House moving tips
Moving house can be a stressful experience but with careful planning you can ensure a smooth transition into your new home. Below are a few tips to think about and if there is anything you are unsure about, just ask Ballards.
Ballard Removals are based in Nottinghamshire in the UK and have years of experience with local, national and international house moves.
Advance planning for household removals
Take advantage of the move and have a good sort out. Sell or give away things you no longer require and don’t forget to go through your garage or shed.
As soon as you have a move date agreed with your solicitor, arrange a removal company – talk to a few and consider the options before making a decision. Make sure the removal company is available on the day you want – bear in mind that Fridays are the most popular day to move, so removals firms may be booked up for a few weeks in advance.
Book some time off work.
If you are doing the packing yourself, order / collect packing boxes and start getting things boxed up – if you need to put anything into storage, make sure these boxes are clearly marked.
Make a list of who you need to notify about your change of address and also check with the Post Office about getting your mail redirected (they will tell you how much notice they need).
About a month before the move, you should notify your bank and credit card providers, and insurance company.
Contact utility companies about your move to your new property.
House removal activities - the week before
- Dismantle self-assembly furniture, unless your removal company is doing this for you
- If you are doing your own packing start now
- Start cleaning your home for the new occupants
- Cancel newspapers and any other home delivery services
- Make plans for your children and pets – can someone look after them for you whilst you move? If not, how can you keep them entertained and safe whilst you’re busy unpacking?
- Arrange for professional disconnection of kitchen appliances, including the washing machine
- Arrange to have the gas, electricity, telephone and water meters read
- Start running down your freezer
- Empty the loft, unless your removers have agreed to do it for you
- Dismantle sheds, greenhouses etc, unless you’re leaving them at the property
- Drain fuel from lawnmowers / motor cycles
- Remove any fixtures you are taking with you
- If you are moving in or out of a block of flats, arrange to have use of the manual override key or priority use of the lift.
Moving tips - the day before removal day:
- Finish packing and make sure all boxes are labeled. NB Do not put perishable or flammable items in storage
- Have TV aerials or satellite dishes taken down if they are part of the move
- Disconnect any light fittings, and take down any curtains you are taking
- Defrost refrigerator and deep freeze
- Prepare plants for transit
- Chests of drawers may be left full, depending on the type of furniture
Set aside the things you’ll need first
- Make sure you keep the things you will need on the day separate in an area marked “do not move”. This will make sure that you have things like coats and bags available when you need them. It is a good idea if you keep the kettle, milk, tea, coffee and some mugs and spoons accessible so you can make a drink when you arrive at your new home
- Also set aside some cleaning materials so you can give your new home a once over before the furniture arrives.
- Remember to keep important personal items with you – passport, driving licence, etc.
- Charge your mobile phone
- Make sure you have some cash for incidentals
A smooth house move – planning for removal day
- Before the removal van departs, check nothing has been forgotten
- Ensure the removal team has directions to your new property and a phone number to contact you.
- Agree a time of arrival
- Arrive at your new property, with the keys, before the removal van. This will also give you time for some cleaning if required and to check where your larger furniture items are to go and what’s going into each room, so that you can direct the removals team when they arrive.
Finish unpacking and relax in your new home.