• Buy a folder or file to keep all your lists and documents in one place!
• Get in touch and instruct a conveyancing solicitor
• Finalise your mortgage offer
• Research your area and local facilities (ask your agent to help you!)
• Transfer your children’s school records and find out where to get the new school uniform
• If you are renting, let your landlord know your moving date
• Check out your home and contents insurance and make sure your valuable possessions are covered in the move
  
  

• Start deciding what you are going to bring with you and get rid of the furniture and items you don’t want. As a general rule, if you haven’t used an item for a year or more, ask yourself if you really need to take it with you!
• Once you have decided what you want to take, get three quotes from removal companies. Remember the less you bring, the cheaper it will be.
• Most removal companies will offer a complete packing service. Although this adds to the cost, it can take a lot of pressure off of you.
• Most people are surprised by how much stuff they end up having to pack!
  
  

• Speak to your solicitor about exchange and contract completion dates and finalise a moving date
• Confirm the moving day with your removal company
• Consider your route on the moving day, can a large vehicle complete the journey easily?
• Get any parking permits that are needed for both properties
• Arrange to clean the house before you move in it (ask your agent for recommendations of good local cleaning services)
• Order new furnishings and book a carpet fitter to fit new carpet if required
• Pack all non-essential items
• Clear out sheds and garages. Remember, you don’t need to keep everything!
• Let utility companies know you are moving (see our handy utilities checklist)
  
  

• You should have confirmed all the important details and contact numbers with the estate agent, removal company and new schools, etc.
• Start thinking about disassembling furniture, or getting rid of furniture you don’t want
• Ask friends or relatives to look after your children and pets on moving day. Children and pets can get stressed otherwise!
  
  

• Put all your important documents and valuables in a safe box. Your will, passports, driving licenses, house deeds, jewellery and valuables need to be secure.
• Pack an emergency box of light bulbs, toilet paper, tea, coffee, biscuits and long life milk for when you arrive at your new home. You could also arrange an online shopping delivery to arrive the next day, so you can stock the fridge easily!
• Do as much packing as possible before the moving date
• Gather all the keys together for your property
• Defrost the fridge and freezer
• Ensure you have enough cash to pay for the move and for any emergencies
• Set up your redirect for the post with the Post Office
• Email or send cards with your new address to friends and relatives
• Book a time to pick up a key for your new home
  
  

• It’s the last night in your old home. Make sure you have an overnight bag packed for you and the kids.
• Make sure to pack the most essential things last. It means you’ll have access to them first
• Do one last final check of the property and make sure your mobile phone is charged
  
  

Moving Day – Today Is The Day!

• Do your final meter readings
• Let the removal company know of any boxes that need special care
• Don’t forget to leave the keys for the new owners
• Last but not least, when you arrive at your new home celebrate what you have achieved. Don’t try to unpack all at once, just make sure everyone has a made up bed and somewhere to sleep, order a takeaway and crack open the complementary bottle of Stowhill Estates bubbly we’ve left in your fridge!