Schools & Utilities Checklist
One-two months before....
- Set aside a binder for all of your moving documents and details. This 'moving book' will be a great resource for your transition as life gets more hectic!
- Start contacting key financial providers such as your bank or other institutions to have your details changed and to start up the process of cancelling/ setting up automatic payments and/or accounts etc.
- Notify schools and employers of change of address. If moving out of the area you'll need to register your kids for a new school.
- Give all service providers such as gardeners, domestic help and regular delivery services notice that you will be moving. Cancel or change any subscriptions or memberships you have.
- Talk to your doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc., to notify them of your change of address or to come off their books if necessary. In some cases you may need to get copies of your records to take with you.
- Send out change of address notices to friends and family if you have a firm moving date.
- Start making an inventory of goods and take photos/videos of valuable items.
- Complete any repairs to your home that you are committed to.
- Start packing non-essential stuff (it's never too soon to begin!)
- Hire a mover!
- Buy a file to store all the documentation and paperwork associated with the move.
Two-three weeks before....
- Contact utility companies and service providers to arrange to have your appliances/services disconnected and, if necessary, reconnected in your new home.
- Move your packing up a gear. Take a room a day and start packing up stuff you don't use regularly.
- Take back library books, pick up dry-cleaning and think about any other similar things you may have pending in the area.
- Put aside a box/boxes for personal/essential items that you want to take with you yourself rather than have the movers take. Start putting stuff in it as you come across it. Mark it DO NOT MOVE so your movers don't load it by mistake.
- Pack up your garage and any stuff that is stored in your yard, garden or sheds.
- Dispose of anything that is flammable or hazardous.
- Think about what you're going to do with the kids!
One week before....
- Confirm moving arrangements with all involved parties ie movers, storage facility, cleaners, etc.
- Carry on packing!
- Start taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.
- Check that your new home is still set to be insured.
- Make sure all your outstanding bills are paid.
One-two days before....
- Defrost and clean your refrigerator/freezer and secure major appliances such as washing machines/cookers etc. Make sure that utility companies are confirmed to disconnect services/take meter readings etc.
- Finish your major packing.
- When packing up your PC and other electrical equipment, write down the serial numbers in your moving book.
- Put together a box of essentials for the move such as pen and paper, coffee/tea, snacks, and bottled water. Load this box into your personal vehicle for easy access.
- Make sure all boxes are clearly marked/ labeled.
- Start cleaning the house as you go along.
- Make sure you have all the documents related to your move to hand.
Moving day at your old home.....
- Get up early and don't panic!
- Take bedding off beds and pack it up.
- Walk your movers through the house, tell them what you need them to do and take their advice on the actual loading.
- Make sure your movers know where they are going.
- Give the house a final clean.
- Leave a note of your name, new address and contact number for the new residents of your home so they can forward any mail that slips through the cracks.
- Have a final walk round to check you've remembered everything- do this BEFORE the moving vehicle leaves!
- Make sure you load everything you're taking yourself in the car and lock it!
Moving day at your new home....
- Check everything is working such as power, gas etc. - if not, call the utilities companies to find out why not!
- Supervise the unloading process to get everything where you want it.
- Start unpacking essentials.
After Your Move
- Unpack logically working down from essential to non-essential items.
- Reassemble your furniture when you have time.
- Don't worry about filling wardrobes immediately if you have hired/bought special wardrobe boxes. They can hang perfectly well in there until you have time to put them away properly.
- Get all of your major appliances ready for use again and hook them up.
- Unpack all electrical items as quickly as possible and check for damage - you may have a limited window for insurance claims.
- Register to vote and for any other local government purposes.
- Check your mail is being forwarded to your new address.
- Register with a doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc.
- If necessary change your driver's license and car details etc.
