Moving Checklist
Two months before moving
Okay, you're planning to move, first of all Don’t Panic!
Start de-cluttering. Throw away, donate, or sell the stuff you won't need at your new place. Facebook Marketplace is great for this and remember if you have something too big to move yourselves, give us a call.
Marie Kondo is a great person to look to for inspiration for decluttering
Measure doorways, stairways, and lifts at the new place to make sure all your furniture will fit. Measure twice – move once!
If you are currently renting, notify your Landlord, using the proper notice. Otherwise, your tenancy may not end legally.
Check your tenancy agreement for details and information about your deposit protection. You can also check directly with the three deposit protection schemes.
Investigate your new area. Check out for any local newspapers, blogs, or community websites.
Start collecting free boxes. Supermarkets and your corner shop are great for this. If you want proper packing boxes, we can supply these for a small charge, just let us know.
If you’re planning on putting things in bin bags please make sure they’re the decent strong ones!
Notify your landline and internet provider for the change of address.
One Month Before Moving
Moving day is nearing. This is the time when you should start arranging change of contacts, such as voting address, home insurances, and you should start looking for a removal company. You can always get a free quote from us and compare it with the others.
Book your removal in, make sure we are free for that day. You may want to wait until you have started packing and have a better idea of how much stuff you need to transport, however, we at Mr S Removals offer a free no obligation home visit to give you an estimate.
Check about parking restrictions on both your old and new address. A moving van can take a lot of space.
Contact the HMRC.
Register to vote at your new address and register your household with the relevant council.
Purchase moving insurance to cover all your belongings during the move. If you choose us, that is already covered in the cost of your move.
Make plans to transfer your homeowners/renters insurance and contents insurance to your new home.
Arrange your mail redirection. You can do it online.
Start cleaning outside areas such as the shed and garden.
Request time off work for the moving date if need be.
Two Weeks Before Moving
Packing starts in earnest at this point. Anything that isn’t absolutely necessary for the next two weeks - example seasonal items and spare items like duvets and towels can be packed.
Make sure you label all your boxes clearly with their destination room.
Make sure any fragile items are wrapped carefully and clearly labelled
Be careful about the food you buy from this point onwards. Make sure you cook all your frozen food and start emptying your freezer – only buy what you absolutely need when it comes to perishable items.
Have your car checked and serviced, especially if you are moving far away. If you're in Plymouth call Charlie at Plymouth Vehicle Recoveries and tell him we sent you.
Arrange for someone to look after children and pets on the moving day if necessary
Find a GP Surgery in your new area and register or update your address if you’re staying local.
Contact the DVLA to change your Driving License as well as the DVLC to change the address on your V5 Certificate
If you need extra room for your items, book a storage unit. We recommend Dainton and Safestore, Both have indoor units which we always recommend.
One Week Before Moving
Not much time left. Stay calm and follow your progress on our moving checklist. Make sure nothing is forgotten. Check if you have missed something you should have already done.
Tasks to do 1 Week before moving
Confirm date and time with your moving company and provide them with any updates they may need - for example you have 50 boxes not the 20 you told them you might have.
Start disassembling any flat-pack furniture you're taking with you. If you're struggling with this, then give us a call.
Finish packing any items not packed yet. Make sure you also pack a bag or box full of your essentials, such as a change of clothes, snacks & toiletries so you don’t need to go hunting through boxes on your first night in your new place.
Depending on the area, you may want to consider getting a locksmith organised to change the locks at your new property.
If renting, set a final walk-through with your landlord to secure your safety deposit back. Start dismantling any fitted items that are coming with you (shelving, framed pictures, etc). Repair any scrapes, scratches marks or any nail holes before conducting a final walkthrough with your landlord or letting agent.
It’s always handy to take your own video or photos as you do this should any difficulties arise later when getting your deposit back.
Prepare entertainment for the kids. Colouring books, crayons, and games are a perfect distraction from boredom.
Do not forget to redirect your TV license. It doesn't automatically change.
Return any borrowed items to your friends and neighbours.
Three Days Before Moving
These are the last few things you need to do before moving day.
Label any spare keys to your old home and remove ol;d house keys from your key ring. Leave them at an easy-to-spot place.
Find out when you will receive the keys to the new home.
Make a list of contact details about people and services you may be needing in the first few days.
Contact your existing and new gas, electricity companies and water suppliers. Advise them of your new address and date of removal. Give at least 48 hours notice.
Take pictures of the back of your electronics before you disconnect them , so you can set them up easily in your new home.
Empty and defrost your fridge/freezer
Pack your documents and valuables in a separate box or bag so they don’t get lost in the move.
Disconnect any gas cookers, dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances you are taking along. Remember to use a registered gas engineer if you have a gas cooker. Your removal firm will not be able to touch it otherwise. Also an electric cooker may need an electrician if it is wired in directly. Again your removal company will not be able to do this.
Check your cupboards and throw away any food with an expired date. Also make sure every packet, jar and bottle is packed tightly.
Moving day
DON'T PANIC!
The day is finally here and its time to move into your new home!
Here are some the most important things to do at your old home and your new one.
Do a quick walk through with your removal team, point out any items that require special handling or going to a particular location for example a delicate family heirloom or if you want a dismantled cot on last so it can be rebuilt first so a child can get to sleep.
Your removal team will have their own way of packing to make best use of space and weight as possible but will accommodate you as much as possible
We recommend leaving a toy box with your children’s favourite toys as one of the last things to be loaded, also the kettle, tea coffee, sugar etc. Your removal men will appreciate a brew at the other end and you'll definitely need one!
Do one last check of your home before you leave it, after everything has been packed into your moving van. Go through all the drawers and cupboards in every room and check the garage and sheds if you have them.
Clean your home before you leave it.
Make sure all windows and doors are locked and secured and make a note of all meter readings
Take photos of the empty rooms to serve as proof of the condition the property was in, when you moved out.
Don’t forget your moving bag with your essentials.
Moving day essentials packing list.
Although some of these are very obvious, we’ve also seen situations where they are missed.
Here’s our list of essentials to keep separated and on your person on the big day.
Important Documents (e.g. passports, birth certificates & marriage certificates etc)
Credit card
Medication
Phone/Laptop and charger
Toilet paper
A change of clothes (one for each member of your household)
Snacks and water (for kids and pets)
A child’s special toy or blanket (If they can’t bear to pack it)
Jewellery
Torch
Toolbox (including the screws and bolts for the beds)
Cash and any other valuables
​
Tasks to do after you have moved
Return the keys to your old property to the landlord or letting agent.
Check if electricity, water, and gas are running.
Check the Smoke Alarm. Very Important!
If renting the new place, take pictures of the home's condition for future reference.
After everything is unloaded, ask your removers to check the van for anything they may have overlooked.
Thats it All done
Relax, order a take-away, open something refreshing and enjoy your new home.
​