Moving home Things to think about when moving on

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:

• Try to choose a recommended local firm rather than a company from outside of the area
• Make sure you get their postal address and details of their insurance cover
• Check that they’re registered with a recognised trade organisation
• Find out if their employees are fully trained removals professionals
• Ask for references from previous customers, good companies will provide this without needing to be asked
• Make sure they confirm that the price they quoted you is the price you will pay.

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:

• Make a ‘last-out, first-in’ packing list. Leave your essentials until last
• Work out how many boxes you will need and start collecting them well in advance
• You will also need packing tape and old newspapers
• Begin at the top of the house and work down
• Clearly label boxes with the contents and which room they need to go in at your new home
• Don’t fill large boxes to the brim as you won’t be able to lift them safely
• Check your contents insurance will cover damage and breakages during the move
• Pack important documents separately, such as marriage and birth certificates, in a safe wallet and take them with you
• Put any hazardous materials, such as paint, bleach and aerosols into a separate box and keep them away from the rest of your stuff
• Finish any washing well in advance of the move
• Don’t forget about fixtures and fittings such as curtain rails, hooks, pictures and shelves
• Keep your kettle, cup, spoon, tea and coffee handy so you can have a cuppa when you arrive.

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:

• Council Tax
• Housing Benefit offices
• Doctor, dentist, health visitor
• HP or rental companies
• Bank or building society
• TV licence
• Insurance
• Credit card/store card companies
• DVLA
• School or nursery
• Your family and friends.

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.