MOVING CHECKLIST

Two months before you move

0. Make a list of all your main possessions.

0. Decide which possessions you are taking to your new home, and where you will put the large items.

0. Check whether your insurance policy will cover your move. If not, speak with your Removal Company or Insurance Company about it.

0. Research local schools and arrange to transfer your children's school records.
0. Check the local area's websites to familiarise yourself with local government, community, social activities.

   One month before

   0. Finalise your move date so that you can start making bookings for removal companies, inform utilities.

   0. Check the removal companies and find out what kind of services they offer (like insurance, storage, clearance)

   0. Start moving possessions into storage (if applicable).

   0. Arrange for new house to be cleaned (inside cupboards, walls & carpets etc.) in between the previous occupiers moving out and you moving in.

   0. Check and book carpet fitters to replace any carpets beyond repair.

   0. Book hotel accommodation if necessary.

   0. Arrange for childcare and pet care on moving day.

   0. Send out change of address cards or letters to:

   Relatives and friends.   The Royal Mail offers a free address change notification service with all your favourite companies.
   Banks.
   Charge cards.
   Religious organisations.
   Doctors/dentist. Optician. Register with a new doctor/dentist, and request any records/test results to be sent to your new doctor. Transfer your pet's records to a new vet. Inland Revenue / DSS / your union.
   Many utilities require at least two working days' notice. Be sure to arrange reconnection at your new home.
   BT: call 0800 800 123 at least 2 weeks before your move.
   Magazine subscriptions.
   Notify your mobile phone provider.
   Schools.
   Insurance providers (home, contents & life) Insurance companies and/or agents. Life insurance/pensions. Car insurance
   Post office.
   Water. Check for refunds due to you.
   Electricity. Arrange a final reading at your old house and reconnection at your new one. Check for refunds due to you.
   Gas. Arrange a final reading at your old house and reconnection at your new one. Check for refunds due to you.

   Solicitor
   TV licence
   Credit card companies.
   Passport office.
   Check your policies to make sure they still suit your needs.
   House contents insurance. Check whether you can get a refund on any unused existing policy.
   Vehicle registration. Complete the appropriate changes section on your registration document and return it to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR Telephone: 0870 2400010.
   Driving Licence. Complete Section 1 of your paper licence or the paper counterpart (D740) and your photo card licence and return them both to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN Telephone: 0870 2400009.
   Bank. Find out which branch is nearest your new address.
   Find out new school dress codes and order uniform(s) if required.

   Two weeks before

   0. Check you have adequate prescription medicines to cover the moving period.

   0. Safely dispose of all flammables e.g. Paints, Gas Bottles, Cleaning Fluids and Oils.

   0. If your removal company is not making arrangements for you, book people to carry out services e.g. removing light fittings, House Cleaning and dismantling of HiFi / Computer / Printers etc. and TV / satellite equipment. If doing it yourself, don't forget to insert transit screws where necessary.

   0. Cancel local deliveries and services, for example newspapers, gardener, cleaner, milk delivery, fuel or oil.
   0. Prepare a "Moving Day Survival Kit": all the vital things that you will need on the day of your move, such as: sheets, towels, toiletries, phone, change of clothes, a torch, scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, instant coffee/tea or a coffee maker, kettle, water and soft drinks, snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencils and paper, local phone book, masking and/or PVC tape, bin liners, shelf liner, , some basic tools.

   One week before

   0. Put your documents in a safe place

   0. Don't box important papers like passports and driving licences, jewellery and money: keep them with you during the move. Keep all moving-related documents together.

   0. Finish packing.

   0. Make sure you labelled all boxes properly (I.e. the room they're going in to in your new home).

   0. Take pets to the vet and get copies of their records.  Give away plants not being moved.

   0. Make arrangements to pay for your move.

   0. Clean outdoor equipment and toys, drain any fuel from your lawn-mower and other machinery and ensure that water is drained from hoses.

   0. Defrost refrigerator and freezer. Make sure they are completely dry before moving to avoid mildew.

   0. Wash and dry all linen and clothing.

   0. Prepare your washing machine for moving: disconnect power and water, check if Transit Bolts need to be fitted.

   0. Check through your medicine cabinet and dispose of unwanted drugs, via your chemist if necessary.

   0. If your clothing is to be transported on hangers in a clothing carton, ensure all clothing is securely fastened on the hanger.

   The days before

   0. Walk through your house one last time to make sure everything is accounted for.

   0. Strip the beds.

   0. Keep linens in a box that travels with you, so you can use them the first night.
   0. Make sure you have the keys to your new home, or have arranged to collect them.

   On the moving day

   0. Record all utility meter readings (gas, electricity, and water).

   0. Stay until your movers have finished.

   0. Take one final look around to see if you forgot anything.

   0. Before leaving check that all windows are secure and water, gas and electricity supplies are switched off. Keys, together with any documents relating to the property or equipment remaining at the house, should be left at a nominated point.
   0. Give movers the directions to your new home, and an emergency number where you can be reached during the move.

   In your new home

   0. Make sure you are present when the removal crew arrives so you can guide them around the house confirming what is to be moved and any special instructions.

   0. Check the unloading of your items and account for each one on your packing inventory. Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.

   0. Place moving and other important documents in a safe place.
   0. Go to the post office and collect held mail.