A Step-by-Step Guide for a Smooth Transition
To help you stay on top of things during this hectic time, we’ve compiled the ultimate moving house checklist.
Change Your Postal Address:
- Notify the postal service of your upcoming move and update your address.
- Use the Royal Mail redirection service.
- Inform relevant parties such as banks, insurance providers, and subscription services of your new address.
Notify Government and Council Offices:
- Update your address with government agencies, including the DVLA.
- Notify your local council of your move to ensure important documents reach your new residence.
Transfer or Set Up Utilities:
- Contact your utility providers in advance to schedule the transfer or set up of services like electricity, gas, water, and internet at your new home.
- Arrange for disconnection at your old address.
Update Your Contact Information:
- Inform your contacts (friends, family, colleagues, organisations, and clubs) of your move.
- Update your contact information on social media and professional networking sites.
Pack Strategically:
- Begin packing early and pack room by room.
- Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
- Create an inventory to track your belongings.
- Pack a separate essentials box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival.
Declutter and Donate:
- Declutter your belongings and donate or discard items you no longer need.
- This reduces the amount to pack and ensures a fresh start in your new space.
Notify Schools and Healthcare Providers:
- Inform your children’s current school about the move and arrange for records transfer to the new school.
- Update your address with healthcare providers and transfer any necessary medical records.
Arrange for Home Insurance:
- Update your home insurance or arrange for a new policy for your new residence.
- Ensure coverage from the day you move in to protect your belongings.
Handle Finances:
- Update your address with your bank and other financial institutions.
- Transfer accounts to a branch closer to your new home if necessary.
- Inform your employer and pension providers of your change of address.
Redirect Subscriptions and Memberships:
- Contact magazine subscriptions, streaming services, and other memberships to update your address.
- Follow specific procedures for changing your address with these services.
Transfer or Cancel Gym Memberships:
- Check if your current gym provider has a branch near your new home.
- Cancel or transfer your membership to a more convenient location if necessary.
Update Driver’s Licence and Car Registration:
- Visit the DVLA website to update your driver’s licence address.
- Register your car with the local council to update the address on your vehicle registration if you’ve moved to a new area.
Check Pet Requirements:
- Update your pets’ microchip information and notify your vet of the move.
- Research local veterinary services at your new location and ensure compliance with any pet regulations.
Prepare for Moving Day:
- Double-check all arrangements with the removals team.
- Pack a moving day essentials kit with toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.
- Ensure necessary parking permits or reservations for the removals truck are in place.
Say Goodbye to Your Old Home:
- Take a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Check all rooms, closets, and storage spaces.
- Leave a forwarding address for the new occupants or the landlord.
