Here are a few tips on how to make your move as stress free as possible.
Removals
As soon as you have found a new home you should start looking for a removal firm. Make sure you choose the right company. It is a good idea to get quotes from several companies as prices may vary. When choosing a removal firm:
Alternatively, you could hire a van and move your own belongings but do bear in mind the time and effort this will take. Remember that if you do this you should check your insurance to make sure that your belongings are insured during the move.
Packing
Start packing early – it always take longer than you think. Here are a few tips:
Clear out
Have a clear-out and give unwanted items to charity or sell them through car boot sales, Facebook or Gumtree.
Furniture
Many local charity shops can help you dispose of your old furniture or be the perfect place to find some inexpensive furniture for your new home. Freecycle, Gumtree and Furniture Re-use Network.
Utilities
Arrange disconnection of your cooker, washing machine, dishwasher and any other items.
Let your utility providers – gas, electric, water, telephone, TV – know the date you are moving and where you are moving to. Arrange the end of your current account and start new accounts, it’s a good idea to make a note of any meter readings.
Smoke alarm
Make sure you know the smoke alarm works and how to test it.
It’s also a good idea to buy a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm for your home as they give early warnings when the poisonous gas is detected in the home. You can pick smoke and CO alarms up from home improvement stores.
Make sure you check your alarms are working every week. Test it Tuesday is an easy way to remember.
Let people know where you are
There are several other people and organisations you may need to tell about your change of address including:
You can arrange for the Post Office to hold or redirect your post.
Contents insurance
Being insured gives you peace of mind and the security of knowing that should anything happen you’re covered. So don’t leave yourself at risk. We strongly recommend that you have contents insurance either through our scheme or by making alternative arrangements with another insurance provider.
Get ready…
If you don’t have your own transport, check public transport or book a taxi before the moving day. If you have a mobile, you may need it during your move in case of any last minute matters so make sure it is fully charged.
Just before you leave…
Go through all rooms and cupboards to check you have not left anything behind. Take a note of your meter readings just before you go, remove any remaining rubbish and switch everything off. Don’t forget to make sure all the doors and windows are locked.
Meet your neighbours…
Being a good neighbour is an important part of living in your community. A good neighbour is considerate of others, tolerant, concerned, responsible for their actions and law abiding.
Please try to be one. And go say “hello” and meet yours.
Lincolnshire Housing Partnership Limited registered as a charitable Community Benefit Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 with registered number: 7748. Data Protection registration number: ZA345449 Registered Office: Westgate Park, Charlton Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 1SQ