House Moving Checklist: 10 Steps to a Successful House Move
Moving house puts even the coolest heads under pressure. Whether it is your first or 10th time relocating, the packing, arrangements and logistics stress all. Our 10-step moving house checklist streamlines your move and prepares the road for smooth sailing. This article explores the essential steps needed for a smoother, less stressful move.
- Research your move
- If you’re renting, give notice to your landlord
- Update your details
- Contact your utility providers
- Have a clear-out
- Get quotes on moving and storage companies
- Pack non-essential items
- Plan for kids and pets
- Get ready and move
- Say goodbye to your old home and celebrate your new one
1. Research your move
Determine your budget
Top of your moving house checklist is your budget. Knowing how much money you need and have for your move helps you avoid surprises or unnecessary expenses. Consider the following when compiling your budget:
- Movers.
- Moving insurance, especially on your valuable items.
- Packing supplies.
- Storage hire.
- Legal transfer and other fees (including mortgage down payments or transfers)
- Installation, maintenance and repair fees.
- Unforeseen expenses. Something unexpected usually pops up and it reduces stress if you make provision for the ‘what ifs’.
Research your new area
Familiarise yourself with your new environment before moving to avoid the stress of finding places or services in a rush. Explore the locations of schools, the local council and amenities, look at the different transport options, and anything else (such as the nearest hospital). Also, plan your route and ensure that there are no obstacles (such as low-hanging bridges) that will cause problems for a moving truck.
2. If you’re renting, give notice to your landlord
When renting, you must notify the landlord or other appointed person of your intended move. The required notice period is included in your rental agreement. Check this and ensure that your notice complies with the necessary stipulations, such as submitting written notice 30 calendar days in advance. Also, look at your rental period and any applicable break clauses. Remember to keep a copy of this notice to back up your records.
3. Update your details
During your move, your residential and postal address change. Your moving home checklist needs a reminder to notify all applicable authorities and companies of these changes. Some of these include:
- Government agencies, such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Post Office, and the Department for Work and Pensions.
- Financial institutions, such as your bank.
- Subscription services, such as those for print magazines and newspapers.
- Insurance providers, including your home and vehicle insurers.
- Healthcare providers, such as your doctor, dentist and home care agency.
- Local council, to register for council tax, waste collection and voting.
- Membership organisations, such as trade unions, sports clubs and community groups.
- The HR department at your job.
- Clients – if you are self-employed and work from home.
4. Contact your utility providers
You need to notify your utility providers to cut off services at your old residence and ensure that these are up and running at your new home on the day you move in. It is essential to get final utility metre readings before transferring accounts to ensure accurate billing so that you do not over- or under-pay. Your utility cancellations and connections include:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Internet
- Telephone
5. Have a clear-out
Add clearing out or decluttering to your UK moving house checklist. This is a great time to get rid of items, clothing and furniture that you do not need or want any longer. It is best to tackle this task by systematically going through rooms, wardrobes and cupboards (including bookshelves) and deciding what you want to keep, discard, donate or sell. Remember, donation and recycling always top waste at landfills. Apart from paper and card, you can also recycle clothes and electronics.
6. Get quotes on moving and storage companies
Research
Find out about hiring professional movers to handle your move efficiently and with the least amount of fuss. Moving companies are skilled in handling large and valuable pieces of furniture and other goods.
You can also check out self-storage units for any furniture or items you do not have space for, or if there is a delay between moving out of your old place and into your new home. Self-storage units are also great for things you do not use every day or if you want to free up space. Remember, moving companies charge more over bank holidays – try to arrange your move around these dates.
Read our guide on why people use self-storage for more information.
Compare quotes
It is a good idea to get several quotes and compare the costs of movers and storage unit companies. Look at the totals they charge, any extra fees, and what they offer. This helps you save money and decide on the best deal for you. You must feel confident with your choice, which means a fair price and reliable services. Check out online reviews to help you choose if you are not sure.
7. Pack non-essential items
Avoid last-minute stress by packing all non-essentials early. You can even do this a month before your move. Add these helpful hints to your house move checklist to streamline packing:
- Start early: Go through your rooms and outside areas (garage and garden shed, for example) and pinpoint what can be packed well in advance. This will lighten the job considerably.
- Label boxes clearly: It speeds up everything – from loading to unloading and unpacking. Neglecting to do this creates confusion and you end up with boxes in the way or in the wrong rooms, which doubles the workload.
- Use packing materials: Nothing is more frustrating than opening a box and finding everything jumbled or broken. Packing materials protect valuables and prevent shifting during the move.
- Pack fragile items carefully: Take extra care with things such as porcelain and glass, electronics and valuable items.
- Avoid over-packing boxes: Do not try to cram too much into a single box. This compromises the container’s strength and causes mishaps, such as breakages and injuries.
8. Plan for kids and pets
If you have children or pets, your checklist for moving house should include arrangements for them. Moving is especially stressful for children and pets. They do not understand why everyone is rushing about, with little or no time for them. The new home is a strange change with unfamiliar things and smells for pets too, so make sure to ensure you spend time assimilating them to the new environment.
It is a good idea to arrange child and pet care on your moving day. This reduces stress, means that you can get on with business, and ensures that you have time to settle them once everything is finished.
9. Get ready and move
The only thing left to do now is move. Remember to pack an overnight bag with all the necessities (clothes, toothbrush and other toiletries). Also, ensure that your devices are charged and that you have chargers at hand if needed. Oversee the loading of your goods at the old home and offloading at the new one. This includes any items and furniture going to your storage unit. Do a last check to make sure that all the power and other utilities are disconnected before you lock up your old home for good.
10. Say goodbye to your old home & celebrate your new one
Moving house is a big step. It’s important to take time to say goodbye to the old place before closing the door for the last time. Celebrate your new home with special traditions, some champagne or even a party too, to start your time in your new home off right.
A house moving checklist is your go-to for a streamlined, stress-free move. Use our 10 steps to guide you during this busy time. Should you need short- or long-term storage during your move, choose a reputable storage unit company such as Loft Self Storage. Book online today to get an instant quote, and find out how we can help you streamline your move.