Moving out for the first time is an exciting yet daunting event. There is so much to remember to do and to organise that it can seem totally overwhelming.
As a first-time renter or first-time buyer, there will be a million doubts and questions running through your mind.
That is only natural. This is a huge life-changing event.
But a few simple home-moving checklists will ensure you do everything in a logical sequence and that nothing is forgotten.
Being organised and ticking off jobs as you go will help you create a sense of control and prevent you from getting overwhelmed by the moving process.
In this post, we have created every checklist you need for moving into your first home, following the steps in order, and keeping to the time schedule will ensure that moving into your first home will be an exciting day rather than a stressful nightmare.
You may also like to read: Things to Know When Moving into a Rental Property for the First Time: An essential guide to all you need to know about renting a home for the very first time, including questions to ask the landlord, things to look for, and some essential checklists.
Moving Out of Home Checklist
Ideally, you should start preparing to move about 8 weeks before moving day.
Your moving checklist should look something like the one below although there may be things you wish to add or remove that are not relevant to your home move.
Decluttering, and getting rid of all the things you do not need or want are essential for a cheap and easy home move, so do not ignore that step in the process.
- Decide What You Need to Move: If you are moving in with a partner or friend it is likely that you will have duplicate items. So make a list of your possessions and decide who is taking what to your new home.
- Declutter: Declutter and then declutter again. The fewer things you have to pack and move, the cheaper and easier your home move will be.
- Create a home moving folder or binder: Use a home moving binder to keep all your important documents organised and in one place.
- Start an essential contact numbers sheet: This will include the contact details of your sellers, your landlord, the Removal Company, solicitors, and estate agent.
- Get a home moving estimate: Getting a free cost estimate from a professional removal company will help you decide how you will be moving your things.
- Self-Move Option: If you are only moving a few boxes then this is likely the cheapest option for you.
- Work out your moving budget: Work out your budget for physically moving your things to your new home.
- Decide how you are going to move: Move yourself, pack things yourself, and get a removal company to transport your items, or let the removal company do everything for you?
- Get an in-home moving survey: If you are hiring a removal company invite them to perform an in-home survey so that they can give you an accurate quote.
- Packing Yourself? Start packing all your least-used things now. Use this box labeling system to make packing and unpacking easier.
- Renting a vehicle to move yourself? Reserve your rental vehicle as soon as you have a moving date.
- Hiring a removal company? Book your removal company as soon as you have a confirmed moving date.
- Do you need a parking permit? If you need a parking permit from the council at your new or old home, now is the time to get that organised.
2-4 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Create a Floor Plan: If you are taking furniture to your new home you need to ensure that the items will fit in the available space. A floor plan will help you work that out.
- Do you need to organise a time slot to use the lift? You may need to reserve the lift in your block of flats to move your stuff out.
- Home Insurance: it may take a while to research and organise, so start now. Make sure that you have content as well as building insurance.
- Notify the School: Inform your children’s school of your home move.
- Change of Address: Use the comprehensive change of address list below to let everybody know your new address.
- Arrange kennels for pets: Arrange kennels or someone to care for them on moving day so that they are kept safely out of harm’s way.
- Arrange child care for moving day: Have someone look after the kids whilst the removal team does their job
- Contact the Post Office: Arrange a mail forwarding service with the Royal Mail. This can take a week or more to start so begin the application now.
- Get your car serviced: If you are moving a long distance or moving your things by car, now is a good time to get it serviced.
- Utilities: Make sure that the gas, water, electricity, and internet will be set up and ready for you to move in.
- Leaving Party: If you are having a leaving party arrange it before your moving day gets too close.
- Review your packing progress: With only 2 weeks to go, your packing should be almost done by now.
1 Week before Moving Day
- Start dismantling your furniture: Photograph and label the piece you are taking apart so you know how it goes back together. Bag and tag all the fixings and securely attach them to the piece of furniture they came from.
- Confirm with your Removal Company: Just to make sure everything is arranged.
- Confirm the rental vehicle: Having no van on moving day would be a disaster and is not uncommon.
- Confirm your labour: If moving home yourself reminding your army of helpers will keep it fresh in their minds, and give you time to organize additional help for those who drop out.
- Confirm the elevator arrangements:
- Confirm pet & child care:
- Reserve parking spaces: If you need to get the removal vehicle outside your home and parking is a problem, speak to your neighbours about them moving their cars on moving day.
- Place an online grocery order: Arrange a delivery to your new home the day after you move in. Ensure you have updated the delivery address to your new one.
Moving Day minus 1
- Prepare your moving day box: This is your box of essential items that you will need on moving day and the day after.
- Finish packing boxes: Everything should be boxed and labeled and ready for removal by now.
- Confirm parking spaces: Remind your neighbours to move their cars early tomorrow morning.
- Speak to the Removal Company: Just to ensure everything is arranged.
- Final clean: The final wipe around before moving day.
- Charge mobile phones:
- Set an early alarm: Get up early to ensure that you are ready when your removal team arrives.
- Get a good night’s sleep:
You may also like to read: How to Move Out of Your Parents’ Home: This guide seeks to answer all your questions about moving out of your parent’s home for the first time, including how to tell them you are moving out, how to budget, how to choose your first home and more.
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