Help I've forgotten how to move house!

[anotherdamnname]

We're moving house on weds (!!), packers coming in tomorrow. We've had very little time to prepare (long story, but we haven't been home since exchange) and to top matters off I need to go in to work tomorrow.
I'm having a panic about the whole thing and not even sure where to start, or what we need to pack that the packers won't.
Any advice?? Please help me get a grip!

Anyone? You can also tell me we're crazy/stupid if it helps

Have you paid for a full packing service? Then you can leave everything, they’ll do it all.

I actually went to work on the morning of a move once, while they packed. It was fine.

Oh thank you Chariots, that's hugely reassuring.
Full packing yes. I've just thrown some essentials in a suitcase and my valuables.
Shoving stickers on everything else to show which room it should go in.
Anything else I can do at last minute? Tips to entertain DCs during the move itself?

Make sure you put the things you'll need into a safe spot clearly marked "Don't pack!". And ditch anything perishable or put it in the 'do not pack' box.

You'll need: bathroom stuff, 1st aid bits, extension lead, clothes for a couple of days, bedding, kettle, tea, coffee, sugar, snacks, cutlery, long life milk, bread, cheese, loo roll, couple of lightbulbs, scissors, string.

We moved recently. The above was most useful! W didn't use a packing service, though I really wish we had.

I've never had packers do it for me so might be making mad suggestions

have an overnight bag so you don't need to unpack any boxes the first night

have a box of essentials e.g. kettle, loo roll.

use the time to get mail redirected. take photos of meter readings.

Thanks both! We've done about half of your suggestions - started packing a bag but need to add loo roll, milk etc.
Done mail redirect but not meter readings - now added to list.
Thanks for calming me down!
But still welcome any more suggestions, esp how to make it easier for DCs.

Make a list of 'Useful People and Information'. Things like: bin day/s, bin cleaner, window cleaner, where the stopcock and such like are.

Check your list of what you're meant to be leaving.

A bottle of wine, biscuits, etc. for new people if you're feeling kind.

Ways to amuse child... Depends on the child really. Make sure any particular favourite cuddles etc. are to hand.

Thanks Mrs Mozart, that's a nice idea. Was going to get cards and wine for NDNs (current not new) so will get extra ones for new owner.
The DCs have packed their essentials which includes toys. I can't tell if they are upset about moving but hiding it, or not upset.

Empty your bins, I have had packers move them full.
Put your underwear and anything else you might not want packers to see in a suitcase for them to move.
Pack your jewellry into a small suitcase, along with key paperwork, put in car. Do not leave cables for phones lying around packers pack at speed of light.
Ideally have one person take DC out somewhere. If not charge screen and get new videos or games for them, or buy new magazines.
Get in sandwiches if you are staying, you will not be able to cook.
Ask them to leave Hoover and wipes out for you. Engage DC in helping you clean each room as it is packed.
Good luck.

Thanks dreich. Do we need to leave the place clean? I assumed we'd be responsible for cleaning the new place and new owners would do this one. Or do you just mean quick wipe round of the worst bits?

There aren't any laws on how you have to leave a house but hoovered and wiped round as a minimum is normal in my experience. I have only moved into one house where the previous owners hadn't cleaned and it was pretty unpleasant as you can't really unpack and clean at the same time. The other moves the houses have been properly clean.

yes, you should leave the old house clean. It's really grim to move into a new house that hasn't been cleaned.

Once the house contents are packed onto the removals van, it shouldn't take long to run the hoover round and dust and wipe everywhere. It's much easier to clean the old empty house than trying to clean at your new house surrounded by boxes and furniture.

I'd give the kitchen and bathroom and anywhere else that's especially grubby a proper clean today so only a quick refresh is needed on moving day.

But a boxed up house isn't hard to scoot round OP. You can Hoover and wipe skirting boards as the rooms are loaded up, or ask packers to place boxes in the middle of the room to let you access most of the room. They may also place all of the boxes in one room.
Then just clean floor, wipe boards. Wipe inside kitchen units, make sure oven is okay. Wipe round bathroom. If gives you something to do while the packers work. Not talking MIL clean.

MIL clean
We had a cleaner in yesterday so it's not too bad, just quite dusty with all the moving things. I'll leave my Zoflora accessible then.

Take photos of utility meters as you leave old house and as you arrive at new - then you have a permanent record to sort it all out.

Sort out all the keys, instructions etc for new owners into one of the kitchen drawers and mark Don't Pack.

Agree re once-over clean is fine, no need for sparkle. Wipe out of kitchen cupboards and vacuuming once rooms emptied. Also check that packers haven't missed anything in high places, and that (as we had) they have not packed loose items that should stay like oven shelves and grill pan.

It may be worth asking someone to have your DCs for a couple of hours. Do you have a regular sitter or childminder? Or a reliable teen neighbour who may be glad of a few quid? Your DCs might enjoy a takeaway at the new house - a fun treat.

Perhaps put the “do not pack” stuff in your car boot before the packers arrive.

I assume you’ve already sorted and donated unwanted stuff to charity.

Sorry for silence been running round like a crazy thing.
Have sorted childcare for tomorrow.
Good tip about the do not pack things going in the car.
We did some decluttering a few weeks ago, but as we only had 2 days in the house between exchange and complete, not as much as we'd have liked. So there's probably some junk coming with us but never mind!

You're sounding pretty organized.

We're going through things again, so that the next move is so much less stressful. The local charity shop is doing very well out of it.

I hope it all goes smoothly for you lass.

Thanks so much!