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The best piece of advice is to plan carefully and make lists!
Moving house can be a stressful time, but if you’re organised and as prepared as possible then you can minimise the stress and discomfort.
Make lists and keep them handy so everyone can see what’s left to do. It’s an ideal time to have a clear out – whether you’re moving yourself or paying a removal company, only move with the things you really want. Have a stall at a boot fair, ebay your unwanted things, or take them to the charity shop (or the local tip!). If you’re able to sell a few things, the money will always be useful if you have any unexpected costs.
If you’re going from one home straight into another, check that the furniture you have will fit through the new doors, or if there are staircases involved check them too – there would be nothing worse than finding yourself having to cut a piece of furniture to get it in, or having to dispose of it straightaway because it won’t fit. If your belongings are going into storage then it’s especially important to label everything.
When you’re all packed up and everything is in boxes – make sure the boxes are clearly labelled with the room they’re going to, and the contents. You might think you’ll remember what’s in each box, but as time goes on and more boxes are packed, your memory might begin to struggle.
There’s a whole long list of who to give your new address to – but the most important ones are the utilities – make sure you remember to read the meters on the day you leave move – both in your existing home and your new property. If you plan on having your post redirected, let the Post Office know in plenty of time.
Utility companies – gas, electricity, water, telephone, internet, TV Licence – it doesn’t automatically move home when you do
Banks – building society, credit cards, loans, savings, investments, pension, home insurance
Local council (council tax), HMRC, employers, children’s schools, DVLA - car insurance, driving licence, vehicle registration document
Subscriptions – magazines, sports clubs, charities, memberships to English Heritage/National Trust etc
Doctors, dentists, opticians
Loyalty cards, mobile phone companies
The list is long (and this isn’t everything), so leave yourself enough time to deal with each item and make sure you’ve a pen handy to note down who you speak to in case there’s a query later on.
There are many removal companies, the best way to find a reputable one is to ask around, word of mouth is still the best way of advertising.
Keep a separate box with passports and important documents in it. Make sure you’ve got enough tea, coffee, milk and biscuits to keep you and your movers going during the day – and don’t pack the kettle!
