14 June 2024
Moving day can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help you navigate this crucial day smoothly, we’ve created the ultimate checklist. By following these steps, you can ensure nothing is forgotten, making your move as stress-free as possible.
1. Confirm Details with Your Removals Company
Before the big day, double-check all the details with your removals company. Confirm the arrival time, the address of your new home, and any specific instructions you have for the movers. Clear communication helps avoid any misunderstandings and ensures a seamless moving process.
2. Pack an Essentials Box
An essentials box is a lifesaver on moving day. Pack items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers, snacks, and basic kitchen supplies. This box should be the last thing you pack and the first thing you unpack.
3. Label Your Boxes Clearly
Ensure all your boxes are clearly labelled with their contents and the room they belong to. This not only helps the movers place everything in the correct room but also makes unpacking much more manageable. Consider colour-coding the labels for even easier identification.
4. Protect Your Valuables
Keep valuable items such as jewellery, important documents, and personal electronics with you rather than in the moving van. This provides peace of mind and ensures these items are safe and easily accessible.
5. Defrost Your Fridge and Freezer
If you’re taking your fridge and freezer with you, remember to defrost them at least 24 hours before moving. This prevents leaks and makes the appliances lighter and easier to move. Clean and dry them thoroughly to avoid any unpleasant smells.
6. Disconnect and Prepare Appliances
Disconnect any appliances you’re moving, such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. Make sure they are clean, dry, and properly secured. Consult the manuals for specific moving instructions and keep all the necessary parts together.
7. Arrange Child and Pet Care
Moving day can be chaotic, and it’s easy for children and pets to become stressed or get in the way. Arrange for someone to look after them or keep them in a safe, quiet space during the move. This ensures their safety and allows you to focus on the task at hand.
8. Do a Final Walkthrough
Before you leave your old home, do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Check all rooms, cupboards, and storage spaces. Don’t forget to look in the loft, basement, garage, and garden for any overlooked items.
9. Keep Important Contacts Handy
Have a list of important contacts easily accessible, including your removals company, estate agent, and utility companies. This way, you can quickly resolve any issues that may arise during the move.
10. Take Meter Readings
Before leaving your old home, take final meter readings for gas, electricity, and water. Record them and inform your utility providers. Do the same at your new home upon arrival to ensure accurate billing.
11. Clean Your Old Home
If possible, clean your old home after everything is moved out. This is especially important if you’re renting and want to ensure the return of your deposit. A thorough clean leaves a good impression for the new occupants.
12. Welcome the Movers
When the movers arrive at your new home, be ready to direct them to the correct rooms with your labelled boxes. This helps speed up the process and ensures everything ends up in the right place.
Conclusion
Moving day doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. By following this ultimate checklist, you can stay organised, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure a smooth transition to your new home. With careful planning and the help of a professional removals company, you can focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter.