Continued..
Finally moving day arrives! Help things run as smoothly as possible by getting organised before the chaos begins. Drop any children or pets off at their carer so you can concentrate on what needs to be done.
Before the removal team arrive lay down sheets through the major thoroughfares to protect floors and carpets that can easily get damaged. Pack up last minute items such as bedding and kitchen items – keeping the vacuum and cleaning materials aside for a last minute whizz round before you leave. Dismantle furniture, appliances and take down curtains ready for the removals team to pack up. Make a note of gas, electricity and water meter readings – take photos as evidence if you can.
Pack your essentials
You'll be grateful for a few essential items to make the move more enjoyable.
Once everything's been removed, check that nothing's been left behind and give the house a final once over with the vacuum and wipe round. Once you get the go-ahead from the estate agent or legal firm, you can officially 'move out' and drop off the keys at the agent.
The moment's arrived at last - you have the keys to your new home! Now starts the reverse of what you've just done. Unpacking - it helps the removal team if you can label up each room so they can easily identify where each box or piece of furniture has to go. You don't want to be left having to shift a grand piano single-handedly from the 'office' to the 'dining room' once they've left.
While the unpacking is being done, get some essential tasks out of the way such as making a note of meter readings, switching on fridges/freezers and checking that the agreed fixtures and fittings have all been left. You may also want to get to work cleaning key rooms such as the kitchen before you start putting away food and utensils, and hanging up curtains, making beds etc. Be on hand to guide the removals team to the right place.
Once the lorry's emptied and everything's been brought in, the removal team's job is done. Check that nothing's been damaged as it's their responsibility to compensate you for any claims. Point out any damage/breakages or complaints about their service. If you're happy with the job, tip them, after all they've just saved you hours of strenuous work.
Finally, get the kettle on and start enjoying your new home!
You can breathe a sigh of relief that you've survived the move! But don't forget there are some formalities you will need to deal with once you're settled into your new home.
Sort out your paperwork
File away safely all the documents and correspondence relating to the move. It's easy to lose these things if not dealt with promptly. Keep everything together for when you move house again.