Preparation for moving - top tips

[SuperCaliFragalistic]

I don't have a completion date yet but my buyers are ready, I'm ready and we are waiting for my vendors who are being slow. Hopefully soon....

I'm a single parent to 2 primary aged kids so I want to get organised and start packing up but without living out of boxes for weeks.

I've started chucking stuff out and have cleared out loads of toys and kids books. I've dismantled the climbing frame. What can I do now to feel productive? Do I need to speak to utilities, council tax etc or do I need a moving date for that? The kids aren't changing school (thank goodness). Should I start packing up the kitchen stuff we don't use much or will I regret it? Feel like I'm in limbo and the temptation to pester my solicitor and the vendors estate agent is strong!

Get a quote for packers, and if you can afford it do it.

Pack up the bedding so it’s all ready for each bed to roll out.

Go through the loft, garage and sheds and pack the stuff in them after a big clear out.
Arrange for pets to stay in kennels from about 48 hours before the move until you're settled in.
Write a list of companies that need to know about the move.
Pack out of season bedding and clothing.

I would only say that everything takes far longer than you think it will, and fills more boxes than you thought possible. Also, pack stuff now - it’s surprising the amount of stuff you won’t even notice is missing.

Yes start packing now, it takes ages but don’t contact utilities until you have exchanged. Do some more decluttering and then some more again. If you are moving yourself have you got lots of boxes?

Don't feel bad about pestering the Solicitors. We moved 15 years ago and our Solicitor was so slow I'm convinced she'd still have us in a chain now if we hadn't pushed her.

Have you been through the loft yet?

I'd leave utilities until you've moved but there's no harm compiling a list. Don't forget to add TV Licensing, you don't want to end up having a fine.

De-clutter now. I still have a box unpacked with the words 'random shit' written on it.

We moved twice in 6 months. First into rented today keep my sale and most of our stuff went into storage or piled floor to ceiling in the rental spare room. We lived quite basic, minimal crockery, bedding, everything really. It was a simple 6 months and I miss it!

Definitely get some quotes for packing, it will save you so much time and stress if you can afford it.

Absolutely agree with previous posters that it takes a lot longer than you think it will. If packing yourself, I'd try to get a couple of boxes of out of season clothes, rarely used kitchen equipment etc done in the evenings after your children are in bed.

Yep, I put lots in storage to declutter for viewings & realised I'd paid to store utter rubbish.

Definitely be ruthless. Start sooner, do more, as things crop up & time is limited at the end.

I kept a notebook with lists. Including companies (utilities, home ins, council tax, TV license and broadband) I needed to contact once we'd moved whether online or phone number with account reference as my paperwork would be packed away. Got all refunds within a week.
I've a list of companies to notify of my change of address for when we move in.
We started packing 4 weeks before we moved, starting with the loft and garage, last things were kitchen and day to day clothes.

Thank you. I need someone to help me with the loft so hopefully my dad will come over next weekend. We had a big declutter before putting it on the market so not too much random junk left. Better start getting those boxes filled up!

Redirect your mail - they need about a week or more notice and do it for maximum time (two years I think) as some mail only comes once a year like birthday cards. I’m amazed how few people do this.
Car registration and licence. Electoral roll. GP.