Moving Out Guide

After recently moving home herself, Gina Barclay, Marketing Manager at David Andrew, has used her own experiences to compile a handy step-by-step guide to help you plan a stress-free move:-

"Moving out of your home can be quite an overwhelming experience. When I recently made the move, after many years of living in the same house, I still felt rushed and somewhat underprepared, despite believing everything had been meticulously planned!

A ‘How to Move’ step-by-step manual would’ve been ideal and one that simplifies all that needs to be done and achieved, in a relatively short space of time. Which is why I hope this checklist can be helpful for those who are planning to move home soon, or in the near future.

Once the move-in-date has been agreed, it’s good to have a time-line schedule to work to. Breaking down everything that needs to be done this way, is more manageable and will feel less stressful!

Allowing enough time to choose the right removal company is crucial and ideally, get 2-3 quotes beforehand. I used a company called Total Removals and the customer service provided by Neil and his team, was professional, helpful and calm throughout the entire process. I spoke with Neil and asked if he would suggest a few key tips from a remover’s perspective:-

Neil Lyall, Managing Director London Total Removals:-

“Always engage a removal firm that are members of a recognised trade association such as British Association of Removers or Which?
Check the removal firm are still available at the time of completion, as they often get very booked up, particularly at the end of the month or during the school holidays.
If the property removal is located in controlled parking (CPZ), the customer may need to contact the local authority for permission to park.
Double check your removers policy on late completion and plan accordingly. It’s not unusual to obtain keys as late as 5-6 pm, despite what solicitors may say!
Make sure you label everything that needs to remain at the property or place elsewhere. Packers will put everything into boxes before you know it!
Pack suitcases for arrival at your new home. It can be very frustrating searching for individual items in what might be numerous boxes – clothes, bed sheets, snacks etc.
Removals is thirsty work. Your removal team will appreciate access to drinks, particularly if there are no shops nearby!”

To echo what Neil has suggested, before you agree to a completion date, or sign a tenancy agreement, check the removal company you plan to use are not busy on that day. Otherwise, you could find yourself legally locked into a date, but your removal company of choice are already booked and not available! So it’s always wise to check your dates first.

If you are selling, but not moving straight into your new property and furnishings are going into storage, consider getting the house cleared the day before completion.

Also, it’s very important that the removal company you use are fully insured, not just for transit, but also for storage purposes, especially if all your belongings go into storage.

Whilst it is cheaper to pack everything yourself, it’s not an easy task and is often best left to the professionals if you can afford to do so. Which is why it’s a good idea to request a quote for both services before making that decision.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

Once you have instructed your removal company, depending on the type of service booked, order sufficient packing material such as strong cardboard boxes, large storage/laundry bags, bubble wrap, brown tape etc. and start organising which items need to be packed, as opposed to those that will either be left behind or need disposing. Tape guns are very useful, as are black marker pens to write what’s contained in the box (including the rooms they need to go into and fragility).

Have plenty of heavy-duty black bin and recycling bags as you will need them! Old newspapers are also very handy for wrapping!

Start decluttering. This can take a lot longer than anticipated, so make sure sufficient time is allowed to get this done. If you are moving to a smaller property, try to clear out or donate anything that is no longer needed or won’t fit in your new home. Certain charities such as British Heart Foundation, or North London Hospice can be booked in advance to collect large donations which can include books, CD’s, DVD’s, furniture (in good condition), clothing etc. but not electrical appliances. In addition, the Olio app can be used to pass on things you no longer need to people who live nearby – often at short notice.

Also remember to clear out your attic, basement/cellar, garage and shed. For bulky items that need to be removed, it’s worth checking to see if your local council can collect and dispose of these, but slots disappear fast, so allow sufficient time to book your date of choice.

Book the days off work that are needed.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

Get in touch with the utility companies to tell them you are moving. If you are staying with the same suppliers, inform them of your move-in dates also.

Inform your TV and Broadband provider and TV licensing.

Redirect your phone number if you use a landline.

Notify any subscription services you use, including the change of delivery address for magazines and periodicals.

Start to use up your food – so there is less to pack, but especially anything that is fresh/frozen. Alternatively, it’s worth considering food bank donations for anything that is non-perishable.

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE

Let the finance companies (banks, credit cards, pensions, building societies, student loans etc.) know your new contact details.

Advise your GP and make enquiries about registering with your new local practice.

Inform the car/breakdown and household insurance.

Notify your employer and schools - if you have children.

Change your address details on your Driving Licence and for the DVLA.

Advise your local council and register with your new borough if applicable.

If you have young children or pets, make the necessary arrangements for them to be looked after during the move. Change the microchip address for your pets if applicable.

Identify any plants you have agreed to take with you and get them transferred into pots.

Inform friends and family of your new address details.

TWO DAYS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

Defrost the freezer and start clearing out the fridge and cupboards.

Get any light fittings you are taking removed by an electrician and put these aside for the removal company to pack away carefully. But make sure that hanging pendants and bulbs are still in place, as this is often stipulated in the contract.

A box of moving day essentials is very important! This should consist of the following:-

Kettle, Cups, Spoon, Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Milk, Snacks/Biscuits etc. Don’t underestimate how thirsty/peckish everyone will be on the lead-up to the move and on the actual day. This includes the removal companies and yourselves!

Cleaning products should be left out for use on the last day and taken with you.

As already mentioned, packing an overnight bag/suitcase in preparation for your move is advisable! This should include:-

Towels

Sleepwear

Duvet, pillows and bedding for the first night

Washing up liquid and hand soap

Make-up (if applicable), Toiletries, Medication

Toilet and Kitchen Roll

Cleaning products, black bin and recycling bags

All chargers, laptops, mobile phones, radio

Batteries and lightbulbs

Comfortable clothing to wear for at least two days

Footwear

Place the bag/suitcase somewhere safe so that it isn’t packed away - the same applies to your car keys, mobile phone and house keys!

Pack away your valuables in a separate box/bag that is marked up for jewellery, passports, ID and any other important documents.

Once the packing is underway on the actual move-out day, it will be difficult to remember where everything is, so writing a list as a reminder can be helpful.

Get the keys for all doors and windows ready for the new owners/tenants and set aside any items that are being left behind.

If you have time to write a list for the new owners/tenants explaining where the gas, electric and water meters are, this would be very useful for them.

MOVING DAY

Strip all the bedding.

Label where furniture and boxes need to go in your new home.

Leave the vacuum cleaner out for one last minute hoover (but remember to take it with you!).

Empty and remove all the bins.

Make sure everything that isn’t being left behind has been removed from each room – including the kitchen and bathroom. An exception for this would be toilet roll and hand-soap – which will be much appreciated by the new owners/tenants!

Allow time for a last-minute trip to the rubbish dump to dispose of any leftover items. Remember the new owners require vacant occupation.

Make sure all the windows and doors are closed before leaving.

If the keys are not being left with the agent, leave them somewhere easy to access/find.

ONCE YOU’VE MOVED IN

Take all the meter readings and inform the utility companies.

Ideally, clean the house/carpets, cupboards etc. before all the boxes, bags and furniture are unpacked.

For owners (not tenants) - you should change the locks.

Introduce yourself to your new neighbours and ask for any recommendations (good local pubs and takeaways would be handy!).

Finally, enjoy being in your new home!"

For a quote from London Total Removals (www.total-removals.com), call Neil Lyall on 020-8367-8348

If you are thinking of selling your property, please call our Sales Team today for a free market appraisal on 020-7619-3750 (Archway), 020-7354-9111 (Highbury) or 020-7281-2000 (Stroud Green), or email info@davidandrew.co.uk