Moving house is one of the most stressful things people do in their lifetimes. Here is a handy checklist to help you make it a smooth process.
• You’ll need to decide on a moving date (completion date) when exchanging
contracts. Book a removal firm as soon as the date is agreed.
• Ask friends or relatives who have moved recently to recommend removal firms.
Get written quotes from a couple of different firms, and don’t necessarily go for the cheapest. Check if the quote includes VAT and clarify if packing, loading and unloading are all included. Some removal firms also provide useful cardboard boxes which double up as hanging storage for clothes.
• Ensure your possessions are insured for transit. Most removal firms provide such
Insurance but check for any exclusions, for example, anything you pack yourself may not be covered by their insurance. If you are planning to transport any precious items yourself, confirm that these are covered when in transit by your contents insurance.
• Label packed boxes clearly – this will help place them in the right room, ready to
unpack. Mark any boxes that are fragile or need to be handled with care.
• Before the big day, have a clear out - this will help reduce the load to be
transported and is a good chance to recycle or donate unwanted items to charity.
• Get someone to look after the children/pets for the day.
• Round up all the keys to your home, including those left with neighbours, nannies and relatives, and give them to your solicitor or estate agent.
• Pick up a form from the post office and arrange to redirect your post.
• Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries, window cleaning and gardening contracts.
• If you are moving to a different area, register with a new GP and dentist.
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