The week before you move house: Checklist
As more and more of your belongings are getting packed away into boxes or moved into storage, you maybe feeling a tad apprehensive as moving day draws closer
At this stage of your moving journey you will need to be confirming all the important finer details with your estate agent, solicitor and mortgage provider, as well as your chosen removals company.
Things to be sorted out in this final week:
• Confirm dates with removals company
Confirm dates and times with the removal company as well as any other external service providers, such as plumbers and cleaners. Double check with the removers that they have all the correct details, including your current and new addresses, and exchange emergency contact numbers. Also double check parking arrangements at either end to ensure any permits needed have been sorted out.
• Packing yourself?
If you are not using a professional removals company for your packing, ensure all boxes are pack correctly (see our tips on packing moving boxes). Leave out enough cutlery and plates to cover you for the last week and pack the rest. Label ALL boxes and stack them together somewhere that will make it easy for you to move onto the removal lorry.
• Start packing your essentials box
Make sure you have all your essential items to hand on moving day, by packing them together in the same box. Everyone will have their own idea as to what is absolutely essential to have to hand on moving day, so perhaps a box (or bag) each is more appropriate.
Read our tips what to pack in your Essentials box >
• Plan what you’re taking in the car
If you are using a removals company, then they are likely to get into full swing with loading the removals truck as soon as they arrive, so set aside items you will be taking in your own vehicle(s) in a separate location to the rest (and let them know this). This should include your essentials box.
• Check which items you are leaving behind
If you have made an agreement to leave certain items at the property for the new owners, highlight where they are by leaving a sign or sticker on them. This will help your removals company and reduce the number of questions being asked on moving day. Leave any manuals you have for these items, such as the built-in oven or washing machine close by. (At least that’s one less thing to pack !)
Not everyone takes the curtains and blinds with them, so if you have decided to keep them, now is the time to take them down and get them cleaned. Some curtains will need to be dry-cleaned, so check with your local dry cleaners how long this might take.
• Double check furniture will fit
If you have not done so already, make sure the furniture you want to take with you will fit into its new home. Be especially mindful of furniture which can’t be be dismantled as corridors, stairwells and narrows doorways can hinder easy access.
• Start dismantling furniture
If you have booked a full service with your removals company then you won’t need to worry about dismantling furniture. Your removals company with have factored this into their time frame and will most likely arrive the day before to start the packing and dismantling of furniture. However, if you decide to do this part yourself, then this final week is the ideal time to start dismantling bed frames and units in preparation for moving.
TOP TIP: When dismantling furniture, place all small parts (i.e. screw, bolts etc.) in a bag or large envelope and tape them to part of the furniture they belong with. If you have similar items then it is useful to tape all the parts together or colour-code them so the pieces don’t get mixed up.
• Defrost the freezer
If you have planned your meals properly over the last fortnight, then your fridge and freezer should be nearing empty by now. Freezers can take up to 48 hours to defrost and can produce a large amount of liquid when defrosting. This is not something you will want to leave to the day before moving.
If you are leaving the freezer for the new owners, ensure it is empty with the door open before switching off. If you are moving it, ensure it is both clean and dry throughout to prevent odours.
• Cancel subscriptions & settle all outstanding bills
If you have a regular delivery service such as milk or a newspaper that is not going to continue at your new property, ensure that you settled any outstanding bills before you leave. If you are keeping them going, then ensure they are aware of your new delivery address. They may need to set you up with a new account, and will need the current one settled first.
• Notify service providers
You should already have made a list of who to notify of your new address, so this is the week to ensure that you have correctly done this. Why not download our Change of Address checklist
• Find out when to expect keys?
Check with the estate agent what time they expect the keys to your new property to be available, and when you will be allowed access from. Also decide with your estate agent how you will hand over the keys to your existing house.
• Book in your cleaners
If you are lucky enough to have access to your new property in advance of your removal day, then it is a good idea to hire in professional cleaners to give your new property a thorough clean through before you move in.
The last thing you’ll want to do on move day is attempt a spring clean!
Need a short notice and emergency move?
If you have been let down by your removal company, or need to move in a hurry, then give the team at Casey’s Removals a call.
As well as removals, Casey’s can also provide a packing and unpacking service, which includes dismantling of furniture. We also specialise in short notice and emergency moves, should you need to move quickly.
Call us today. We are open until 9pm, 7 days a week