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Hints and tips when moving house

A month to go:

• Get estimates from removal companies, checking that comprehensive insurance cover is available against loss or damage. Confirm the date with the firm you have chosen.


• Check on your home contents insurance policies to ensure that you are covered for both the move and at your new address.


• Make arrangements for your gas, electricity and water meters to be read.


• Arrange to take over gas and electricity at your new address, and make sure that all appliances will be properly fitted, plumbed or connected.


• Notify the phone company and ask them to make the necessary arrangements for a final account at your present address, and for taking over, or installing telephone facilities at your new one.


• Arrange for change of address cards to be printed.


• Arrange childcare and petcare for moving day.

A fortnight to go:

• Confirm all arrangements, times etc for meter readings, disconnections and reconnections.


• Make sure you have a good stock of packing materials, sturdy boxes, string and sticky tape.


• Begin to throw out unwanted items from attics and wardrobes. Throw away what you really don't want, or send to your local charity shop.

One week to go:

• Send off your change of address cards


• Arrange and pay for automatic re-direction of your mail by the Post Office.


• Cancel and pay up accounts for routine delivery services such as mail, groceries, papers etc. Reorganise these deliveries for your new address.


• Defrost refrigerators in preparation for the move and if you are moving a freezer and contents, turn it up to maximum for a couple of days before you move.


• Put aside any inflammable liquids and drain fuel from petrol mower, paraffin fires etc.

One day to go:

• Complete your packing except for those items you are likely to need overnight, and arrange a picnic on the moving day.


• Have a large enough cash float available to deal with unexpected expenses, tips etc and ensure you have collected the documents and valuables together in a safe place.


• Cover carpets which are being left behind, so as to minimise damage during furniture removal.


• Check through previous lists to make sure nothing has been overlooked, then enjoy a worry-free early night.


• Pack small valuables separately and leave with "essentials" pile.

Moving Day:

• Strip beds and pack bedding and nightclothes.


• Pack items for washing/toiletries.


• Take down curtains.


• Take up rugs, carpets, floor coverings etc NOT included in the sale


• Dismantle any light fittings, etc not included in sale.


• Turn off electric appliances.


• Disconnect cooker.


• Turn off boiler/central heating.


• Turn off water.


• Read gas meter.


• Read electricity meter.


• Secure all windows.


• Lock all doors.


• Leave key as arranged for new owners eg with estate agent*


• Exchange contact numbers and agree meeting time with removal men.


• On arrival at your new home, unpack slowly and methodically so that you can check for loss or damage.