Prepare to make your move

Country Living online 05.08.2008

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

Box and packing materialsTwo 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

Country Living
Subscribe Save up to 47%


Related Articles

What's on in the countryside
What's on in the countryside

Check out our pick of the events on in the...

Sofie Allsopp: how to sell your home, fast
Sofie Allsopp: how to sell...

Sofie Allsopp, presenter of BBC1’s The...

Made in Britain Food Champion of the Year: Gigha Halibut
Made in Britain Food...

Gigha Halibut from the Isle of Gigha, Argyll...



Comments

In this month's issue of...

 

  • A sense of style: 50 great decorating ideas to create the country cottage look, plus win £40,000 to transform your home
  • Going, going gone! Bidding for bygones at a rural auction
  • Comfort food: celebrate Bonfire Night with soups, chestnuts & homemade sausages
  • Champions of the crafts: meet the Artisan Awards winners

Community

Most recent members

8/11/2009 6:19 AM GST
8/11/2009 4:44 AM GST

Access the old Country Living forums

Country Living

Competitions & promotions