The Ultimate Moving House Guide for a Stress Free Move

Moving house is one of those things that sounds exciting until you actually start looking at the sheer amount of stuff you own. We have been helping people move across Birmingham and the UK for years at The Transporter Removals and we have seen it all. From the people who are still taping up boxes when the van pulls up to the ones who have labelled every single teaspoon. Most people sit somewhere in the middle. You want to be organised but life gets in the way.

To help you out we have looked at the best advice from the pros and put together this moving house guide. It is designed to keep you sane while you transition from your old place to your new front door.

Why you need a moving house guide

It might feel like extra work to write everything down but trust us it saves you a massive headache later. A moving house checklist is basically your brain on paper. When you are juggling solicitors and estate agents and utility companies you will forget something. It is usually the small stuff like the TV licence or the spare key you hid under a fake rock in the garden three years ago.

Having a plan means you can tick things off as you go. It keeps the panic away when it gets to the week before the move. You can start small by clearing out the loft or the garage. These are the places where junk goes to live and you really do not want to pay to move things you are just going to throw away in six months.

Getting started with the basics

Once your offer is accepted or you have given notice on your rental the clock starts ticking. This is the time to start looking for a removal company. Do not leave this until the last minute because the good ones get booked up fast especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. At The Transporter Removals we always suggest getting a quote early. We offer everything from a full packing service to a simple man with a van for smaller moves.

You should also look at your utilities now. Tell your gas and electric suppliers that you are moving and give them the date. It is a good idea to check if you can take your current broadband deal with you. Some companies need a few weeks’ notice to get you set up in a new house. You do not want to move in and find out you have no internet for a fortnight.

The middle bit where it gets real

About a month before the big day you need to start the actual packing. Buy some decent boxes and plenty of tape. Supermarket boxes are okay for light stuff but for your heavy books or kitchen plates you want something sturdy. And please do not use those cheap bin bags for clothes because they always rip and the last thing you want is to be rushing to repack on moving day.

Go through every room and be honest about what you need. If you have not worn that jumper since 2019 it is likely time for the charity shop. This makes the moving house checklist much shorter and your move cheaper too. Less stuff means a smaller van and less time loading.

Managing the paperwork

There is a lot of life admin involved in moving. You need to tell the DVLA about your change of address for your driving licence. You also need to update your details with your bank and your employer. It is worth setting up a mail redirection with the Post Office for a few months. Even if you think you have told everyone, someone will still send a letter to your old house.

Do not forget your home insurance either. You need to make sure your new place is covered from the day you exchange contracts if you are buying. If you are renting just make sure your contents insurance is updated for the move day. Keeping a moving house guide handy will remind you of all these boring but essential legal bits.

Preparing your old home for the new owners

It is a nice gesture to leave the place clean. You do not have to do a full professional deep clean unless your contract says so but a quick hoover and a wipe down of the surfaces goes a long way. Collect all the keys including the ones for the windows and the back door. Put them in a kitchen drawer or hand them to the estate agent.

We also suggest making a simple “new owner” pack. This can just be a folder with the manuals for the boiler and the oven and also write down which day the bins go out. They will definitely appreciate it and it makes the whole process feel more human.

Survival tips for moving day

On the day of the move things happen fast. Our team at The Transporter Removals will be busy loading the van so you need to keep your essentials with you. Pack a “day one” box. This should include anything you will initially need for example people we have helped move have the kettle and some tea bags and some milk. So they can make their own drinks in their new home without searching through boxes. Also pack some basic tools like a screwdriver and a hex key for putting beds back together.

Make sure you take photos of your meter readings before you leave. Do the same at the new house as soon as you walk in. This stops any disagreements with the energy companies later on. A reliable moving house guide should always mention these final readings to save you money.

Settling into your new place

When you finally get into the new house the first thing to do is check the big stuff. Make sure the hot water works and the toilets flush. It is much easier to fix a leak before you have unpacked all your boxes. If you have kids or pets try to get their rooms or beds sorted first. It helps them feel at home while the rest of the house is still a mess of cardboard.

Don’t feel like you have to unpack everything in one night. It takes time to make a house a home. Start with the kitchen and the bedrooms then work your way through. And maybe pop next door to say hello to the neighbours. It is the best way to start off on the right foot.

Moving is always going to be a bit of a trek but with a bit of planning it does not have to be a nightmare. If you need a hand with the heavy lifting or just want some advice on the logistics feel free to get in touch with us. We have helped thousands of people get settled and we would be happy to help you too. Good luck with the move and enjoy your new home.

Transporter Removals