Tips

Prior to your move

• If moving far away, make any necessary travel arrangements like flights, hotel car hire
• Place legal, medical and insurance records in a safe and accessible place
• Inform gas, electric, water, cable, telephone and refuse removal services of your move. Sign up for services at your new address
• If you are taking kitchen appliances, have Washing Machines & dishwashers disconnected and defrost your fridge/freezer
• Notify the following of your new address move date and telephone number
• Family and friends
• Banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions
• Doctors, Dentists and other service providers
• Charge cars and credit card companies
• Notify and relevant government agencies
• Arrange to have utilities turned on at new home for the day of your move.

When packing your possessions

• Label each box with the room in the new home
• Number each box and keep a list of what is in each box so you can find things you may need
• Clearly Mark fragile items
• Separate possessions needed for personal travel, so they are not packed into the truck
• Pack a box of items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home, and label as PACK THIS LAST. Arrange this box to be loaded last onto the truck
• Pack a bag of personal items you may need (change of clothes, toiletries, medicines, maps, food and drinks)
• If you have children, pack a bag of games/activities for the trip.

The day of your move

• Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water)
• Make final walk-through of the house, including basement. Attic and closets, to make sure it’s empty
• Lock all windows and doors and drop off keys with Estate Agent, Neighbour or new owner.

Refuse and recycling

Most councils will take away your larger household items such as cookers, fridges or furniture. This is normally a free collection service for bulk items, a household can call on this service twice a year, with up to five items per collection. This however will vary from council to council so please check with your local borough for terms and conditions.

recycle-more and rethinkrubbish are useful websites to find information on hints and tips for managing your household rubbish as well as minimising the effect that you have on the environment.

You may also want to consider whether:

• Do you need a skip? If so do you need a permit and lighting?
• Where is your local rubbish tip and recycling centres and what hours do they open?