The ultimate moving checklist: everything you need to do before moving day

Oh, the thrill and chill of moving house, right? Whether you're just hopping across town or making the daring leap to a new city, it's like embarking on a grand adventure. But, hold your horses - it's not all fun and games. A dash of planning and a sprinkle of preparation is your secret ingredients to a move that's more "Wheee!" and less "Why me?" 

We're here to arm you with this guide, answering all those niggling questions that are probably playing ping-pong in your mind right now. Consider us your moving buddy, guiding you through the entire process.

1. Where do I start when moving house?

When preparing for a house move, it's crucial to start early and create a comprehensive plan to stay organized throughout the process. Here are the initial steps you should take:

• Create a Moving Checklist: Compile a checklist of tasks and deadlines to ensure nothing is overlooked. Your list should include tasks like sorting and decluttering belongings, notifying relevant parties about your move, and arranging utility transfers.
• Set a Budget: Determine your moving budget, including expenses related to packing supplies, transportation, and potential storage fees. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.
• Gather Packing Supplies: Start collecting packing materials such as cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Reusing boxes from grocery stores can save money and reduce waste.
• Notify Necessary Parties: Inform your current and future utility providers, banks, and other essential services about your upcoming move. 

2. How do you prepare a house for moving?

Preparing your house for the move is essential to protect your belongings and streamline the process. Here are some tips to help you get your house ready:

• Declutter: Before packing, take the opportunity to declutter your belongings. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need or use. This will not only reduce the number of things to move but also lighten the load and lower costs.
• Organize and Label: Pack your belongings room by room and label each box accordingly. Clearly marking the contents and their intended destination in your new home will make unpacking a breeze.
• Pack Fragile Items Carefully: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or old towels to cushion fragile items like glassware, dishes, and electronics. Double-check that fragile boxes are clearly marked.
• Secure Furniture: Disassemble larger furniture pieces if possible and keep all hardware and screws in labeled bags. Protect furniture with moving blankets or furniture pads during transportation.

3. What should I do with my pets when moving house?

The first prize would be to leave the pets with a family member or friend on the day of the move, but if this is not possible,  the following tips will help you and them survive the ordeal:

• Tags: With all the comings and goings during moving day and strangers in the house, doors and gates are easily left open so it’s essential to tag your pets with your contact details and the new address if possible to ensure that they can be easily be reunited with you if they escape the premises.
• Consult your vet: Like people, pets can also suffer from travel sickness so speak to your vet before the move about medication or anything else they can recommend to make the move smoother, especially if the new home is some distance away. 
• Confine your pets on moving day: Before the moving process begins make sure the pets are in one room with familiar things like their toys and blankets and enough water. It’s not a good idea to feed them too much before the trip as they can become ill. When a family member goes across to the new house to supervise unpacking, take the pets along and settle them into a room such as a bathroom or a laundry that doesn’t need to be accessed.
• Settling in cats: Cats need to be kept in one room for several days at least before being allowed access to the rest of the house. Do not let your cat outside for at least two weeks after a move and when you do, make sure the initial foray into the great outdoors is supervised.  Cats are easily startled and will often dash out into another cat or dog’s territory or the road.
• Settling in dogs: Dogs are less territorial than cats but still need to be introduced to their new home slowly. Show them where their new beds are and where they can find their food and water bowls. Accompany their first exploration of the garden and take them for regular walks to familiarise them with their new neighbourhood.

4. How to choose a moving company?

Selecting a reputable moving company is vital to ensure the safety of your belongings and a smooth transition. Here's a step-by-step guide to choosing the right moving company:

• Research Local Moving Companies: Start by researching moving companies in your area. Look for companies with positive reviews, proper licenses, and insurance.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least three moving companies to get detailed quotes for your move. Compare the services they offer, their pricing, and any additional fees they may charge.
• Check References: Ask each company for references from previous customers. Contact these references to inquire about their experiences with the moving company.
• Verify Insurance Coverage: Ensure that the moving company provides adequate insurance coverage for your belongings during transit. This will offer peace of mind in case of any unforeseen incidents.
• Review the Contract: Carefully read and understand the moving contract before signing. Clarify any doubts or concerns with the moving company.

MyProperty is making moving house even easier! With our latest partnership with Wise Move, you can now easily plan your move by enabling you to get comparative online quotes from movers. Simply click on the "What will my move cost" widget on the listing page or use this link