Check List
Tick the boxes as you go and aim to complete tasks before the time set. You will get to your big day feeling more relaxed and in control.
Eight or more weeks before the removal date
Select a removal company and book a pre-move survey. Discuss with the surveyor the type of service needed and decide whether you will be packing everything yourself or if you would like the removal company to do everything for you. Discuss insurance details or agree contractual liability levels and complete a detailed valuation list of the goods to be moved for cover purposes. Inform the removal company if you have any special items (such as plants, fine arts, antiques, wine collections, IT equipment, shotguns, firearms etc) so that special arrangements can be made.
If you are moving abroad, ask for your destination country specific details about restricted or forbidden items that may include alcohol, guns, literature etc.
Sort through your belongings. Dispose of any effects you no longer use or need. Remember to check in the loft, garage and garden shed. If you are moving abroad, some electrical appliances might not work or need adaptors. For some, you might consider whether it is worth taking them with you. Donate items to a charity shop, offer them to friends, have a jumble sale or run an online auction. This will reduce the amount of posessions to move as well as the cost of your move.
Cancel rental agreements and memberships to clubs and associations.
If you have chosen to do the packing yourself, start gathering packing materials such different sized boxes, tape, old newspapers, non permanent felt pens, scissors etc. Alternatively you can purchase a wide variety of quality export packing materials from Kelly’s.
If for whatever reason you haven't had the time to pack before the moving day, or you simply change your mind, inform your removal company as soon as possible. Your mover would still be able to help bringing in appropriate packing materials and crew members if warned at least the day before.
If your move is part of a company relocation, your employer will advise what expenses will be paid for by them and what responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.
Check with your accountant and/or human resources manager to see if any expenses could be tax deductible.
You may like to discuss taxation, future pension and medical benefits issues, especially if you are moving to a different country.
If moving abroad, you should check and provide to obtain any permits needed (e.g. for work, residency, vehicles, driving)
If you are relocating abroad, check that all of your family members passports are valid and will remain so for at least 12 months after the removal date.
Click this link for more information on UK passports.
If you are moving abroad, check information on any prescribed medicines that you might be taking. Click this link for more information on using medicines abroad.
If you own pets, contact your veterinary and check on any vaccinations and any documents necessary for the transport. Obtain copies of records.
Six or more weeks before the removal date
Schedule the date of your move with the removal company and make arrangements if storage of goods is needed.
Start running down food and drink stocks from your freezer and cupboards. If you are moving abroad you should check about any alcohol import restrictions or taxes that may apply.
If not included in your removal service contract, you may need to make arrangements for electrical fittings and gas appliances to be professionally disconnected. Book these services now.
If you need new furniture, carpets or any decorating work to be carried out in your new house, get quotes now and check delivery times and availability of professionals in order to have everything ready for when you move in. If you are moving abroad and are buying new furniture, you may need original invoices for import and tax purposes.
Make travel arrangements with airline, hotel and car hire agencies.
If moving abroad, try not to arrange travel overseas for the same day of the removal so not to add more stress.
If you own pets, make travel arrangements for them.
Four or more weeks before the removal date
Start packing non essentials (e.g. non seasonal clothes, books, cd’s, dvd’s, tapes and remember to check inside the players)
If you are moving to/from a flat or a multi-storey building inform your mover whether there is or not a lift, its size and use regulations. Make arrangements for the use of lifts with the property manager.
If moving abroad, you may like to stock some hard to find items (e.g. vacuum cleaner bags, infant formula milk, nappies)
Check your home insurance and make sure you have cover from the day you move into your new house.
Notify utility companies about your move (e.g. water, gas, electricity, telephone, internet service provider, cable tv). Schedule last meter reading and disconnection if appropriate but remember to keep services connected at your current home until the last day of the move.
Notify your bank and arrange to close or transfer your bank account.
Make arrangements to open bank and credit card accounts at destination and request bank and credit references for use overseas.
Inform regular home delivery services (e.g. milk, vegetables box, newspaper) and arrange a date when you want the services to stop.
Inform home maintenance service providers (e.g. gardener, cleaner, window cleaner)
Notify and deregister from your doctor, dentist, optician. Obtain your family's medical records.
Notify schools or colleges. Obtain or arrange for records to be transferred to the new school.
Cancel or redirect subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, book clubs and journals.
Keep a list of important phone numbers to hand.
Two or more weeks before the removal date
Confirm the date of your move with the removal company. Let them know if you think they might be last minute changes.
Make sure your removal company have all your contact details (full address of your current house and of your new house, contact telephone numbers including mobiles). Do inform your removal company of any access difficulties such as narrow streets, overhanging trees, bridges, parking restrictions, small doorways, spiral staircases, etc.
Clean garden tools, bicycles, outdoor furniture and equipment.
Drain fuel from petrol equipment (e.g. lawnmower).
Drain water from your iron, garden hose and washing machine.
Place your personal records and certificates (e.g. birth, baptism, marriage certificates; medical, dental, school records; work, vehicles, legal, financial, insurance records; passports, visas, driving licences; credit cards, check book, rent or purchase contracts) and photocopies in a safe and accessible place
Inform of your new address to your providers of:
Financial services: bank, building society, credit card companies, council tax department, national savings and premium bonds, your employer, insurance companies (house, vehicles, life, health, travel), pension companies, Inland revenue, department of Social Security, solicitor, accountant and any other financial institutions or service providers.
Services and utilities: water, gas, electricity, telephone, internet service provider, cable or satellite tv, video rental, library. Click this link to visit TV Licensing web site.
Health: doctor, dentist, optician, veterinary
Motoring: vehicle insurance, breakdown recovery company and in the
Others: friends and relatives, subscriptions, home delivery services, sports club, electoral office
Sign up for mail redirection with the post office.
Confirm travel reservation. If you are driving, plan your journey (click here for mapping tool) and have your car serviced. Check validity of your car and travel insurance cover.
One or more weeks before the removal date
Arrange with neighbours to leave parking space at both addresses on the removal dates.
Give away plants and perishable items you won't be taking with you.
Remember to return all library books, dvds, video tapes and any borrowed items.
Empty drawers and lockers at work and schools.
If you have children try to involve them as much as possible, both during the planning and the move itself to help them understand the reasons for moving and reduce homesickness. You might consider having younger children and pets looked after while the move is taking place.
One to seven days before the removal date
If you still have any original packing for electrical, electronics or fragile items, inform the removal company and make the material available on the removal day.
Take down curtains and take up carpets, unless the service has been arranged with your movers.
Identify and clearly label items for storage, airfreight, to be left, etc.
Remove cd’s, dvd’s and video tapes from players. Some players have a screw or lock that needs to be turned in order to safely move the player.
Back-up important computer files and send them separately for safety.
If you are moving your washing machine make sure that you have the drum securing bolts or bar supplied by the manufacturer and secure the drum after you have completed your last load of washing. The moving crew may be able to assist you with fitting these on the day of packing but the onus is on you to provide them with the parts and to advise them that it has not already been done.
Remove batteries from electrical items (such as radios, toys, electronic games, tools, personal stereos, cameras etc.) especially if your goods are to be stored.
To avoid leakages, remove and dispose of ink cartridges from printers, fax or copying machines.
Disconnect hi-fi and computer equipment. Secure and mark cables for easy reassembling, if you wish.
Dismantle furniture if the service hasn't been arranged with your moving company.
Disconnect, clean and dry electrical appliances. Take special care when preparing your fridge and freezer, specially for a trip abroad.
Disconnect light fittings and secure wiring. Your mover is not qualified to do so.
Separate personal items and documents that are to travel with you (keys, passports, travel documents,)
Pack a box of basic catering and essential items that might be needed immediately and on the first night at the new address (e.g. tea, kettle, snacks, toiletries, linen, personal clothes, torch, first-aid kit) and either load the box last onto the truck or keep it with you.
If you have children, pack a bag of books, games and activities for the trip.
During the removal day
Show to the foreman exactly what to move.
Keep your documents and a box of essential items in a safe place.
You may wish to have your vacuum cleaner loaded by last. If moving abroad, it might be necessary to remove and dispose of the bag.
Before the crew depart the collection address, check all rooms, cupboards, walls, loft, outdoor buildings, garden, garage, sheds to make sure nothing is left behind.
Review, sign and obtain a copy of the packing inventory.
Record all utility meter readings.
Sometimes the removal vehicle will arrive at your new home before you do. If at all possible, give the foreman a spare key so they won't lose any time waiting your arrival.
Give the driver clear directions and a map of your new address if possible.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 3:55:44 PM
Sunday, June 06, 2010 at 3:40:17 PM
