Moving Home Checklist
Congratulations! You've found your dream home, exchanged contracts, and sorted out your mortgage. Now, all that's left to do is move in. But before you get settled, there are a few things you might not have accounted for. Don't worry, though; we've got you covered with this comprehensive moving home checklist to ensure your big day goes smoothly.
What to Check Before You Move:
1. Confirm Your Moving Date
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Ensure your moving date is officially confirmed by your conveyancers and the house sellers.
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If you're renting, consider spreading your move across several days to allow time for tasks like cleaning and painting.
2. Give Notice to Your Landlord (if you're renting)
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Let your landlord know the exact date you're moving out to avoid paying rent and your mortgage simultaneously.
3. Contact Your Utility Suppliers
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Notify your electricity, gas, phone, and broadband suppliers of your move.
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Arrange for your phone and broadband to be transferred to your new property well in advance.
4. Get Quotes on Your Removal Costs
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Decide whether to hire a removal company or rent a van and enlist friends to help.
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Ensure all valuables and personal documents are kept in a safe place during the move.
5. Have a Big Clear Out Before You Move
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Declutter your belongings before packing to save time and effort.
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Donate unwanted items to charity shops.
6. Make a List of Important Items in Your New Home
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Ask the sellers of your new property for the location of:
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Stopcock (valve for controlling the mains water supply)
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Appliance instructions
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Gas and electricity meters
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Thermostat
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Fuse box
7. Pack Everything and Label Boxes
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Label boxes properly and make a checklist of the contents of each box.
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Use apps like Evernote to organize and keep track of your belongings.
8. Pay Bills and Notify Others of Your Change of Address
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Settle any outstanding bills and council tax for your current property.
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Notify the following of your change of address:
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Your workplace
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Banks, insurance companies, pension providers, and credit card companies
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The council and electoral roll
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TV Licensing
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Doctor, dentist, and DVLA
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National Insurance/DSS offices
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Post redirection services
9. Grab the Essentials for Moving Day
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Prepare a box with essential items for your first night in your new home:
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Kettle, mugs, tea, milk, coffee, sugar
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Cleaning products, vacuum cleaner, and bin bags
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Phone and laptop chargers
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Toilet paper and kitchen roll
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Duvet and bedding
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Temporary furniture (e.g., deck chairs)
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Television or radio
10. Move into Your New Home
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Do a deep clean of the property before unpacking.
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Unpack room by room, starting with the kitchen.
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Check that all utilities are up and running.
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Ensure you have keys to every door, window, and cupboard.
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Find out your bin collection day.
Congratulations on your new home! Now, take the rest of the night off, order some delicious takeaway, and put your feet up – you've earned it.