Moving home can be stressful…
It doesn’t matter if you work for a removals company; if you find yourself moving house you still end up wondering if you’ve forgotten something/where to start/can’t remember for the life of you how to put up a box despite doing it every day…
We’ve all been there!
So we’ve compiled a list of things that in our experience are 10 of the most important things to remember when you’re moving home; and whilst finding the nearest local chippy hasn’t quite made it into the top 10, I would still highly recommend you do it…
- 1. Gas, Electric and Water companies all need at least 48 hours notice to change your supply. To avoid being stuck in the cold and dark with no water (let alone hot water!), notify your suppliers with the change of address as soon as possible.
- 2. If you want your mail to be re-directed, Royal Mail need 7 days notice for this to take effect. So even if you have it directed to a friend or family members’ house until you’ve changed everything over, it needs to be done ASAP.
- 3. Make yourself a survival kit for whilst the move is taking place including: Light bulbs (you don’t want to be left in the dark!), which brings me to number 2 – a torch! Or if you’re feeling romantic, candles, in which case don’t forget some matches! Include a screwdriver and pliers, toilet roll, kitchen roll, some cash and a takeaway menu (just in case!) and a list of important telephone numbers. This should include your removals firm office, the foreman (ask for his number when they arrive if you don’t already have it), your landlord/estate agent/letting agent, the number of your solicitor, the current vendors etc…Whoever you think you may possibly need to ring on the day, have their number handy just in case. The numbers will probably already be saved in your phone but just in case disaster strikes and your battery runs out…there’s no harm in having a written list too.
- 4. Any reputable removals company will not go into a loft or attic that hasn’t been converted. It just isn’t safe. So use it as a good time to sort through things up there that haven’t seen the light of day in years and get donating to charity! Anything you’re keeping and will be moving with you, keep in one of the upstairs bedrooms for the time being.
5. Make sure you mention when requesting a quotation, any potential parking issues ahead of the move and make sure you resolve them; can you park a van outside your current and new house? Is there a very long or narrow drive? You may need to arrange lift access if you live in a block of flats or maybe there isn’t a lift at all? Let us know in advance and make sure you plan ahead too so everybody knows what the schedule will be.
- 6. Before leaving the old house make sure you’ve taken a note of all meter readings; or do as the cool kids do and snap a picture on your phone.
- 7. Ensure the keys are going to be promptly available on the day of the move. Any reputable removals company will offer you a waiting time waiver in your quotation as an optional extra should you not be 100% sure you will have them straight away.
- 8. Give your internet and telephone providers at least 2 weeks notice if possible that you’re moving; they may well need to come out to visit you and the sooner you can book this in if it’s required, the quicker you’ll have everything set up!
- 9. Change the address on your driving licence! So many people forget to do this and it’s completely free of charge – visit https://www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence
- 10. Notify relevant authorities in both your current area and the area to which you are moving regarding council tax and electoral registration. Not being registered on the electoral role can go against you when applying for credit so try and do this ASAP.
There are so many things to remember to do when you’re moving and I’ve only covered a few here; the most important thing to do though is to go with a company you trust to look after you every step of the way. After all, this is something most people don’t do very often and you need someone there to guide you gently through it!
If you would like a helping hand just visit our website at www.mjmccarthy.co.uk, or give us a call on 0113-2623000 today!
