To ask for your tips on moving houses

[Lalalandisboring]

As I know situations can be different for each family...

But it's the first time I'm moving houses (from rental to rental, both private) and every time I think about it, my mind goes blank, I don't know how to start organising myself. DH is the "let's just put everything in boxes and go" kind. However I'm slightly OCD and can't move without knowing that I've taken care of all the small details.
So please help me think of things that I might forget -I'm BU feeling this anxious I know but I need to feel that I've got things under control.

I know we have to think about moving broadband and TV subscriptions, as well as water, gas etc. And we need to pack. Anything else that needs to be organised before we move? I'm freaking out thinking that I might miss something!

Get your posted re-directed. Pack everything you don't need for the old house early if you have the space to store boxes. The one i found most useful was have a bloody good clear out, tip or donate anything you don't need. Our rule was if not used in 12 months, get rid. ... not used in 6 months really think if you need it.
We took loads less to the new house doing that.
Hope it goes well

As PP said, pack any non-essential NOW so that you feel a bit more organised. You’ll be glad you did it when you come to pack up everything else. Also agree about using it as an excuse for a clear out.

Things you might forget: changing insurance details for cars, and updating your V5 log book. Let your banks, employer etc know that you’re moving.

Oh, and have a big clean and check around the house to ensure that you get your deposit back.

I can' believe I hadn't thought about getting our post redirected and contacting my bank etc to advise of change of address!!

Having a clear out is a great idea too, this really helps, thank you!

Look on Pinterest - somewhere will be a breakdown of what you need to do with free printables ( I love a free printable). Order you boxes online now - start packing ASAP because I guarantee you have more stuff than you think and it always takes longer than you imagine. Make a list of what goes in each box and number them so you can direct them to the right room on arrival. Don’t have too many boxes of “ random crap”. Keep a box of essentials to one side including bed sheets the kettle and tea bags etc so you don’t have to scrabble around for those things once you’re in the new place. Have fish and chips your first night.... it’s the law!

Get removal men who pack

OMG there are so many moving checklists on Pinterest .... quick go and buy a folder now.

Definitely get quotes from the removal companies to pack up if you're looking to get them to move you anyway. You might find it surprisingly cheap and totally worth paying extra for
If you're moveing from rented to rented is it possible to do a day or 2 of overlap? It really takes the pressure off the move.

Pack the base of the kettle with the kettle ;)

I can' believe I hadn't thought about getting our post redirected and contacting my bank etc to advise of change of address!!

If you have online banking, you can usually do this online.

There’s also a company called ‘IAmMoving’. You can put in all of your old/new address details and they’ll notify companies that you have moved.

We’ve used that service twice in 3 years and it seemed to work well. Obviously get your post redirected for the first 3-6 months, but this should mean that everything will start coming to your new address anyway

My advice is to get your removers to pack. It massively cuts down on stress and they do a better job. In the meantime run down any stocks and stores you have (food, toiletries etc). It's a good time for a clear out. What helped me was throwing two things a day away.

Buy doughnuts for the movers!

Think about the things you want to transport in your car, important docs, jewellery, handbags, new house keys, cleaning supplies including Hoover (because you'll probably beat the movers there).

Make the beds first when you're in new place. Then whatever else you do you'll have somewhere to sleep rather than realising at 10pm you don't know where your pillows are!

Get removal men who pack

This x 1000

Also if you have anyone who calls at the house regularly give them advance warning, mine were milkman, window cleaner, gardener and lottery guy 😊

Pack up your loft and garage first - most people leave it til last and it takes many times longer than the rest of the rooms . Oh and dont go up into the loft to check its empty, two days before moving, whilst wearing old slippers cos you might put your foot through the landing ceiling - yes ExH I'm looking at you!!

Other than that, label, label, label!! I put lists of everything in each box then taped it to the box - saved hours in the new place when looking for a particular item.

When packing, label the boxes, not just with whats in them, but which room inn the new house they are going to. Then on moving day, have the removal guys put the boxes in the right rooms. So much faster and less stressful unpacking!

Get movers who pack! Also tape up wardrobes and drawers with your clothes still in them. No clothes to unpack when you arrive.

Get removal men who pack - total lifesaver!

We've always opted for someone to do the packing.
Also, if you google 'checklist for moving home' there is a site which tells you when and what to do.

Things that need a change of address (not exhaustive):
TV license
DVLA
Bank
Payroll?
Phone, broadband, etc.
Gas & Electric

Meter readings (we took photos as a precaution and I'm glad I did because the exit inspection was a couple of days later and some had increased):
Gas
Electric
Water

Wow all brilliant ideas!! I'm taking notes and already feeling better looking at my list

Movers who pack - Any recommendations? We're in Devon, near Exeter.

Some good advice here, Lala.

My advice is when you move, make sure you make the bed first. That way, however much else you get done/unpacked on the first day and when you're knackered, you can just collapse into bed, instead of having to make that too!

Make lists and check off when done eg list of people to notify, utilities, financial, docs, dentist etc. Go through your purse, statements etc to remind you of who.
I made a list of things to be one in each room.
Start packing things you do not need. Tape a piece of A4 to the top or side with a list of contents. Leave space at the top to write which room it is to go in.
Make sure you leave a box of things for easy access when you arrive such as kettle, tea bags, milk, cups, any contact numbers/moving info etc.

Google local removal firms, look at their websites and see who has good reviews. Also, notice removal vans as you drive around. If you see a lot of a particular company, they’re probably popular.

Massively declutter, put paperwork somewhere safe with you. I always look after my own precious stuff too.

Have a tea box ready at all times, whether you have a removal firm or not. It’s a pain to search through boxes to find the kettle etc. Movers and packers are the best thing, but don’t leave out anything you don’t want packed. They packed my clean underwear for the morning.

There are zillions of people who know your address... start writing a lost

All banks, B.Socs
Insurances - potentially contents, cars, pet, phone, life, then contract things like boilers (prob won't apply if rented?)
Utitilities - gas, elec, water, broadband/phone
TV Licence
Council Tax
Electoral Role
The Library
Any dcs schools
Your work / partner's work
GP, then any hospitals you've had contact with
Subscriptions - magazine, charities,
Things you belong to - hobbies, volunteering, sort of 'Old Girls who used to work / go to school / at university together' type things
Family
Friends
People you get a Christmas card from but don't speak to apart from that
Things you are a member of

I'm sure there will be loads more, but that's a start.

Thank you Backforgood that's a great list to start with.

Movers who pack - brilliant. But set aside a box of valuables you carry yourself, and a box of kettle, tea, mugs, biscuits etc...

Bear in mind the packers will pack everything they see, even filled nappy bins... which you will then spend weeks sniffing for amongst all your boxes. Packers are great because you don't have to live in a half-packed house for weeks, you just do it on the morning, or the day before, depending on how much stuff you have.

You can also get unpackers, but I wouldn't bother as you'll tend to want to decide where to put things in cupboard etc.

Ooh a great tip we had when we moved was get your laundry basket and stick your cleaning stuff in there to make it easier to carry around and then stick it in the car with you along with the kettle and a couple of cups - was fab for us.