THE MASTER REMOVERS’ STRESS-BUSTING MOVING CHECKLIST
Moving home needn’t be stressful – you just need to stay organised! Here’s the Master Removers’ complete Moving Checklist, so you can tick off the steps to a happy move.
Click here for a downloadable PDF version to print and stick to your fridge.
FIRST THINGS (Do these as soon as possible)
Book your move with a Master Remover and speak to a Surveyor about how your move might go. Get a quote and a survey early.
Ensure your moving day parking spaces are reserved according to local regulation (your Surveyor can help).
Start decluttering! Get rid of as many unwanted items as possible.
PREPARATION (Do these at least 3 weeks before the move)
Make a list of everything that needs to move, starting with large items like appliances, pianos and garden furniture. Speak to your Surveyor if you think you might need special removals insurance for valuables or antiques.
Order boxes, packing and masking tape, packing paper and marker pens from Master Removers
Start packing boxes with things you won’t need for a few weeks. Mark the box (or even better, the tape, so you can reuse the box) with the contents and the room they’ll be going in. If different things are going to different places (storage, multiple properties) use colour-coded stickers.
Take photos of the wiring of electrical goods – so you know how to reconnect after moving
Get a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office. Make sure you complete the spaces for friends and family, banks and credit card companies, insurance, medical providers and subscriptions.
Arrange to collect any important records you don’t have (birth certificate, doctor, dentist, legal providers, opticians, schools, vets etc). Pack all your vital documents (including passports, mortgage records, marriage certificate, vehicle records and tax records) in one place.
Tell your children’s new school that you’ll be arriving soon.
Start using up perishable food
NEARER THE DAY (do these at least 2 weeks before the move)
Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities/services
- Electric
- Gas
- Water
- Internet
- Telephone
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Council tax
…and book them to be connected at your new home.
Speak to your insurance company about moving coverage to your new home.
Book a cleaning company if you’re not going to do it yourself.
Pack things that will need to be opened straight away and mark them “Open First”. Don’t forget:
- Pots and pans
- Tools
- Bedding
- Special toys
- Towels
- Light bulbs
- Plates, cutlery and mugs
- Kettle, and tea/coffee
Arrange for a babysitter on moving day. For older children perhaps organise a play date with a good friend?
Make travel arrangements for pets – you can buy a travel cage online. Although it doesn’t sound very cosy your pet will settle in if you add their favourite rug or blanket. A non-spillable travel water bowl is an essential.
Speak to your Master Remover to re-confirm the date and moving arrangements
A WEEK TO GO
Make a list of the vital things that will be going in the car with you:
- Essential documents and records
- Sponge bag and clothes for the first day
- Toilet paper
- Tea and coffee
- Entertainment for children
- Special valuables
- Plants
- Vacuum cleaner
- First aid kit
- Food and water
Have your car serviced if it’s been a while! Check water, tires and oil to avoid any last minute mechanical issues.
ONE DAY TO GO
Clean your oven and defrost, clean and air-dry your fridge
Take down curtains and rods
Get a quick-and-easy breakfast ready for the morning
MOVING DAY
Strip beds and put bedding in bags for reuse or washing.
Gather all keys together and put them somewhere safe
Show the Master Removers around and help them make an inventory of items. Double check that the van driver has the correct address and phone number.
Have a final check around, including cupboards, loft and garage.
Lock up all windows and doors
On arrival, show the Master Removers round the new house and tell them which room is which, so they can put the boxes in the right rooms.
Enjoy your new home!
