Two weeks before

  • Make sure you have adequate prescription medicine to cover the remaining period. These may be difficult to obtain after you’ve switched surgeries.
  • Safely dispose of all flammable materials, for example paints, gas bottles, cleaning fluids and oils. You may want to order a skip if you are cleaning out your garage. This will also be handy if there’s a lot of items you don’t want to bring with you, although do recycle what you can and consider giving the rest to charity.
  • Cancel local deliveries and services, such as newspapers, gardeners, cleaners, car washers, window cleaners, milk deliveries, fuels and oils.
  • If your removals company is not making arrangements for you, hire professionals to carry out necessary services such as removing light fittings, house cleaning (if specified in contract) and dismantling of sensitive electronic equipment. If you do this yourself, don’t forget to insert transit screws where necessary. Be careful when moving computer equipment as many parts are susceptible to shock.
  • Prepare a “Survival Kit” for moving day. Although it will contain items useful when you’re travelling, the main purpose is to make your first day or two comfortable. After all, you’ll be exhausted, and won’t want to be rummaging around in all your boxes trying desperately to find what you need. You may want to include:
    • Sheets
    • Towels
    • Toiletries
    • Phone
    • Alarm clock
    • Change of clothes
    • Torch
    • Scissors
    • Utility knife
    • Coffee cups
    • Instant tea/coffee maker or kettle
    • Water and soft drinks
    • Snacks
    • Paper Plates
    • Plastic utensils
    • Paper towels
    • Toilet paper
    • Pencils and paper
    • Local phone book
    • Local takeaway menus
    • Masking or PVC tape
    • Bin Liners
    • Shelf liners
    • Aspirin or Ibuprofen
    • Basic tools
    • Champagne and several glasses!
  • Measure all furniture to be moved and any sharp turns or narrow corridors in your house. If you cannot manoeuvre them downstairs, you may have to dismantle them or instruct your removals company to do so.
 
One week before
 
  • Don’t box important papers and valuables, such as passports, driving licenses, and jewellery. Always keep them with you when you move. Keep all moving-related documents together, in case there are any disagreements.
  • Finish your packing and make sure all boxes are properly labelled with the room they are going to in your new home. You also want to write their contents so you can unpack in order.
  • Prepared a detailed itinerary, along with emergency numbers, for your moving company.
  • Settle any outstanding bills, particularly with local retailers. Pick up your dry cleaning, and return any library books, videos and DVDs.
  • Take pets to the vet and obtain copies of their records to give to your new vet.
  • Give away or sell plants you aren’t taking with you.
  • Make arrangements with your moving company regarding payment.
  • Clean outdoor equipment and toys (you may wish to rent or borrow a pressure washer), drain fuel from your lawnmower and other machinery and ensure hoses are free of water).
  • Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Ensure they are completely dry before moving to prevent mildew build up.
  • Wash and dry all linen and clothing.
  • Prepare your washing machine and dishwasher for moving. Disconnect power and water and check if transit bolts need to be fitted.
  • Check through your medicine cabinet and dispose of any unwanted drugs via your chemist.
  • If you’re planning to transport your clothing via a clothing carton, ensure all garments are securely fastened on the hanger and are facing the same way.
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