Make a priority packing list
Pack a first aid kit in your car
Take some time to sift through your belongings and have a clear-out. You can make up a box for charity
Check that your contents insurance will cover damage and breakages during the move.

If you are on benefits, you will need to advise: DSS
Child Benefits
Pensions

If the property you’re leaving has a fire alarm:
Leave instructions for the new owners
Ask the current owners of your new home to leave instructions for you

Young children can be a hassle to have around on moving day, it’s good idea to arrange care for them on moving day.

Cleaning:
Arrange to collect all dry clearing before you move
Arrange to have the carpets in your new home cleaned before you move
Ensure you check all cupboard and drawers are empty of all belongings before you move.

Collect all documents that you will need during and shortly after the move to save sifting through boxes when asked for these.

Inform the following financial institutions of your change of address:
Bank
Credit Card Company
Store Cards
Share companies

Leave a forwarding address for the new owners to forward on any late mail.

Make a list of who you want to advise of your move, i.e. your friends and family.

Heating Systems:
Leave operating instructions for the new owners
Ask the current owners of your new home to leave instructions for you

Ensure any home deliveries you receive are notified of your move
Milkman
Newsagent
Mail order companies

Advise home insurance company of your move and arrange insurance for your new property.

Keys
Leave all keys for new owners.
Ask the current owners of your new home to leave all keys for you.
If late key waiver has not been taken and keys arrive at the property later than 2pm there will be a charge of £30 + vat per hour per man Normal working day finishes at 5pm anything after will be charged at £30 + vat per hour per man.

If you are moving to a different area, it’s a good idea to inform medical institutions of your move:
Inform existing GP
Inform existing Dentist
Arrange a new GP
Arrange a new Dentist

If you have made any recent purchases, keep track of the delivery date and chase suppliers if necessary to ensure deliveries are made before your move.

If you have pets:
Purchase a pet carrier
Advise vet
Arrange for pets to be looked after on removal day

Perishable food:
Start running down food in the freezer if the journey is a long one
If goods are going into store, defrost and dry out freezer and fridge.

Posts & Communications:
Inform Royal Mail and set up a redirect
Arrange to cut off telephone
Arrange to reconnect telephone
Advise mobile phone supplier of address change

Internet:
Advise internet provider of move

Professional Advisors:
Inform solicitor
Inform accountant
Inform financial advisor

Any letters you are sending in regards to your move should be sent recorded delivery

Advise your religious centre of your move

Removals:
Confirm date with removal company
Clearly label items not to be taken
Work out self pack schedule
Purchase self pack materials

Rentals:
Advise television company
Advise other electrical appliance companies
Return library books
Return DVD’s & Games

Schools:
Inform existing schools
If applicable, arrange a new school

Service Contracts:
Advise all service contractors
Advice all guarantee providers

Tax:
Advise tax authorities
Advice council

Television:
Advice cable/satellite supplier & licensing company If necessary, arrange with the remover of transporting your valuables.

Travel:
Advise railway/bus company for seasonal tickets

Utilities:
Arrange gas meters to be read and cut
Arrange electric meters to be read and cut
Arrange gas supply at new address
Arrange electric supply at new address
Advise telephone supplier
Advise water supplier

If you own flat pack furniture, ensure you give yourself enough time to dismantle and pack these.

De-cluttering:
Take some time to sift through your belongings and have a clear-out. You can make up a box for charity and if you’ve time, hold a car boot sale or log onto an online auction, then put the proceeds of your sold goods towards some re-decorating or a new carpet. It’s a win win situation.

Cartons and Packing Materials:
Calculate how many boxes you will need and get these well in advance. Find boxes in a variety of sizes. Think about what else will be useful, such as strong tape, bubble wrap, and self-seal bags for keeping nuts and bolts together. Save old newspapers for lining boxes.

Use sturdy packing boxes, particularly for heavier items, or your belongings may end up strewn all over the pavement. Boxes made from corrugated cardboard are stronger than regular ones. You can usually find these at supermarkets, off-licences or large retail stores, but make sure that they are clean.

Packing:
Start early. Packing always takes longer than anticipated, particularly when you start reminiscing over old photographs stored in the attic or you realise that you need to dismantle the wardrobe to get it downstairs.

Pack one room at a time, clearly labelling each box with details of its contents and the room to which it belongs. Clearly label boxes that contain breakables and also those that are load-bearing and can be stacked in the van.

Begin at the top of the house and move downwards. If you have an attic, it’s a good idea to sort it out first.

Pack important documents together, such as birth and marriage certificates, and keep them in a safe place.