Moving to a new home or business premises can be exciting and highly stressful! The weeks leading up to your move will undoubtedly be packed with a long to-do list to prepare everything for the big day. This to-do list will likely include organising your removal company and your self-storage company, as well as all the other essential tasks you need to complete.
We have compiled a list of commercial and residential moving essentials that you should bear in mind before you make your big move and that will help ease the transition into your new home or office space.
#1 Hand in Your Notice
If you rent a residential or commercial property, remember to provide your landlord or estate agency with your notice of intent to quit; failing to do so may result in you paying two sets of rent. Also, before you give notice, confirm your preferred moving date.
#2 Declutter and Book a Removals Company
So grab the chance to declutter your belongings. When booking a removal firm, you must estimate the number of objects you will be moving. If you’re unsure where to start while looking for a removal firm, you should look into the British Association of Removers.
Donate whatever you don’t need—you can also start packing non-essential stuff or temporarily storing larger assets if necessary. First, check that you have sufficient boxes and packaging materials.
#3: Organize a self-storage company
Once you have decluttered, there could be items you no longer require but cannot bear to part with. Using a self-storage company to store these items temporarily can put your mind at ease, knowing your belongings will be safe until you need them again or find space for them in your new home or business premises.
#4 Think About the Kids and Pets
If you’re moving a small or furry family member, you might have to confirm new school places or at the very least notify the old school of the said address change.
If you need to arrange a cattery or kennels for your moving dates, do so well in advance. Consider how they will be moved and make plans to care for your children and pets on the day of your move.
#5 Update Your DetailsÂ
There are many places where you will need to update your details. First, think about who to notify. For example, if you’re moving to a new area, you must register with a new doctor and dentist. You also need to tell your local council, your employer (if applicable), utility companies, insurance companies, internet and telephone providers, your bank, the DVLA, the HMRC, and the TV licensing company.
#6 Check Your Car and Route
If you travel a long distance on a moving day, get your vehicle serviced and your tyres checked. Confirm your journey and ensure there are enough places to stop for food and refreshments.
#7 Pack Up and Shut Down
It would help if you began packing more seriously around two weeks in advance. Then, when the big day approaches, ensure you’re nearly finished packing. Doing this ahead of time ensures that you will be calm enough to mark up your boxes correctly. Try emptying your kitchen cupboards and defrosting your fridge and freezer. Please remember your garage, loft space, and outbuildings.
#8 Tell Your Friends, Family & Clients
You will want to inform your friends, family, and clients of your new address. To avoid any problems on the day of the move, ensure you have alerted your existing neighbours and checked in with them to provide enough room for your removal truck.
#9 Officially Confirmed
Confirm with your estate agent and solicitor that the move can take place as scheduled. You should be notified of any delays well in advance. Check this a week before you want to leave.
#10 Keep Your Valuables Close
Make sure you keep all documents relating to the move, other essential documents such as passports, marriage licences, etc., and any valuables in a safe place that is well away from the packing chaos.
#11 The Day BeforeÂ
The day before you move can cause anxiety. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and packed in an “essential items” box. Confirm your plans with your movers, packers, and self-storage company, and double-check your route.
#12 Move Your Boxes
Try to move your belongings downstairs or to an accessible area the night before. If you can gather as many of your items in one or two locations, they will be easier to transport to the removal van the following day.
#13 Record Meter ReadingsÂ
Record your utility readings on the day itself. Water, gas, and electricity are all included. Take pictures of each so you may call your service providers to corroborate your move.
#14: One Last WalkthroughÂ
Check your property one last time. For example, have you forgotten to strip bed linen or left your toiletries in the bathroom? Are there any outbuildings, greenhouses, or garages that are not entirely clear? Collect everything and completely clear it out.
#15: Loading the Van
If loading your own van, attempt to pack it methodically, grouping by room. If you have a moving company, ensure they understand what is going on and what is remaining.
#16 Saying goodbye
When you say your final goodbyes to your residential or commercial property, you should double-check that everything is clear.Don’t forget to leave all of your keys for the new tenants, as planned. Also, if necessary, leave keys to any sheds or interior doors.
