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One month before the move (or when completion date is confirmed if before or after):
[ ] Open a file to collect all documents in connection with the move in one place.
[ ] Get a price quotation for your completion date from two or three reputable removal firms. Ask for written confirmation that the removal firm is insured.
[ ] Make travel arrangements for the day of the move if long distances are involved.
[ ] Notify landlord if moving out of rented accommodation.
[ ] Contact telephone company to arrange for installation of phone line at new property.
[ ] Inform telephone, electric and gas companies and arrange to have meters read.
[ ] Make provisional time off work arrangements.
[ ] Begin clearing present home of unwanted items.
[ ] Begin packing non essential ornaments in boxes labelled by room for new property.
Two weeks before the move:
[ ] Inform Post Office of new postal address and arrange for redirection of post after completion.
[ ] Book pets into care or make family arrangements for big day.
[ ] Pack seldom used articles of clothing.
[ ] Mail out change of address cards and don't forget to include doctor, dentist, optician and vet.
One week before the move:
[ ] Notify Rates Office of move.
[ ] Cancel milkman and newspapers.
[ ] Confirm arrangements with BT, NTL and Phoenix gas etc.
[ ] Make sure electric meter will be read on completion day.
[ ] Confirm arrangements with removal firm.
[ ] Finish the rest of the packing.
[ ] Notify neighbours that you are leaving.
One day before the move:
[ ] Pack emergency rations to carry with you.
[ ] Check each room to make sure all is going to plan.
[ ] Defrost fridge/freezer.
[ ] Make sure that house is clean for new owners.
[ ] Separate out essential kitchen utensils and toaster so that you have something to use in the initial hours and days of moving.
[ ] Take down curtains and blinds if they are not to be left at the property.
Moving day:
[ ] Take a note of all meter readings.
[ ] Do final checks around home.
[ ] Close and lock all the doors and windows.
[ ] Leave key with solicitor or agent.
Now that you have moved in to your new home:
[ ] Clean if necessary.
[ ] Unpack and organise bedroom essentials first.
[ ] Organise kitchen second.