A-Z of Services

Life Events: Moving Checklist

Plan your move in advance. Use the following checklist to assist you on what needs to be done.

One Month To Go...
	Arrange reconnection or installation of the telephone line at your new address.
	Contact gas/electrical/water/council companies to inform them that you will be the new owner of the house.
	Start collecting packing materials. E.g. boxes, newspapers, bubble wrap.
	Book your holidays from work
	Have a sort out around the home and throw away anything you know will never be used again...have a car boot sale!
Two Weeks To Go...
	Book your transport e.g. removal company or hire van.
	If applicable, arrange transit insurance.
	Inform appropriate people of your move (Change of Address Checklist)
	Redirect your post. The Home Office Identity Fraud Steering Committee recommends that to reduce the risk of identity fraud when you move house, use Royal Mail's Redirection Service to direct your mail from your old address to your new one for at least a year. You can apply on-line by visiting Royal Mail (external link), by phone or at your local Post Office. Allow 5 days for this to be set up.
	Start packing non-essential items.
One Week To Go...
	Arrange payment of final bills.
	Have gas/electric meters read and pay outstanding bills.
	Cancel the milk, window cleaner, newspapers and any other services.
	Make arrangements for exchanging keys.
	Start to clean the house.
The Day Before...
	Label the boxes and finish packing.
	Pack a box with supplies such as: Kettle Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Milk, Cups and Spoons Enough plates, knives and forks for those involved in the move (maybe use a picnic set) Light Bulbs Cleaning Materials (Cloths, Disinfectant, Bleach etc) DIY Toolkit Small selection of children's toys Pet food/dishes Small First Aid Kit Toilet Roll Bin Bag CD/Tape Recorder and CD's/Tapes
	Defrost fridge/freezer.
	Finish cleaning the house.
Moving Day...
	Disconnect any remaining appliances.
	Make sure everything has been packed and any rubbish that has gathered is put in the bin or taken to the local civic amenity site.
	Lock all windows and doors, not forgetting any outbuildings.
Lastly...
Enjoy the day! One of the most stressful times of anyone's life is when they move house. Keep everything light and humorous and remember to take regular breaks to combat tiredness... moving in and getting unpacked doesn't need to be done the same day! Take it easy...