Your Moving Timeline - What You Need To Do...

There are those who would say that it is never too early to start preparing for a move, but with three weeks to go it allows you time to do all you need and at this stage it is more realistic that the move will happen. Any earlier and there is a good chance that removal dates may slip. 

 

The main thing most people can start with is deciding what they want to take with them and what they can throw away, sell on Ebay or take to a local charity shop. Start with emptying your loft and cupboard contents. If you haven’t used something in a long while then maybe question if you need it at all. It may be easier to obtain some packing cases from your removal company and put into boxes things like books, bedding and clothing as you sort them. Seal the boxes and note briefly what they contain and which room you want them to go into at your new address. 

 

If you have young children or pets then start to think about who may be able to look after them on removal day or what you may need to consider if you are taking them with you. Can other family members or friends assist you ? 

 

If you are moving overseas then check out your baggage allowances with your airlines and start to think about what clothing you will be taking with you and separate that in your wardrobe from the clothes being shipped. 

 

When you move home it is a really good opportunity to defrost your freezer so start to use up food from your freezer and reduce what you buy for your fridge. 

With two weeks to go you need to be starting to get organised as the days will start to fly by and very soon moving day will be upon you. Keep a note pad to hand at all times. Add things to the list of jobs to be done and cross them off as you achieve them and it will help keep stress levels to a minimum. 

 

With only two weeks to go you need to contact all of your utility providers to advise them of your change of address and to arrange for final meter readings or to agree to provide them with final readings on removal day. It is a good idea to note all relevant numbers as one of your last checks before you leave your current property anyway. 

 

Organise for your post to be redirected. Choose through Royal Mail how long you want the redirection to be in place for. 

 

Consider the following: Water rates, dentist, doctor, optician, schools, DVLA, child benefit, credit card, bank, TV licence, pension, insurance, council tax, gas, oil and electricity suppliers. 

 

If you have Sky TV or another Digital provider then advise them of your proposed removal date and see what similar service is available in your new property. 

 

Decide which of any of your domestic appliances need to a tradesperson to help remove them. Appleyards have contacts to local plumbers, electricians and joiners. It is also worth getting boiler and gas fire checks carried out on your new home just to be sure shortly after you move in. 

 

If you have a fixed landline then arrange for the telephone number to be transferred or changed and request a final bill. Advise your mobile telephone provider of your new address and email address if this is being changed when you relocate. 

Moving day can be exhausting so ensure that as well as getting the necessary jobs done you also get some rest. Packing until the early hours will leave you on empty for removal day. 

 

Defrost your fridge freezer and ensure that it is cleaned out of all surplus water. Carry out your last wash and then commence disconnecting the washing machine, taking time to drain water from the rubber pipes. 

 

Dismantle any large items but don’t forget to keep all the screws and tools handy so that they can be quickly reassembled at the other end. Request a “bits box” from your moving company. 

 

Ensure that you have packed 90% of anything that you have agreed to pack in advance so that the last minute items can be sorted speedily. 

 

Advise your immediate neighbours that you are on the move and try and sort out any parking issues that may arise from having a large removal vehicles outside your home. 

With one day to go it is important to prepare as much as physically possible as this will make your moving day a lot easier. 

 

Ensure that any liquids you plan to transport have their tops secured tightly and place them into sealed containers. Plan to move any flammable items such as oil, paints and petrol yourself and don’t forget to drain things such as petrol driven lawnmowers. 

 

Take down any curtains or blinds that you and pack them away. 

 

If you have any keys to cabinets then lock the cabinet, remove all keys and then put them into your “odds box” for safe keeping. 

 

Create a “do not move” pile of items. This could include your hoover, cleaning products, overnight clothing and a box with snacks, drinks and save space for the kettle and some mugs. 

 

Put any valuable items such as jewellery to one side along with any sentimental items that have a lot of meaning to you. You will find removing these items yourself will avoid any insurance issues and give you more piece of mind; without taking anything away from your removers. 

A call to the removal company to check your van is on its way will not go amiss and will put your mind at rest that the crew will be with you soon. 

 

When your removal crew arrive take them on a tour of your home. Identify any items that require special attention and point out your “do not move” pile. If you are packing the hanging clothing onto portable wardrobes, request these from the foreman at this point. 

 

Allow the removal men to do their work but be available for any questions. Carrying furniture is hard work and so a regular supply of drinks will assist all. 

 

Take down your relevant meter readings for water, gas , electric etc just before you leave. 

 

Once your home is empty deliver all keys to your house to your estate agents once you have checked every cupboard in every room to ensure you have taken away absolutely everything you need. 

 

It is not obligatory, but it is normal to give a tip to the foreman if you think the crew have performed well for you. 

 

Exchange telephone numbers with your removal crew so that in the event of a delay in obtaining the keys to your new home you can keep in touch with them. 

 

If you have not found the information that you were looking for within this article, or you need to seek assistance that is relevant but is not covered above, then please contact info@removalshull.com with your query