Checklist For Moving House - 20 Actionable Steps

The team at Lux Homes understand that moving house can be a stressful experience and it's easy to forget things as you juggle all the tasks involved in relocating. To make sure everything goes smoothly, it is important to have a checklist of all the items that need to be taken care of before, during and after moving day. Our checklist for moving house will help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks so your move can go off without a hitch. From making sure utility bills are paid up to date, to packing boxes and cleaning your new home, this guide has you covered! Read on for an extensive list of essential steps when planning your move.

 

Choose a moving date and book a removals company

Choosing a moving date and booking a removal company in advance is an essential part of the move. As soon as you know the date your home will be available, contact the chosen removal company to check their availability and book in. It's important to do this early on because good removal companies can get booked up quickly - especially during peak times like summer. Once you've booked with the company they can help with further advice and planning around packing and transporting your possessions. Make sure you keep records of all quotes, contracts, insurance certificates and other documents relating to the move for your reference later on. Our sister company Lightning Removals can assist you with all of the above.

Notify your landlord (if you are renting) or inform the buyer (if you are selling) of the moving date.

Moving house can be an incredibly hectic and chaotic time, but with a bit of planning, there are ways to keep that chaos manageable. If you are renting or selling the property you are currently in, it is important to remember to notify your landlord or buyer of the moving date so that any necessary changes can be made before your departure. This sort of information, while often overlooked, can be essential in ensuring a smooth handover process and avoiding any unwanted surprises on a moving day. Knowing when to inform both parties of the move can go a long way towards making sure that all goes according to plan. 

De-clutter and sort out your belongings to make the move easier and more organised

Start taking some time in advance to de-clutter and sort out your belongings. Going through each room and categorising everything into boxes for storage, donation or disposal will save you much time and effort on the big day. This will also help you create more space in drawers, cabinets and cupboards, and reduce the workload of packing when the day comes.

Obtain quotes for home insurance and update your policy if necessary

Taking the time to obtain quotes for and update your home insurance policy is well worth the effort. Doing so ensures that you can receive the best coverage at an affordable rate. Additionally, if there were any changes within your home such as renovations, adding a shed, or putting in a pool, updating your policy can help make sure that these new additions are covered and protected. Contact your insurance provider before moving to ensure your new property is fully insured as soon as you move in.

Redirect your mail with Royal Mail to your new address

When moving house, one important thing to consider is how to ensure all your post reaches your new address. With Royal Mail's 'Redirection' service, you can easily and securely redirect your mail for up to a year. Set-up is simple too; just provide proof of your name, new address and the start date of your redirection period online, then pay the small fee applicable. Your mail will be automatically forwarded to wherever you are in the UK while you enjoy peace of mind that all of your important documents will arrive safely at their destination.

Notify your utility companies (electricity, gas, water, broadband, etc.) of your move and arrange for disconnection and re-connection of services

Notifying your electricity, gas, water, and broadband providers of your move and arranging for disconnection and re-connection of services is critical to make sure that you're not without power or internet when you arrive at your new place. You'll want to contact the companies well in advance to give them enough time to coordinate maintenance at both addresses and switch services over for you. Additionally, you could save some money by comparing different providers in the area of your new home before making any decisions on which ones you'd like to connect with. While arranging each service can be tedious and time-consuming, it could ultimately save you money and provide peace of mind during what might already be an overwhelming time.

Update your details with the council tax department

Remembering to update your details with the council tax department might not be at the top of your list! Although, failure to do so could mean that you miss out on any discounts you are entitled to. Your local council offers a range of discounts based on income and other factors, such as being disabled or a full-time student. In addition, if you delay informing the council tax team of your move, then you may find yourself liable for two sets of bills instead of one! By keeping your details up-to-date, you’ll ensure that all of your information is accurately stored and that savings can be made while minimising any risks.

Notify your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of your new address

To make sure that your bills and payments arrive on time, make sure to notify your bank and other financial institutions about any address change. Contacting all of these organisations can save you a lot of inconvenience down the road, as well as help protect you against any possible identity theft or credit fraud issues. It also helps to ensure that any statements or notifications are sent with up-to-date information. So if you're soon to move home, make sure to contact all the necessary parties quickly so they have your current address details on file.

Update your address with the DVLA and update your driving license and vehicle registration

Updating your address with the DVLA is a simple process that can help make sure your driving license and vehicle registration are up to date. By providing the DVLA with your new address, you can receive important documents and letters. In addition, having an updated address on file can help enhance data security for you too. All that's needed is a few minutes of your time to easily create or update your DVLA record; it only takes a few moments!

Notify your employer, friends, and family of your new address.

Make sure to take the extra time to let your employer, friends, and family know about your new address. This is especially important for your employer since you'll need to update them on any pertinent mail or legal documents that need to be sent to the correct place. As for family and friends, making them aware of the move will ensure you remain connected with them over this time of change. Luckily, there are several easy ways like texting, emailing, or even creating a mailing list where everyone on it has access to your new information.

Arrange for the transfer of your medical records to your new doctor or surgery.

You must arrange for your medical records to be transferred from your old doctor or surgery to your new one, as this will help ensure that you can access the most appropriate care you need on time. If it's not done in advance it may take considerable time and effort to get your records sent from one doctor or practice to another and in some cases, additional fees may apply.

Notify your children's school and arrange for a transfer if necessary

If you have children who are currently in school, it is important to ensure that the educational needs of your children are taken care of. That's why notifying their school and arranging for a transfer if necessary should be a priority. This can help make sure they don't miss classes while they adjust to their new home. Engaging in this type of planning will give them peace of mind so that when they finally settle into the new home, they can be comfortable continuing their studies without interruption.

Arrange for the disconnection and re-connection of your appliances

It’s important to have your appliances disconnected and reconnected correctly. Disconnecting everything correctly before the move will ensure that no damage is caused due to incorrect rewiring and connection later. Furthermore, when having everything reconnected in your new home, it’s important to ensure that all safety procedures are followed and installations are created properly; this will reduce the risk of any accidents occurring. The best way to do this is to employ an electrician with experience in handling appliance disconnection and re-connection processes to ensure minimal disruption with the highest quality of workmanship.

Pack and label your boxes clearly to make unpacking easier

When it comes to packing and unpacking, the most important thing to remember is to label clearly and thoughtfully! That way, when you are ready to unpack your items in a new place, you don't get overwhelmed with a jumble of boxes. Taking some time upfront to label each box and indicate what room it belongs in makes the unpacking process move smoothly. Not only will it free up more of your time to relax and enjoy your new home, but you will also have peace of mind knowing exactly where everything is and that nothing has gone missing during the move. 

Prepare an essentials box with items you'll need on the first day in your new home

To make the first day in your new space go as smoothly as possible, it's important to have all of the essentials on hand. When creating an essentials box, include items such as toiletries and personal hygiene products like toothpaste and shampoo, basic cleaning supplies, tools such as a hammer and screwdrivers, an extension lead, and whatever else you might need that first night. Having these items pre-packed can save you time and energy finding them once you move in! With all the must-haves taken care of before you even enter the door of your new home, the rest of the process should go more smoothly.

One last check of the property you're leaving

Making sure to double-check the property before leaving when moving can save you a great deal of stress and money. Don't forget to check every room - bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, kitchens - to make sure nothing that was there before has been left behind. Even if you're well organised, it's still possible that small items or forgotten spaces may have slipped through the cracks. If you move out of a rental property, make sure the space is spotless and all the appliances are in working order.

Check your new property for any defects or issues and report them to the landlord

If renting it's essential to inspect your new property thoroughly and familiarise yourself with any defects - by doing so, you're ensuring that your landlord knows these issues and is fully aware they haven't been caused by you. Take note of any wear and tear such as paint defects and any other damages, then compile a list of fixes that need to be addressed before signing off on the agreement. Don't forget to document all findings with photographs; this will protect you from any future discrepancies.

Arrange for cleaning of your new home

Now more than ever, you need to make sure that your space is free of dust, dirt and other germs lurking around. One of the best ways to ensure your safety in this process is by hiring a professional cleaning service when moving into a new home. A thorough deep clean from these experienced professionals can ensure that your house is spotless and ready for you to move in. Moreover, it’s important to consider the added benefits such as reducing stress and helping you settle in sooner - all without having to break your back scrubbing tiles or vacuuming floors. Getting started may seem intimidating but with proper research and knowledge of your cleaning needs beforehand, you’re sure to find an excellent service that will make all the difference on a moving day.

Consider purchasing home security systems or updating existing ones

When changing address it’s wise to think about home security systems and ensure your new property has the right levels of protection in place. Installing a system or updating an existing one can give you peace of mind knowing your family and most treasured belongings are safe at all times. Not only that but with today’s available technology some options allow for remote access, making it easy to monitor activity no matter where you are. In short, investing in high-quality home security systems could be the best move you make before settling into your new house.

Get to know your new areas, such as the location of local shops, schools, healthcare facilities, and public transport

Exploring your new area is a great way to get to know it better and find places that are important for everyday life. Finding the local shops, schools, healthcare facilities, and transport connections can give you a great starting point and help in acclimating to the area. There are numerous online tools you can use to search for these locations. Don't forget to take a walk around too! Local amenities can be tucked away in small streets or hidden alleys, so have a look around and discover what your community has to offer.