companies)
• Insurance providers (auto, health, life, pet, travel)
• Government entities (electoral roll, local council, DVLA, HMRC)
• Subscription and delivery services (video streaming, gyms, magazines, newspapers, online shops, mail order, milk)

1 Week Ahead of Your Move

• Confirm the removal plans with your solicitor, estate agent and removal company. Let your neighbours know when the removal van will arrive so they can keep the area clear in front of your home.
• Turn on the utilities at your new place. Arrange to have the utilities come on the day before you move in so you don’t walk into a dark, cold house. Remember to turn off your existing utilities as well, timing them to shut off the day after you move house.
• Set valuables and important documents aside. Jewellery, keepsakes, tax paperwork, birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports and your driving license should go in a box that will stay in the car with you. Pack away your handbag, and move cash, credit cards, keys and phone to a cross-body bag or money belt.

The Day Before Your Move

• Charge your mobile phone. It’s essential to maintain communication with your hire van driver, so make sure your mobile is charged and ready for the big day.
• Move your packed boxes to a convenient location near the front door to make loading the van easier.
• Pack your “first-night” box. These items will stay with you in the car so you always have access to them.
• Household essentials (change of clothes, pyjamas, bedding, towels, toilet roll, toiletries, first aid kit)
• Food (snacks, non-perishable food, water bottles, can opener, tea kettle, paper plates, plastic cups, basic cutlery)
• Practical supplies (cleaning supplies, paper towels, bin liners, basic toolkit, step ladder, phone charger)
• Pet supplies (food, bowls, lead and collar, toys, litter box/waste bags, crate, medication)

On Moving Day

• Submit final utility meter readings for water, gas and electricity. Pay your final bill as soon as possible so you don’t incur late fees.
• Load the van whilst instructing the movers and anyone else helping you about what goes in the van, what goes in your car and what stays at the house.
• Do a final walkthrough to remove last-minute items like bedding, curtains, toiletries and nightlights. Pack everything in clearly marked boxes.
• Deep-clean the house and leave the keys behind as arranged for the person moving in after you.

If you’re looking for a removal services company serving the South East, UK, Ferriday & Alder can help. We are a trusted global removal, storage, packing and shipping company based in Berkshire. We also offer secure storage units available in our purpose-built, 25,000-square-foot facility in Reading. Whether you need house or commercial removal services in or out of the Berkshire area, we can meet your needs. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate.