New home moving guide
Our moving guide is a handy list of items to check during the moving process.
Four weeks before
Arrange the removal
Decide whether you’ll hire a self-drive van or get estimates from removal firms – ask if they include:
[ ] packing cases and boxes
[ ] doing the packing and unpacking
[ ] comprehensive insurance against damage or loss
[ ] Then choose a firm and confirm details in writing
Prepare for a change of address
[ ] If you are renting, give notice to your landlord
[ ] Confirm any school transfers
[ ] Tell banks, building societies and credit card companies your change of address
[ ] Register with a new doctor and ask your old doctor to forward your records
[ ] Register with a new dentist and optician and ask your old ones to forward your records
Three weeks before
Get insurance
[ ] Check your home contents insurance policy for cover during your move
[ ] Arrange buildings and contents insurance for your new home
Change your service suppliers
Tell these suppliers you are moving and arrange for final bills:
[ ] cable/satellite/internet
[ ] electricity
[ ] gas
[ ] phone
[ ] water
Arrange suppliers at your new address:
[ ] cable/satellite/internet
[ ] electricity
[ ] gas
[ ] phone
[ ] water
[ ] Book an electrician and plumber to disconnect and refit appliances from your old home to your new home on your moving date
Plan your packing
[ ] Get rid of anything you don’t use any more
[ ] Clear out cupboards, garages, sheds and attics.
[ ] Start collecting packing boxes if they’re not provided by the removal company
[ ] Start thinking about how to label your packing boxes – what each contains, which room it’s for, which you’ll need first
[ ] Use up frozen foods
Two weeks before
Change of address
[ ] Arrange for the Royal Mail to forward your post
Tell everyone your change of address:
[ ] car insurance
[ ] clubs and other memberships
[ ] Council tax department
[ ] DHSS office (social security)
[ ] DVLA (driving licence)
[ ] employers
[ ] friends and relatives
[ ] Inland Revenue
[ ] insurance companies
[ ] magazine and other subscriptions
[ ] motoring organisations
[ ] pension companies
[ ] premium bonds and other savings certificates
[ ] solicitor
[ ] store accounts
[ ] TV licence
Familiarisation visit
[ ] Arrange a convenient time for us to demonstrate the workings of your new home
A week before
Prepare to move
[ ] Confirm moving arrangements with van hire or removal firm
[ ] Start packing non-essential items (unless your removal company is doing it)
[ ] Label anything you’re leaving behind
[ ] Collect all the keys for your existing property – do relations have spare door keys?
[ ] Cancel deliveries of newspapers and milk
[ ] Cancel window cleaner
[ ] If necessary, arrange for a plumber and electrician to come the day before to disconnect your appliances and re-connect them in your new home
[ ] Make up a tool kit with screwdriver, pliers, knife, hammer, hooks, bulbs and fuses and keep it handy for your move
[ ] Put aside essentials to be packed last:
bedding, night clothes, overnight toiletries, change of clothes, kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, teaspoon, sugar, milk, torch, tool box, dustpan, brush, bin liners, toilet paper, cash for expenses
[ ] Make arrangements for children and pets
The day before
[ ] Make sure your sales executive has your contact number and if possible a mobile number to keep in touch on moving day and let you know what time to arrive
[ ] Do any last-minute laundry
[ ] If you’re taking your fridge and freezer, switch them to maximum; if you’re leaving them, defrost and empty them
[ ] Remove fixtures not included in your sale, such as light fittings and appliances
[ ] Clean paintwork, working surfaces and sanitary ware; vacuum carpets
Moving day
Leaving your old home
[ ] Pack up any curtains and floor coverings you’re taking
[ ] Turn off central heating, water and electricity
[ ] Make a note of gas, water and electric meter readings
[ ] Check that you’ve left nothing behind
[ ] Lock all doors and windows
[ ] Leave keys as arranged with new owners
[ ] Arrange for the keys to be left with the estate agent ready for the new occupant
Moving into your new home from George Wimpey
Once the title deeds have been exchanged and the full purchase price paid (less your deposit) which is usually in the afternoon, when your payment has cleared – we’ll be ready to hand over your new home.
[ ] Arrive on site and meet your sales executive at the sales information centre
[ ] Meet the site manager at your new home
[ ] Make a note of all the meter readings and get the keys to the various locks in your new home
[ ] Make an appointment for your sales executive or site manager to come and see you in seven days, in case you have any problems or questions
[ ] Make an appointment for your sales executive or site manager to come and see you in 28 days, to make sure you’re happy with your new home from George Wimpey