KEEPING CONTROL ON MOVING DAY
A few quick tips to help keep you in control on your moving day...
Moving Day
CHILD AND PET CARE
Children will want to be involved in the move, but it can be a distraction for you and unsafe environment for them. Pets also will be distressed and confused, so asking someone to help look after them on the day will allow you to concentrate on your move. If the children are old enough to help, find age appropriate tasks for them so they can feel part of the move. They could help make beverages if old enough, or help with the final clean up and say goodbye to their old house.
METER READINGS
Before you leave, get a final meter reading of all your metered services and call the relevant suppliers to inform them of the numbers so you can settle up the final balance and close the account ready for moving. If you don’t do this you could end up in disputes with the new owners and it’s just added stress when you could be relaxing in your new home.
PACK AN OVERNIGHT BAG AS IF YOU’RE GOING AWAY FOR THE WEEKEND
This will help you on your first night and day once you arrive in your new home to help you find clothes and toiletries that are otherwise packed away.
ESSENTIALS BOX PACKED AND TRANSPORTED WITH YOU
Essentials box to include; kettle, cups, tea and coffee, milk, sugar, loo roll, snacks, phone charger, small radio, tape, pens, scissors. These will be still needed in your old house and the first thing you will want to find in your new house! Remember your removal team will need refreshments too!
FINAL CHECKS AND CLEAN
Make sure you are fully prepared for the day ahead. Go through each room of your home and ensure that you have not forgotten anything. Do leave your old home in a clean and tidy condition for the new owners; if you have time before the move a spring clean is recommended and do remember if leaving white goods in the kitchen to give them in good condition and consider a professional oven clean. It is a good idea not to pack the vacuum cleaner and give the house a good clean once it is empty.
Your new home, where to begin...
MAKE UP YOUR NEW BEDS IN THE NEW HOUSE FIRST
When you’re tired later and you can’t face anymore unpacking, you can hop straight into a comfy bed and get a good night's sleep. This way you will feel revived and ready to crack on again in the morning! Putting up curtains in the bedrooms is also a great start.
YOUR FIRST MEAL
Who knows how many helpers you will have and you are bound to have worked up an appetite. To be very organised a grocery delivery would be one less job, but you need to ensure that you have your kitchen organised by the time it is delivered. Budgeting for and locating a local takeaway delivery company so when you get hungry in the middle of building the beds and wardrobes you can have a welcome break without taking too much time off!
HOME INSURANCE
This may be the last thing on your mind, but do ensure your policy has started and everything is covered for your new home. It would be awful if you your foot goes through the ceiling whilst unpacking and your home insurance policy has not been updated so you’re not covered.
METER READINGS
As when you left your previous home, take meter readings of all your metered services, record the numbers and call the relevant suppliers to ensure your services don’t get cut off, there are no outstanding balances on these services from the previous owners and they have your new details.
THE NEIGHBOURS
Having good neighbours can be a great benefit. As well as making new friends, you can reciprocate keeping an eye on each other’s homes, take in deliveries if you are not at home etc, so it's more than worthwhile to establish a good relationship with them.
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