Guide to Moving Home

1. Planning your move

Appoint a removals firm:

• It's advisable to obtain quotes from several companies.
• If possible opt to move mid-week as it may be cheaper.
• Provisionally book your removals company 6 weeks in advance, confirm plans and get arrangements in writing once your exchange date is confirmed.
• Ensure your possessions are insured for transit, most firms will be insured but check what's covered.

Switch your domestic service suppliers:

• Notify your service providers of your intention to move 6 weeks before completion.
• Book your meter reading for the moving day.
• Shop around for competitive recommended utilities providers.

Switch your TV Licence:

• Notify TV Licensing of your new address. Failure to do so could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.
• Transfer your licence.

Make arrangements for children and pets:

• Arrange for children to stay with family or friends.
• If your pets are not accustomed to travel, book them into a cattery or kennels for the night. Otherwise, maybe have friends or family take care of them.

Start packing early:

• Make an inventory before you start packing so that you have a full list of all your items before you move.
• Make removals safer and easier by using smaller boxes.
• Devise a colour code or visual method to indicate which boxes go in which rooms.
• Write on every side of the box to indicate the contents and how fragile they are.
• Bubble wrap is great for protecting valuable items and packaging cling film is ideal for wrapping large items to avoid stains and scuffing.
• Pack essential items such as toiletries in suitcases so they are easy to access.
• Don't forget garages and outside areas containing non-essential items that can be packed early.

Warn your neighbours:

• It's polite to warn your neighbours of potential disruption and they may even move parked cars to provide extra room for the removals van.

2. One week before moving

Confirm your move time:

• Check what time you'll roughly have access to your new property. Your possessions shouldn't arrive before - any delay could increase your removal costs.

Redirect your mail:

• Set up a redirect by visiting royalmail's website.
• It normally takes 5 days and will ensure your mail is sent on to your new address.

Inform friends and family of your new address:

• Communicate your new details via email or change of address cards.

Settle outstanding bills:

• Ensure home delivery services are cancelled and outstanding utility bills are paid.

The new occupants:

• List your current utility providers and leave instructions on how alarms, boilers etc work.
• Leaving some flowers or a bottle of wine will be good for relations if you need to speak to the new owners in the future.

3. The day before moving

Empty the freezer:

• Use a cool box to transport any frozen foods you wish to keep.

Preparation:

• Take down curtains and blinds. Roll up any carpets you are taking with you.
• Mark items that are staying with the property.
• Put aside items to make moving day more comfortable such as toilet paper, kettle, milk and refreshments.

Prepare for the handover:

• Round up all the keys to your home including those left with neighbours.
• Normal protocol is to aim to give the keys to your agent before 12.00 noon on the day of completion.