House Moving Checklist for London Tenants
Hello, dear tenant!
If you are reading this, you must experience the roller-coaster of emotions provoked by your house move. A journey that starts with stress and anxiety, goes through the phase of sadness, and finishes with an immense relief.
As cleaning professionals, Go Cleaners knows that these stages are inevitable, but still, there are some things you can do to make this stressful period look brighter and less overwhelming.
In this checklist, we tried to cover everything involved in moving house in London, but the information still applies for other destinations.
Image source: Flickr. Photo by Chris Potter
You will need a strategy, motivation, and to act pro-actively. The countdown has begun, let’s see what you should do when moving house…
8 Weeks Before
Divide and conquer
Start with some planning. Check every room of your house and write what you will get rid of, and what you will keep. If it is your first move, you can do a little research too see what items will require special packing and additional insurance.
Choose your partners
Sadly, moving to a new home in London is rarely possible without the help of moving, packing or cleaning companies. You can get a quote for each service but know that the accuracy depends on how well you have described the size and type of the job. There are different options, you can pack your stuff but just outsource the moving. Almost all tenancy agreements end with a thorough cleaning, required by your landlord, so bear this in mind.
Make a document and note everything
It can be on a paper document or on a spreadsheet on your computer, find what works best for you. Consider trying out a moving binder to stay as organized as possible in the moving process. Be careful with this document because you will keep track of everything related to the move – correspondence with cleaning and moving companies with their estimates, receipts, and a list with all your items that you should take care of.
Visit your kids’ school
Visit your children’s school and make a meeting with the one responsible for their records. You want them to transfer to your new location so they can continue with their education without some papers delaying it.
6 Weeks Before
Get supplies needed for the moving
Probably, it will be hard for you to calculate how many boxes you will need, but hey, you have 6 weeks more to go. So, other than boxes, you will need tape, permanent markers and bubble wrap for fragile items.
Consume or use what is not for moving
From this date on, you will have enough days to consume and use the things you won’t be moving. Some of these include cleaning supplies, soaps, or frozen food, meat, or vegetables.
Do your math
If you are using your own furniture, you will definitely want to check the dimensions of your new home and compare them with your current one. Doing it, you will eliminate the risk of your furniture not fitting through the door. Don’t underestimate this step, especially if you have bulky furniture pieces. Consider scheduling an armchair and sofa cleaning service before start moving out, if necessary or DIY using the knowledge on how to clean a suede sofa.
4 Weeks Before
Select the companies and make appointments
You should’ve done your research by now, and it is time to contact the chosen companies. Always demand a written confirmation of the moving date and rates for moving. See how much end of tenancy cleaning is going to cost you. Classify fabrics for hot water extraction cleaning and those fro drym chem treatment. If any issues arise, you will be able to refer to those documents.
Begin with the packing process
It is a good idea to start with the items that you don’t use regularly. Starting with them will let you write down the items that need special attention and may require extra packing.
Put labels on everything
By everything, we really mean everything! According to the contents and the room in which the stuff are going to be placed, label every box. You will be glad you’ve done this when the unpacking starts. You will have a full inventory of your items. Separate the items that you will need as soon as you move in – cosmetics, tooth brushes, and etc.
Get valuable belongings aside
Separate the really important items in another box you are going to move by yourself. Fill it with important documents and files, jewelry, precious family portraits, and etc. Place the cleaning or moving estimates in it, you will need them when the big moving day arrives.
Change your address
You should visit your local post office and fill out a form that reflects a change of address. You can check if the website of your borough has online forms.
Inform involved sides
Don’t forget to inform the following institutions that you are about to move in to a new house: Royal Mail, water, electricity, and gas suppliers, banks, National Insurance Office, magazines and newspapers if you are subscribed to any. See who to notify when moving here.
Transfer medical files
Go to your medical institution and demand your records to be sent to the new one that is serving the region. If not possible, make copies of them.
14 Days Before
Get a day off from work on the moving day
Tell your HR department that you plan to take a day off because you have a moving planned.
Get in touch with the cleaning/moving company
Ask them nicely to reconfirm the details around your moving.
7 Days Before
Begin with packing your suitcases
It will be ideal to finish with the packing of general items a couple of days before the actual moving. Finish with packing suitcases with clothes sufficient for a few days for everyone in the family.
A Few Days Before the Move
Maintain your freezer
In case you plan to move your fridge with you, do not forget to clean, empty, and defrost it (check tips and hacks). It is best to do it 24 hours before the move.
Just to be sure – double-check the details
Again, contact your moving company and confirm the arrival time and/or other details. Check whether directions to your new place are correct. Give them your telephone number in case something comes up.
Plan for the payment
Most companies offer different ways for payment. Choose the most convenient for you way and approve with the companies which you are partnering with. A cup of tea or a fresh lemonade is always going go melt movers and cleaners’ hearts.
Moving D-Day
Double check
Go to your bathroom and take or dispose of what is needed. You should leave the space empty. When the moving company arrives, discuss with them what has to be moved and what has to stay to avoid any costly mistakes.
Conduct a property inspection with the landlord
Make sure everything is fine according to his inventory, so you can receive your initial deposit.
Finishing touches
Make sure the windows are closed. Do one last walk-through and check for and unplug electronics. Do a little sweeping/cleaning of household dust if needed. Make sure the moving company has correctly received your new address. Leave the property keys to your landlord or agent.
First Day at Your New Home
Do a quick inspection
Do it, so you can be assured that every system is working – water, gas, electricity.
Locks replacement
If you are planning to change the locks, confirm a visit with a locksmith.
Organise cleaning
Contact with the experts at our cleaning company and ask for more info about your pre-tenancy cleaning service. Such service will create a professional level of cleanliness across the property right from the start. Follow our simple tips for proper preparation.
Check your belongings
Everything should be there but still, do a final check.
Take out stuff from your essential box
Take out all things placed in that box, you will need them in you first day there.
Explore your new home and start making memories
This was a long process, so it is time to celebrate. Gather your friends and have a glass of wine. Memories are that last.