Are you getting ready to embark on the exciting journey of moving house? While the thought of a new home, new beginnings, and fresh experiences can be thrilling, the process of moving can be quite overwhelming. However, with the right planning and a well-organised checklist, you can make the transition smoother and less stressful. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive moving house checklist that covers everything you need to do before, during, and after your move.

Before You Move Checklist

  1. Create a Timeline: Start by setting a moving date and create a timeline. Having a clear schedule will help you stay organised and avoid last-minute stress.
  2. Declutter: Before you start packing, go through your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or throw away. A clutter-free home will make packing and unpacking much easier.
  3. Hire Movers or Rent a Truck: If you’re not planning on moving everything yourself, research and book professional movers or a rental truck well in advance.
  4. Gather Packing Supplies: Purchase or gather packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and labels. Make sure you have different sizes of boxes for various items.
  5. Change of Address: Notify the post office, utility companies, and important contacts of your change of address.
  6. Notify Schools and Medical Practices: Inform your children’s schools and the medical practices that you’re registered to about your upcoming move.
  7. Plan for Pets: If you have pets, make arrangements for their care during the move, and update their microchip or ID tags with your new contact information.
  8. Utilities: Set up utilities, internet, and cable services in your new home before moving in. Don’t forget to cancel or transfer services at your current residence.
  9. Document Valuables: Take photos or videos of valuable items before packing them to document their condition.

What to Do When Moving House

  1. Pack Room by Room: Start packing well in advance, beginning with rooms you use less frequently. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
  2. Essentials Box: Pack an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen items.
  3. Protect Fragile Items: Wrap fragile items carefully and use padding to protect them from damage during transit.
  4. Furniture Disassembly: Disassemble large furniture items to make them easier to move. Keep track of screws and assembly instructions.
  5. Utilities and Security: Turn off utilities at your old home and ensure that doors and windows are locked and secure before leaving.
  6. Final Walkthrough: Before leaving your old home, conduct a final walkthrough to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything.

After You Move Checklist

  1. Unpack Systematically: Start unpacking room by room, just as you packed. This will help you maintain order and prioritise the most essential areas.
  2. Update Address: Update your address with the post office, financial institutions, and any other important contacts.
  3. Dispose of Packing Materials: Recycle or dispose of the packing materials responsibly.
  4. Explore The Area: Get to know your new surroundings, find essential services, and meet your neighbours.
  5. Check for Damages: Inspect your belongings for any damages that may have occurred during the move. Notify your movers if you find any issues.
  6. Enjoy Your New Home: Finally, take the time to enjoy your new home and the fresh start it represents.

By following this moving house checklist, you can ensure a smooth transition from your old home to your new one. Moving can be a challenging process, but with proper planning and organisation, you can make it a more manageable and even enjoyable experience. Happy moving!