Things to do before you move home

If you’re thinking of using a professional mover, get estimates from different companies. Choose the one that offers the service you want at a competitive price. If you’re moving yourself, work out what size van or lorry you need (see point about boxes and non-boxable items below) and get quotes from a range of companies.

Make your reservation well in advance. Make a rough floor plan of your new house. This will help you decide what furniture will fit where and give you plenty of opportunity to sell the things you won’t need. Kids’ furniture can be bulky (bunk beds etc). Check to make sure your new home can accommodate existing furniture.

Finalise costs and discuss insurance, packing, loading, delivery and the claims procedure with your chosen removal company. Decide what you’re taking with you. Moving time is a great time for a clear out as it will save you the hassle of packing and unpacking things you don’t really want or need. Either sell unwanted items through classified ads or a car boot sale, or donate them to a local charity shop. If you’re moving a long way, get copies of your records from doctors, dentists, solicitors, accountants, etc. Make arrangements to transfer your children’s school records.

If the removal company is doing all the packing for you, arrange to have this task completed a day or two before loading the van. If you’re moving yourself, work out how many boxes you’ll need and get hold of them. Make a list of non-boxable items. Add 15 percent to their combined cubic feet (along with total cubic feet of boxes to be loaded) to work out the size of the van you’ll need. Arrange for storage if you need it.

Assemble packing material, furniture pads, packing tape, bubble wrap, polystyrene packaging, nylon packing string and rope, crumpled newspapers, scissors, utility knife, large sticky labels, felt-tip markers and boxes. Begin packing items you won’t need. Arrange to cancel utilities and services at your old home and have them installed at your new home.

Make any special arrangements to move pets. Consult your vet about how to make moving easier for your pet. Start filling out your change of address cards. Cancel delivery services.

If you will need a babysitter, arrange for moving day service. 2 or 3 days before the move Defrost your fridge and freezer. Have the movers pack your belongings. Arrange to have money ready to pay the driver on moving day. Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not in the van. Pack your first-day handy items box (see ‘Moving day’) to go with you.

If you’re doing-it-yourself, pick up the van early. Make a list of every item and box loaded onto the van. Let the mover know where you can be reached. Before you sign your agreement with the mover, read the conditions. Keep it in a safe place until your goods are delivered, charges are paid, and any claims are settled. Check your old house to make sure you’ve turned off water, appliances, etc.

Inspect basement, attic and garage. Lock all doors and windows. Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to the mover. Assemble first-day handy items: Scissors, utility knife, cups, kettle, paper plates, toilet roll, coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, soap, pencils and paper, local phone book, masking tape, bath towels, large bags for rubbish, toiletries kit, shelf liner, mobile phone charger, first aid kit. Check off all boxes and items as they come off the truck. Install new locks. Make sure all utilities are connected. Unpack kids’ toys. Be on hand to answer questions, pay the driver, give directions, and examine your goods.