Moving home can be a logistical minefield with many things to prepare for. As time moves fast when you are getting ready to hand over your keys, it is important to draw up a week-by-week timeline that will guide you towards a successful moving day.
Two months to go
Now is the time to get all your documentation in order and seek out anything missing so that you are not inundated with paperwork closer to moving day. You should also create a moving folder for all of your paperwork so that all your essential contacts and property details are in one place.
One month to go
If you are packing without the aid of a moving company, you should get started around four weeks before your moving day. Don’t overestimate how much time and planning goes into packing, as rushing at the last minute could cause delays in things like reserving a rental vehicle, buying your packing materials, and the journey home itself.
Three weeks to go
With three weeks left, the process will start to pick up momentum and you might sense that the end of the conveyancing process is near. Fortunately, now is also the time you can start tying up loose ends such as notifying the school of your move and arranging childcare for move-in day, plus kennels for pets. Make sure to contact the post office to arrange a mail forwarding service with the Royal Mail. This can take over a week to put in place, so allow yourself an extra couple of weeks to arrange this.
Two weeks to go
Once contracts have been exchanged, your plans will be solidified and you can start to notify people of your new address. Since all the paperwork is largely out of the way at this point, you can focus on reviewing your packing process and boxing up the last few items.
One week to go
There won’t be much time for sitting in your home at this stage, so start dismantling your furniture, tagging all your boxes and deep cleaning every nook and cranny in your home for its next residents.
Moving day
Wake up bright and early on your moving day so that you have time to pack any last-minute items before the removal company arrives. Once they arrive, give the removal team a full tour of the house so they can plan accordingly and pack larger items first. When the property is empty, have a final walk-through of the house, checking cupboards and wardrobes for any leftover items. Make sure to lock all the windows and doors, and take a moment to say an obligatory goodbye to your old house before handing over the keys to its new owners.
Day one in your new home
Before unpacking, take a moment to introduce your family and pets to their wonderful new home. Take meter readings and be careful when handling your boxes of furniture. Remember, it may not be feasible to get everything in its place on day one, so take your time and prioritise the fundamentals such as beds, kitchenware, and a seating area. Once you have spent a good few hours unpacking, it is time to light some candles, enjoy your first dinner in your new home, pop some fizz and toast to a new beginning.
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