Relocating can be an exciting venture, but uprooting and changing scenery is by no means a straightforward process. Use this moving house checklist to prepare for the big day:

Key things to remember before relocating: 

• Get to know your new area by researching and paying a few visits. If you’re moving far from home, it might be a good idea to spend a weekend there with friends or family to get a good feel for the area. 

• Have a thorough clear-out using marketplace apps and charity shops to minimise your baggage. 

• Notify your utility suppliers that you are moving. 

• Redirect all your mail to your new address. 

• Get quotes from tradespeople so that you can budget for moving costs and compare services. 

• Start packing up your belongings as soon as possible so that you can pace yourself and avoid stress. 

Research your new location 

You want to ensure that the place you’re moving to is a good fit and meets all of your needs. If you have children, or are planning to, check local school ratings and reviews. Find out about local doctors’ offices, hospitals, and pharmacies – you can register with a local doctor by visiting the NHS website. Similarly, ask your estate agent for some local insight on things like transport, amenities, and the community. 

Use the internet to find out as much as you can about the area and consider asking questions on open forums to get honest advice from residents. For a more localised guide to moving house, you may even consider joining local Facebook groups to get a feel for the local community.

Locate transport links 

If you don’t drive, you will want to research local travel links. If you will be commuting to work or school via public transport, find out the fastest and cheapest routes using Google maps and ticket apps. 

Confirm your moving date 

Get the date of your move officially confirmed by your conveyancers and the sellers. If you’re at the end of the chain, you may have to wait a while for other transactions to finalise. Find out your place in the chain so you can plan accordingly for any delays and refer to a reliable relocating guide for additional tips and strategies to ensure a smooth and successful move.

Contact your utility suppliers 

Your electricity, gas broadband and phone suppliers will all need to be notified that you’re planning to move out and the exact date you’re leaving. If you’re moving your phone and broadband across to your new property, give your supplier as much notice as possible as this can sometimes take several weeks. 

You may not have an internet connection set up right away, so prepare for a few days offline by downloading anything you might need urgently such as appliance instructions and directions. 

Take a final meter reading and pass it on to the right suppliers. It might be sensible to take a picture of the meter, as you can use the timestamp to prove the exact reading on that date. 

Have you found our moving house checklist helpful? Contact your local Guild Member for additional support.