One month before you move

  • Finalise your move date. This is very important, as you can then go ahead and make arrangements for pets, appoint a removals company and many other important things.
  • Appoint a removals service. Bear in mind they may offer a discount if you avoid peak moving times, such as Fridays, school holidays and bank holidays.
  • Find out if your removals company offers additional services, such as insurance, storage or cleaning. You may be able to save money, as many companies offer combined removals and storage.
  • Start moving your possessions into storage, if necessary. Ensure you know how and when you can access them and avoid storing valuables.
  • Arrange for your new property to be spring cleaned. This may seem like an unnecessary additional cost, but it’ll give your new home a sense of ‘newness’ and make the whole experience far more enjoyable, as well as delivering health benefits.
  • Contact carpet fitters to replace any frayed carpets – now is the best time to do it, so you won’t have to move all your bulky furniture later on.
  • Service your car and make travel plans. Make friends and relatives aware of your plans and ask for their assistance if necessary.
  • Book hotel accommodation if your travel plans involve an overnight stay, important if you’re travelling long distances. By booking in advance you may get discounted rates. If you’re travelling with pets, ensure the hotel or B&B can accommodate them.
  • If necessary, arrange for childcare and pet care on the day of move, to ensure everything runs smoothly. Problems may arise that need your undivided attention.
  • Send out change of address cards to all your friends and relatives. You can design your own cards online and – if you send in your electronic address book, they’ll even mail them for you, saving you valuable time in the run up to moving day.
  • Inform all relevant companies of your address change. The Royal Mail offers a free address change notification service to make the process easier for you.
    • Banks
    • Credit cards
    • Insurance providers (home, contents, motor and life)
    • Solicitors
    • Schools
    • Inland Revenue
    • DSS
    • Worker’s Union
    • Passport Office
    • Post Office
    • Stockbrokers
    • Optician
    • Mobile phone provider
    • Religious organisations
    • Magazine subscriptions
    • Utilities companies - many require at least two day’s working notice.
      • GAS: Arrange a final reading at your old house so you won’t get overcharged. Set a date for reconnection at your new home and check for any refunds owed to you. Now is also a good time to consider whether you’re with the most suitable gas supplier.
      • ELECTRICITY: Arrange a final reading at your old house and reconnection at your new one, plus see if any refunds are due to you. Consider checking whether you can get a better deal on electricity elsewhere.
      • WATER: Check for any refunds due.
    • Contact BT to discuss your new telephone requirements and arrange number transferral or reconnection. You may also want to check to see if you can get a more competitive quote elsewhere.
    • Find suitable doctors, dentists and vets in your new area, and register with them as soon as possible. Arrange for test results/records to be transferred.
    • Contact the DVLA to let them know you are moving. This is very important as your address must be accurately represented on both your Driving License and your Vehicle Registration Certificate.
    • Premium Bond companies need to be notified. Check which address is applicable and write, stating your name, date of birth, account, holder’s or customer number, your old and new address and your moving date.
    • Change the address registered to your Save As You Earn/National Savings Certificates by writing to Savings Certificate and SAYE Office, Milburn Gate House, Durham, DH99 1NS.
    • Allow the Royal Mail to forward post from your previous address, so you don’t miss out on important letters.
  • If you don’t want your name on unsolicited mail or telephone databases, consider signing on to the Mailing Preference Service and Telephone Preference Service. This may be especially welcome in the first few months in your new home.
  • Check your insurance policies to see they’re still appropriate to your needs and whether you can get a refund on any unused home contents insurance.
  • Pack non-essential items and clothing. You will appreciate this immensely when it comes closer to moving day. It also encourages you to keep your old house organised so you don’t get stressed last minute.
  • Organise a meal plan and start running down freezer contents. Check sell by dates of all your perishables and use what you can.
  • Clear the loft. This can be a significant project if you’ve lived in your old house for a long time, so make sure you start early. It’s also very useful to have a friend, as they can assist in passing objects and boxes down.
  • Find out new school dress codes and order if required. You may be able to get a better deal by purchasing your school uniforms online.
  • Find out about social clubs, including scouts, brownies, girl guides, in your new local area. It’s better to get your children involved early.
 
 
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