Get Organised | Use a House Moving Checklist

More moving advice

• How to have a successful house removal

  

  When moving house there are many things that must be done to ensure that your house removals goes without issue.  The key to a good house is to get organised as far in advance as possible and to explain to the removals men or your helpers exactly what you want to have done during your move.

  As a removals company we get to see hundreds of customers before and during the move - some are organised and there moves is a pleasant experience for both the customer and also the removal company.

  Then there are the dis-organised moves, where the move has not been prepared, boxes are not packed properly - arrangements have not been made for parking - delays caused due to poor preparation.

  01. Decide whether you are going do the move yourself or if you are going to hire a professional house removals company.  You need to consider how much furniture you have got to move, what the access is like at both properties, are you fit and able but more important do you have the inclination to move yourself.  Many people will only move themselves once, then after that they hire a removal company as it is much harder to move than you may have considered.

  02. Decide on what date your house move is going to be.  This may be dictated by the size of the chain if buying and selling.  Try to avoid moving house on a Friday.  If something happens during the conveyancing and the sale does not complete on a Friday then you may incur storage costs or additional charges as the sale can not complete until the following Monday.

  03. If you are going to do the move yourself - book the hire van as early as possible, get some blankets to protect your furniture and let your helpers now as early as possible so they can make themselves available.

  04. If you are going to book a removals company then, give as much notice as possible.  Many removal companies are booked up weeks in advance - especially if you have to move on a Friday.

  05. Book a survey.  Make arrangements for your removals company to visit your home to fully assess your move, to ensure that they will be providing the right size vehicle, number of men and materials to move your home.

  06. De-clutter, now is the perfect time to decide if you need to move everything in your home.  If you have items which you never seem to touch, then get rid of it.  The more items you move the longer it will take and the more it will cost in removal fees.  If you are downsizing then consider putting any extra furniture into our storage in Manchester.

  07. Start packing.  If you are going to do your own packing then you will need to start this a few weeks before moving.  It is important to give yourself enough time to pack to ensure that by the moving deadline your items are ready for the move.  Any delays with your packing will delay the move - or worse, you may then start to rush your packing and not pack properly, increasing the risk of damage.  Alternatively, get the removals company to offer you their house packing service

  08. Notify your utilities that you will be moving on x date.  Ensure that on the day of the move you have taken electricity, gas and water meter readings to ensure that you get your final bill based on your readings.

  09. Speak to your neighbours the day before the move to advise them that a removal company will be arriving so will need space for the lorry which may restrict or block the access.  If the parking is in a restricted area then you will need to contact the local council to arrange for a parking suspension or parking dispensation.  A good removals company will do this for you.

  10. Any items which you do not want to go onto the vehicle need to be placed in an area of the house giving instruction not to load onto the vehicle.  Make sure you have your keys, passport (if moving overseas), and important documents, purse, wallet, phone, medication or necessity for your travel to your new home.  It is always a good idea to pack a suitcase, just in case the lorry is delayed and you need to spend the night in a hotel.

  11. On the morning of the move - dismantle any beds or large furniture.  That is if you are doing the move yourself.  If not, then the house removals company will provide this service for you.  Give clear instruction to the removals men about what will be going and make clearly any furniture which may be staying in the house.

  12. Keep the kettle out, have some refreshments at hand - moving house is hard work, it is important to drink water and eat food to keep your energy levels up. .

• 2. Determine Your Moving Date

  Consider a window of dates for when you can move. Consider factors such as lease agreements, closing dates, and work schedules when selecting a date that works best for you. Aim to schedule your move at least 4-8 weeks in advance to ensure availability with removals companies and avoid any last-minute rush.

• 4. Declutter and Streamline

  

  Moving provides an excellent opportunity to declutter your belongings. Before packing, go through each room and assess what items you truly need. Donate, sell, or discard items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. This not only reduces the number of things you have to move but also helps you start fresh in your new home. Remember, the more you move the higher the removals costs

• 5. Create an Inventory List

  As you declutter and pack, maintain a detailed inventory list of your belongings. This list will serve as a valuable reference during the house packing and unpacking process. Label boxes with corresponding room names and numbers, making it easier to place items in their designated spaces in your new home.

  You will also need to provide the removals company with an indication of what items are to be moved. This will allow them to create a quote based on the right size vehicle and staffing levels to ensure your move goes without issues on the move day.

• 6. Research and Hire a Reputable Removals Company

  

  Choosing the right Manchester removals company is crucial for a smooth move. Research local companies, read reviews, and obtain quotes from at least three different providers. Consider factors such as experience, insurance coverage, and customer testimonials. Once you’ve made a decision, book the removals company well in advance to secure your preferred moving date.

  Only ever book a removal company who will provide a contract, invoice and receipts … Along with a landline and physical address.

  Ensure you have an ample supply of packing materials before you start packing. This includes sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers. Having the right materials on hand will make the packing process more efficient and help protect your belongings during transit.

  We can supply and deliver your packing materials - boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, wardrobe boxes.

  To maintain organization during the packing process, tackle one room at a time. Start with the rooms you use less frequently, such as spare bedrooms or storage areas. Clearly label each box with its contents and destination room. Consider color-coding or numbering boxes for quick identification on moving day.

• 9. Pack an Essentials Box

  

  Pack a separate essentials box containing items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medication, and basic kitchen items. Having these items easily accessible will make the first day in your new home more comfortable.

  This will also save you having to rummage through packed boxes looking for items you need for the first night and morning in your new home. Also, important in case there are delays and you are unable to get into your home and have to stay elsewhere.. it does happen!