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Sunday 14 July 2013

Preparing for the Big Move

Just over 3 weeks to go before moving day!

They say that moving house is one of the most stressful experiences in life and no wonder - physically dismantling and moving yourself, your belongings and your life to a completely new home is a huge task!

Having not moved for over 3 1/2 years I've been reminding myself of hints and tips ready for moving day.  We're relatively lucky in the fact that we currently live in a rented 2 bed apartment and don't actually have a huge amount of furniture (although I'm sure there's more than I think!).  Plus the house we'll be moving into (also rented) will already have some key pieces of furniture and a working kitchen etc.  Plus has been decorated and is being professionally cleaned so should be ready for us to slot our lives straight into!

We have decided this time round to hire a removal company to do all the heavy lifting and wrapping of furniture.  They provide boxes for us to do our own packing, which I actually prefer, and also ensures that all our contents will be fully insured during the move.

To-do list:


  • Gather quotes and book removal company
  • Start to declutter rooms (I tend to do this quite regularly anyways but starting early will make life much easier!)
  • Start collecting packing materials
  • Run down food stores (especially freezer)
  • Give notice (rented property)
  • Think about whether any of your belongings need to go into storage
  • Book time off work
  • Recruit friends and family to help
  • Make a list of utilities and contracts to contact (see list below)
  • Send change of address cards/email
  • Start dismantling and packing
  • Arrange for a time to collect keys
  • Meet the neighbours!

Check out these great moving lists and printables from Martha Stewart!

{Pinterest Source}

Hints and tips:

  • Pack room by room, keeping items for each room together and use coloured stickers to co-ordinate boxes to rooms
  • Pack non-essential items first
  • Pack a bag of essentials for each member of the family
  • Organise a kitchen box of tea, coffee, biscuits etc + take-away menus 
  • Avoid packing unwanted items (de-clutter)
  • Use strong packing boxes!
  • Ensure to keep important documents safe
  • Don't overfill boxes, use smaller boxes for heavy items such as books
  • Ensure you check items for damage post-move
  • Remember to take meter readings at old and new home
  • Have a designated area for non-essential boxes that can be unpacked later on

I also love the tips from I heart nap time.

{Pinterest Source}

Who to contact:


  • Insurance
  • Gas
  • Electricity 
  • Water
  • Financial companies (bank, loans, credit cards etc)
  • Post Office - redirect post
  • Electoral register
  • Mobile phone provider
  • Council tax
  • Phone and internet providers
  • Employer
  • Car (DVLA, break down cover, insurance)
  • Drivers licence
  • Doctor, dentist and optician
  • Subscriptions 
  • TV license
  • Non-essential organisations - gym membership, store loyalty cards etc

So wish us luck as we embark on preparing for our next big move!


 photo elliesig_zps47aabffe.jpg

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