Prepare to make your move

Follow our step-by-step countdown to moving day for the best possible start in your new home in the country

Two months to go...

● Confirm the date of your move with your solicitor, the vendor and any estate agents involved

● Book a removal company or reserve a hire van

● Arrange for someone to look after the children for the day

● Organise how any pets are going to be transported

● Check your home insurance includes the move and organise cover for your new house

● Have a thorough de-clutter. Take any unwanted possessions to a charity shop or sell them off to defray costs at a car boot sale

One month to go...

● Sort out change of address notifications at www.iammoving.com/
and arrange for your post to be redirected

● Send out change of address cards or e-mails, or use a moving house website (see Directory)

● Start using up the contents of the freezer and larder

● Inform the utility services of your move. Include gas, water, electricity, telephone, cable and any magazine subscriptions

● Inform your car insurer - the premium may go down when you move to the countryside

● Tell your doctor and dentist you need to de-register. Make sure any prescriptions won't be stopped when you move

Two weeks to go...

● Start packing non-essential items such as books, spare clothes and ornaments. Label boxes clearly and by room

● Dry clean and pack rugs, cushions and curtains

● Arrange for the milk and the papers to be cancelled

● Confirm arrangements with the removal company - make a plan of where furniture will go in your new home

● Arrange a time to pick up the keys to your new house from the estate agent

● Inform your bank or building society of your impending change of address

● Think about meals on the day of the move. Is there a decent restaurant or pub that serves food close by?

The day before...

● Pack a ‘moving day' box to help you settle in. Include mugs, kettle, coffee, tea, milk, sugar, snacks, picnic plates and cutlery, loo roll, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washing-up liquid, tea towel, hand towel and kitchen roll

● Keep toiletries, underwear, towels and a change of clothes close to hand for the next day

● Write a welcome note for the new owners. Tell them the location of the stopcock, codes for the burglar alarm, etc

On the day...

● Double-check all rooms, fitted wardrobes, shelves, attic, cellar and garage to be confident that they are completely empty

● Make sure you have all your important documents to hand

● Read the gas and electricity meters just before you go

● Leave any spare keys behind

In the first week...

● Change your address on your driver's licence, passport and any other legal documents

● Register with a recommended local doctor and dentist

Using a removal company

● Look for members of the British Association of Removers

● Shop around for the best quote

● Find out whether they offer a weekday discount

● Get a comprehensive inventory of all your possessions

● Check exactly what is covered by their insurance

● Give the removal company clear instructions, including directions to the house

Directory

British Association of Removers: 0192 369 9480 www.removers.org.uk

Help I Am Moving: Free independent advice on moving house www.helpiammoving.com

I am Moving: Informs your bank, credit-card company and utility companies of your new address - for free www.iammoving.com

The National Guild of Removers and Storers: Offers details of members in your area 0149 479 2279 www.ngrs.co.uk

UK Removal Lists: local removal companies and can arrange free quotes 0800 032 3017 www.uk-removal.co.uk

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