Moving House Checklist

Moving home is ranked as one of the top five most stressful life experiences. But it doesn’t have to be. You can mitigate many last-minute problems with a bit of forward planning.

So, to get your show on the road, without all the faff, here’s a quick and easy moving house checklist so you can relocate like a boss!

Book Your Removals

It’s always best to book as early as possible. Certain days of the week/times of the year are in higher demand, the closer you get to your moving day, the greater the chance your chosen company will already be fully booked.

Read Ts & Cs

We’ve probably all ticked the “Yes I have read the Terms & Conditions box” without even making it to page 2. But not all removal contracts are the same. You might be required to unplug/unplumb white goods, clear loft spaces. Failing to check the Ts and Cs could cause delays leading to extra costs on the day.

Check Access

Do a quick recce of the access route and parking for long, high sided vehicles. Check for tight bends, low hanging trees, parking restrictions, etc. The more your movers know in advance, the better they can plan ahead to make sure things go as smoothly as possible.

Protect Your Carpets

Ask your removal company about carpet protectors to help save floors from damage and muddy boots on wet days. If  you’re particularly worried about certain carpets or rooms, lay extra floor coverings but make sure they’re properly secured and can’t trip anyone up.

Disconnect

Check your contract (or ask your movers) if you’re responsible for disconnecting washing machines, dishwashers, cookers or any appliances you are taking with you or that’s included in the moving plan. Not forgetting curtains, shelves and anything fixed to the walls. If not, you’ll need to have it all done before the removal crew arrive.

Declutter

Don’t pay money to take that ‘junk’ with you. Moving is the ideal time to have a clear out. Check out our Decluttering Tips for the best ways to lighten the load.

Check & Clear Loft Spaces

Most removal companies are not insured/allowed to work in lofts unless it is boarded and lit, with safe, fixed access. Ask your removals firm in advance if you’re required to clear those spaces.

Droopy Drawers

If you have any furniture you know is in a bad state, then get those repairs done before it’s picked up, carried, loaded, unloaded, placed upside down… Moving and transportation might exacerbate any existing damage or structural weakness. You really don’t want your drawers to fall off.

Drawers & Hampers

Some items like ottomans, chests of drawers, linen hampers can be moved still full. Ask your removal surveyor about these items during the survey, it could save you from unnecessary packing.

Flat Pack

System or self-assembly (flat pack) furniture simply isn’t designed to be move. While your movers will do their best, they can’t guarantee that your Scandinavian wardrobe will make the journey in one piece. The best option is to carefully dismantle flat pack furniture in advance of your move, then carefully reassemble it at the other end.

Outdoor Prep

Clear and prepare anything in the garden, shed, greenhouse, garage, outhouses. Plants should either be potted or their roots contained in a plastic bin liner. Garden tools are best tied in bundles, and swings, climbing frames, garden furniture dismantled ready to go. Contents of sheds and garages should be boxed and heavy outdoor pieces (paving slabs, planters, water butts) cleaned and stacked.

Plan To Unpack

It’s often impractical/impossible to completely unpack everything on day one in your new home. Decide what’s most important and focus on those items or rooms. Assembling beds, bed linen, hanging curtains, making a cuppa… Put those items on the van last, so they’re the first off at the other end. Make sure you have the tools handy to reassemble, drill, hang or hammer.

Valuables

Most removal companies will not be responsible for packing and moving items of jewellery, cash or stamp collections, as these can’t be insured. You may need to carry these items yourself.

Get Insurance

Recent legislation has restricted who can and can’t sell insurance. That means many removals companies no longer offer extended cover (at Armishaws we provide cover for goods in transit as part of our service, backed by our own insurers).

However, we always advise every mover to get their own insurance. No matter who you move with, if you have your own cover, then should anything go wrong, you’re not left out of pocket. The simple fact is, you’re putting everything you own into big trucks, then sending it all on a road trip, of course you should get it insured!

Book Storage

Your move might take place in several stages, you could be collecting items from multiple locations or going into short term rental accommodation until your new home is ready. Ask your movers about short/long-term storage, that way you’re only dealing with one contractor for your entire relocation. They’ll then deliver everything to your new home when you make that final move.

Book A Delivery

When you get to your new home, the last thing you want to worry about is ‘the big shop’. Before your move, do a food and essentials shop online and arrange for it to be delivered to your new address the day after your move. You’ll have the fridge full and a happy household.