URemovals Moving Checklist

Embarking on a move is a significant undertaking, often filled with numerous details that require careful attention. The URemovals Moving Checklist is your indispensable guide, meticulously crafted to simplify your relocation process and ensure a smooth transition.

Whether your journey is taking you a few blocks away or to a completely different city, this checklist offers you step-by-step instructions to effectively organise every aspect of your move.

From early preparations like decluttering and packing to setting up your new home, the URemovals moving checklist is designed to be your reliable partner, turning the potential stress of moving into an organised, hassle-free experience.

Read on to learn how to navigate the moving process with ease and efficiency.

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Preparing for Your Move: Essential Steps with URemovals Moving Checklist

1# Two Months Before Moving

Research and Book a Moving Company: Begin your search for reliable moving companies. Compare quotes from different providers and book your chosen company to secure your preferred moving date. This early booking can also offer more favourable rates and availability.

Sort and Declutter: Take this opportunity to go through all your belongings. This process not only simplifies your move but also reduces moving costs. Categorize items into what you want to keep, sell, donate, or throw away. A decluttered move is often a more efficient and less stressful one.

Inventory Your Possessions: Create a detailed inventory of all the items you plan to move. This list is vital for keeping track of your belongings and is essential for insurance purposes. Document the condition of valuable items with photos or videos. This inventory will be a helpful reference during packing and unpacking and in case of any disputes or insurance claims related to damaged or lost items.

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2# Six Weeks Before Moving

Gather Moving Supplies: It's time to collect all the necessary packing materials. Acquire a variety of boxes in different sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labelling. Remember to consider specialized containers for delicate items like dishware or artwork. Reusing local stores or friends' boxes can be cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Start Packing Non-Essentials: Start packing with items you do not use daily. This can include out-of-season clothing, books, decorative items, and other non-essential goods. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Packing systematically will make the unpacking process much smoother.

Notify Important Parties: Start informing important entities about your upcoming move. This includes your bank, employer, insurance companies, and subscription or service providers. Updating your address with these parties ensures you will continue receiving essential communications and services without interruption. It's also an excellent time to start the process of transferring or closing accounts that are location-specific.

3# One Month Before Moving

Notify Utility Companies: Contact your current utility providers, including gas, electric, and water services, to inform them of your move. Schedule a disconnection date for a day after your move to ensure services are available during the moving process. Simultaneously, arrange for these utilities to be connected to your new home before arrival. This ensures a seamless transition with essential services ready at your new location.

Arrange for School Transfers: If you have children, now is the time to manage their school transfer process. Contact their current school to notify them of the move and begin transferring records to the new school. Ensure all necessary documentation is completed and submitted. It's also a good opportunity to visit the new school with your children, helping them acclimate to the change.

Confirm Moving Details: Contact your moving company, such as URemovals, to reconfirm the arrangements. Verify the moving date, time, and specific services you've agreed upon. It's also an excellent time to discuss any last-minute details or special requirements you might have, such as moving large or delicate items. This confirmation helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that you and the moving company are prepared for the day.

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4# Two Weeks Before Moving

Pack Most of Your Belongings: With the moving date approaching, it's time to intensify your packing efforts. Aim to pack the majority of your belongings during this period. Focus on items you only need after the move, such as extra bedding, most of your clothes, and kitchenware. Remember to label each box with its contents and the room it's destined for in your new home. Keeping a few essentials unpacked until the last few days can make this transition more comfortable.

Change Your Address: Update your address with the Royal Mail for mail redirection to ensure you continue to receive your post without interruption. Additionally, update your address with important services and institutions like banks, insurance companies, and subscription services. This is also a good time to update your address on any legal documents or IDs that may require it.

SlothMove Address Change: SlothMove offers a comprehensive service for changing your address across various businesses and institutions. It's a convenient way to update your address with multiple entities, including DVLA, HMRC, NHS, and others. This service is especially useful as it saves time and ensures that all relevant parties are informed of your new address. You can find more information and the service on SlothMove's website.

Arrange Pet and Vehicle Transportation: If you have pets, start organising their move. This may involve booking pet transportation services or preparing them for travel in your vehicle. Ensure your pets are comfortable with travel carriers or crates for long-distance moves. Regarding cars, if you need to drive them to your new home yourself, arrange for vehicle transportation services. Ensure your vehicles are in good working order and ready for the journey, whether driven by you or a professional mover.

5# One Week Before Moving

Pack an Essentials Box: Prepare an "essentials" box or suitcase containing items you'll need right after you move and during the first few days in your new home. This should include toiletries, basic cookware, a few dishes and utensils, essential medications, important documents, a change of clothes, and basic cleaning supplies. The idea is to have everything you need for daily living easily accessible without searching through multiple boxes.

Finalise Packing: By now, aim to have nearly everything packed, leaving only the absolute daily necessities out. Double-check all rooms, closets, and storage areas to ensure everything is noticed. It's also a good time to dismantle large furniture items if necessary, ensuring all components and assembly tools are securely packed and labelled for easy reassembly.

Confirm Arrangements with Movers: Contact your moving company, such as URemovals, to confirm the arrangements. Verify the date and time of arrival and the list of services you've requested, and ensure they have the correct address and contact information. If you have any special instructions or last-minute changes, communicate these now. This final confirmation helps ensure a smooth operation on a moving day.

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6# A Few Days Before Moving

Defrost the Freezer: If you plan to take your refrigerator, start the defrosting process a few days before the move. This is important to prevent any water damage and mould growth during transportation. Once defrosted, take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the fridge and freezer thoroughly, wiping down all surfaces and ensuring they're dry and odour-free for the move.

Prepare Appliances for Moving: Large appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and stoves must be adequately prepared for transport. This typically involves unplugging them, cleaning thoroughly, and securing any loose parts or doors. For appliances like washing machines, secure the drum to prevent damage. If you need help properly preparing any appliance, consult the user manual or a professional.

Last-Minute Cleaning: Carry out a final cleaning of your current home. This is not only considerate for the new occupants but is sometimes required, especially if you're renting and looking to get a deposit back. Focus on general cleaning tasks like sweeping, mopping, and dusting. Pay special attention to areas that might have been covered by furniture or appliances. A clean home leaves a good impression and ensures you fulfil any end-of-tenancy agreements.

7# Moving Day

Final Walkthrough: Before the movers arrive, do a thorough final walkthrough of your entire home. Check every room, closet, drawer, and storage area to ensure nothing is left behind. This is also an excellent time to take photos or videos of the empty rooms for documentation, especially if you are renting and need to provide evidence of the property's condition upon departure.

Direct Movers: Be available to guide and direct the movers. Ensure that they know of any items requiring special care or handling. Confirm that everything on your inventory list is being loaded onto the moving truck. Having a copy of your inventory list on hand is helpful to check items off as they are loaded.

Meter Readings: Record the final readings of your gas and electricity meters. These readings are important for closing out your utility accounts and ensuring that you are only billed up to your move date. Take a photograph of the meters with the readings visible. Notify utility providers of these final readings to update your account and avoid billing issues.

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8# Arriving at Your New Home

Check Delivered Items: As your belongings are being unloaded, check off each item from your inventory list to ensure everything has been delivered. Inspect boxes and furniture for any visible damage. If there are any discrepancies or damages, note them immediately and report them to the moving company. This step is crucial for any potential insurance claims or disputes.

Start Unpacking: Begin the unpacking process with your essentials box, which contains items you'll need immediately. Setting up essential areas like the bedroom and bathroom first can make the first night in your new home more comfortable. Then, gradually progress to unpacking other items and organising as you go. Focusing on one room at a time is often more manageable, starting with the most frequently used spaces.

Set Up Utilities: Verify that all utilities in your new home are functioning correctly. This includes checking the water, gas, electricity, heating, and internet connection. If there are any issues, contact the relevant utility providers immediately to resolve them. Having these utilities operational can make the settling-in process much smoother and more comfortable.

9# Post-Moving

Register with a New GP: If your move has taken you to a new area, one of the first steps should be registering with a local General Practitioner (GP). This is important for maintaining uninterrupted healthcare and access to medical services. Locate a GP surgery near your new home and complete the necessary registration procedures. Remember to transfer your medical records from your previous GP to ensure continuity of care.

Update Driving License and Vehicle Registration: Notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of your change of address. This is important for updating your driving license and vehicle registration documents. It's a legal requirement in the UK to have these records up to date, and failure to do so can result in fines. The update can be done online through the DVLA's website.

Explore Your New Area: Take some time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Explore the neighbourhood and locate essential amenities like supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, and post offices. Introduce yourself to your neighbours and learn about community activities or groups you can join. Understanding your new area will help you settle in and feel more at home.

10# Additional Tips

Keep Important Documents Handy: Throughout the moving process, keep all crucial documents in an easily accessible location. This includes passports, lease or property purchase papers, birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance policies, and any moving-related paperwork. Carry these with you during the move rather than packing them in a box in the van. This ensures these vital documents are always at hand if needed and reduces the risk of them being misplaced or damaged.

Safety First: Moving day can be hectic and potentially hazardous, especially for young children and pets. Prioritize their safety by arranging for them to stay with a family member, friend, or professional caregiver during the busiest times. If that's not feasible, set up a safe and comfortable area for them away from the main action. Keep a first-aid kit accessible and ensure walkways are clear of obstacles to prevent trips and falls. If you're moving yourself, use proper lifting techniques and wear appropriate clothing and footwear to avoid injuries.