Moving can be daunting, but a good plan can make it easier. This article covers the essential things to do while moving. You’ll find tips on packing, hiring movers, and more to help you stay organised and stress-free.
Key Takeaways
- Start your moving journey by decluttering your belongings to reduce costs and ease the packing process.
- Plan a comprehensive moving budget, accounting for all potential expenses and unexpected costs, to ensure a smooth relocation.
- Communicate effectively with important parties, including utility services and your moving company, to facilitate a hassle-free transition.
Declutter and Sort
One of the first steps in any moving house checklist is to declutter and sort your belongings. Start by categorising your items into keep, donate, sell, and discard piles. This not only simplifies the moving process but also significantly reduces moving costs. Imagine how much lighter and more manageable your load will be with fewer items to pack and transport.
Begin this process as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress. Decluttering can lead to fewer items to pack, less hassle on moving day, and, ultimately, a more organised new home. It’s a win-win situation that sets a positive tone for the rest of your move.
Hire a Moving Company
A reliable moving company is vital for a smooth move. Stokes Removals & Storage, a family-owned removals company with over 50 years of experience, is one such trusted name. Our longstanding reputation is built on trust and reliability, and we adhere to the CTSI approved BAR Code of Practice, ensuring high industry standards.
When choosing a moving company, clarify if they offer additional services like furniture disassembly or reassembly. This can save you a lot of time and effort. Additionally, ensure they provide a detailed breakdown of their quote to avoid unexpected costs. Reading reviews and feedback from previous clients can also help gauge the reliability of the moving companies.
Remember to confirm the moving date and details with your chosen company. On the day of the move, providing clear directions, contact information, and parking arrangements will help the professional movers.
Create a Moving Budget
A comprehensive moving budget ensures a smooth relocation. This budget helps identify potential costs and provides a clear financial plan for the move. Typical moving-related expenses include packing supplies, transportation fees, and additional services like cleaning or storage.
Allocate 5% to 10% of your budget for unforeseen expenses. Timing your move strategically can also save you money, as costs can fluctuate depending on the season and day of the week.
Ensure that the moving company offers transit insurance to safeguard your belongings during the move. This added layer of protection can provide peace of mind, knowing that your items are insured against potential damage or loss.
Notify Important Parties
Updating your address with important parties is a critical step. Start with your bank and credit card companies to avoid missing important correspondence. Notify your insurance providers as well since premiums may vary with location.
Don’t forget to inform your children’s schools and childcare providers about your move. This ensures emergency contact updates and the transfer of school records. If you are a pet owner, updating the microchip register with your new address is equally important.
Utility providers should be informed of your moving date at least 48 hours in advance. Provide your previous utility supplier with a forwarding address for the final bill. Additionally, notify HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions, and local councils to update your tax records and electoral roll details.
Gather Packing Supplies
The right packing supplies are crucial for a successful move. Essential items include moving boxes, tape, bubble wrap, permanent markers, and specialty containers for fragile items. Having enough supplies on hand before the moving day can prevent last-minute scrambles.
Consider using packing options from moving services, which often include high-quality packing materials. Specialty containers can provide extra protection for valuable or delicate items, ensuring they arrive at your new home intact.
Make your move stress-free with our premium packing materials! From bubble wrap to wardrobe cartons, Stokes Removals in Leicester has everything you need to ensure your belongings are protected every step of the way. Save time and money with our all-in-one mover packs, complete with cartons, tape, bubble wrap, and more—perfect for a seamless packing experience.
Pack Strategically
Strategic packing can greatly reduce moving stress. Start by packing items you rarely use well in advance. Label each box with its intended room and a brief description of its contents to facilitate easier unpacking.
Use appropriately sized boxes, placing heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger ones. For a balanced load, always place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Fill any empty spaces with soft items like clothing or towels to ensure stability during transport.
Let Stokes Removals take the hassle out of packing with our full, part, or self-packing services, designed to keep your move organised and stress-free. Choose Stokes Removals for expert packing tailored to your needs—whether it’s delicate valuables or bulky furniture, we’ll ensure every item is securely packed for its journey.
Separate Valuables
Keeping your valuables safe is crucial during a move. Items like jewellery and important documents should stay with you during the move. For added security, consider using a portable safe.
Creating a detailed inventory of your valuables can help track and protect them during the moving process. Storing non-essential valuables in a safe deposit box or with trusted individuals can further reduce anxiety on the moving day.
Forward Medical Records
Forwarding medical records before moving ensures seamless healthcare access. Contact your current healthcare provider to request the transfer of your medical records to your new location. If you move and are not yet registered with a new GP, your health records are stored by NHS for a set period.
GP health records typically combine paper and digital formats, maintained by the practice while you are registered. Ensuring these records are forwarded can prevent any interruptions in your medical care.
Arrange for Child and Pet Care
Arranging care for children and pets provides a smoother moving experience. Engaging a sitter or arranging temporary care ensures that your kids and pets are safe and out of the way during the move. Confirming arrangements for their transport and care is essential for a stress-free moving day.
Consider booking pet care services like kennels or catteries ahead of time to ensure availability. This foresight can help avoid last-minute panic and ensure your pets are well-cared for during the transition.
Take Final Meter Readings
Final meter readings on moving day ensure fair billing and help avoid disputes with utility companies. Record gas, electricity, and water meter readings and inform your utility providers of the moving date.
Before leaving, ensure all utilities, like lights, gas, and water, are turned off. This step can prevent any unwanted charges and ensure the new residents start with a clean slate.
Prepare Your New Home
Preparing your new house before moving in ensures a smoother transition. Stock up on cleaning supplies to tidy the house checklist before unpacking. Change all locks immediately upon moving in to ensure security.
Leave instructions for the new owners of your old house, including where to find essential items like fuse boxes and utility shutoffs. Providing contact information for utility companies and service providers used by the previous owners can be incredibly helpful.
Additionally, you can offer guidance on local services such as waste disposal and recycling options. This information can ease the new residents’ transition into their new home.
Service Your Vehicle
To ensure your car is ready for moving day, get it serviced well in advance. This includes a tune-up and checking the condition and pressure of your tyres for safe driving.
On the moving day, confirm your route. Ensure there are locations to stop for fuel and take breaks. Consider using a mobile mechanic for convenience, ensuring your vehicle is in top shape for the move.
Redirect Mail
Mail redirection ensures you avoid missing important correspondence. Fill out a change-of-address form either at the local post office or online. Royal Mail’s redirection service can forward your post for three, six, or twelve months.
Ensure your subscriptions are up to date and that organisations are informed of your new address. The redirection service can take up to five working days to come into effect, so plan accordingly.
Confirm Moving Date and Details
Confirm the moving date and details with the moving company. Ensure they have the correct arrival time, written directions, and your contact details. Double-check your route with the removal firm the day before moving to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Provide the movers with a system for where each box will go in your new home while moving house. This can streamline the unpacking process and help you settle in more quickly. Be mindful of the removal company’s schedule, as rates may be higher during busy periods like holidays.
Pack an Essentials Box
An essentials box is vital for your first night in your new home. Include items like toiletries, snacks, and important documents to help you settle in quickly. Personalise the contents based on your family’s specific needs.
Keep the essentials box in your vehicle during the move for easy access. Consider packing a basic tool kit for any immediate needs that may arise once you arrive. This box can ease the stress of moving and ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips.
Conduct a Final Walkthrough
Before you leave your old home, conduct a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Inspect all rooms, including storage areas, to confirm that every item has been packed. This comprehensive moving house checklist step is crucial to avoid any last-minute surprises and ensures a smooth transition.
Taking photographs of meter readings during the final check can help avoid disputes with utility companies. Make sure to double-check high-traffic areas where items might be easily overlooked. This thorough inspection will give you peace of mind as you move forward.
Say Goodbye to Neighbors
Bidding farewell to neighbours is an important part of moving. Hosting a farewell dinner can provide a chance to say goodbye in a personal setting. If you prefer a larger gathering, consider planning a party at a local venue. These gestures can help maintain connections and leave on a positive note.
Creating a photo album or writing a thoughtful email allows you to convey your feelings if you can’t meet in person. Discussing future plans to stay in touch can help maintain relationships with neighbours after the move. Informing friends and family about your moving date and schedule is also essential.
Leave Instructions for New Owners
Leaving instructions for the new owners can be incredibly helpful. Provide details on operating appliances, locating meters, and other property information. Label all the keys clearly. Alternatively, you can leave them in the locks they operate for the new owners.
Prepare a list of important items and locations to assist the new residents. Dispose of any trash or unwanted items to leave the home clean for the new occupants. This courtesy can ease the new owners’ transition and leave a positive impression.
Dispose of Hazardous Materials
Proper disposal of hazardous materials is crucial for safety and environmental reasons. Identify hazardous materials by their warning labels, which indicate their toxicity levels and safe handling instructions. Many cities offer waste collection sites for hazardous materials, typically free of charge, but may only operate a few days a month.
Some hazardous substances, like motor oil, can be recycled at local garages. You can also dilute certain hazardous materials with water and flush them down the drain, but you should confirm with local wastewater treatment facilities first.
Ensuring safe disposal can prevent harm to the environment and new residents.
Choose Stokes Removals & Storage: Trusted Removals Backed by Over 50 Years of Care
Stokes Removals & Storage is a trusted and reliable moving company in Leicester with over five decades of excellent service. Moving house is a big step, and our family-run team is here to make the process seamless, efficient, and stress-free. Whether it’s a cosy flat or a large family home, we handle every move with the same attention to detail and care.
Our customers love us for a reason. With our 5-star ratings and membership in the British Association of Removers, we’ve earned a reputation for reliability and exceptional service. From initial surveys to the final delivery, we ensure your transition is smooth, safe, and tailored to your needs.
Stress-Free Packing and Secure Storage Options
Packing doesn’t have to be a burden. At Stokes, we offer flexible packing services that cater to your needs, whether it’s full, partial, or self-packing. Our team uses top-quality materials to secure your items for the move, giving you peace of mind and time to focus on other aspects of your transition.
If you need extra space or time before settling in, our secure storage options are designed to protect your belongings for as long as you need. From household items to business equipment, our facilities are safe, accessible, and perfect for bridging the gap between moving out and moving in.
Affordable, Efficient, and Professional Moving Services
We believe that quality removals shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. At Stokes, we combine competitive pricing with a fully insured, professional service that ensures your belongings are treated with the utmost care.
Our experienced team and modern fleet of vehicles are equipped to handle any move, no matter the size or complexity.
Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, we’re committed to making your journey as smooth as possible. With personalised quotes and dedicated support, Stokes Removals & Storage is the partner you can rely on to get you to your next destination without a hitch. Reach out today and experience the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to declutter before moving?
Decluttering before moving is essential because it simplifies the process, saves you money, and makes packing and unpacking a breeze. Embrace this opportunity to lighten your load and start fresh in your new space!
How can I ensure my moving company is reliable?
To ensure your moving company is reliable, research them thoroughly by reading reviews and verifying their credentials. This diligence can lead you to a reputable choice that makes your move smooth and stress-free!
How do I forward my mail to my new address?
To forward your mail to your new address, simply fill out a change-of-address form either at your local post office or online. It’s an easy step to ensure you stay connected and receive all your important mail!
What is an essentials box, and what should it contain?
An essentials box is your key to a smooth transition, containing toiletries, snacks, important documents, and a basic tool kit. Make sure you have these items ready to help you feel at home right away.
Conclusion
Moving house can be daunting, but with a comprehensive moving house checklist, it becomes significantly more manageable. From decluttering and hiring a reliable moving company to notifying important parties and packing strategically, each step plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition. Following this ultimate moving checklist can reduce stress and make the entire moving process more efficient and enjoyable.
Remember, preparation is key. Taking the time to handle each aspect of your move thoughtfully and thoroughly will pay off in the end, allowing you to settle into your new home with ease.
