Living space is like your favourite clothes. It must fit and make you feel comfortable inside! To help make sure your moving day goes smoothly we would like to offer a few tips below (although the list is far from exhaustive):

Long Before Moving Day

• Sign tenancy agreement for new property
• Allow an adequate notice period to terminate existing tenancy agreement (plan for the buffer of there being at least one month where you are paying two rents!)
  • Post your termination notice in good time (no fax or e-mail)
  • Clarify any renovation works with the landlord
  • Agree the date of completion
  • Organise with the landlord the return of your deposit
• Schedule the exact moving date (arrange the hand-over of keys with landlord and next tenant)
• Request time off work during the move
• Organise a removal firm or for people to assist you with removals
• Plan the furnishings
• Draw up a full removal list
• Order new furniture (e.g. kitchen) paying attention to the correct delivery address and property dimensions (not those in the room plans)
• Measure up any potential bottlenecks, such as doors, lifts, staircases
• Have a clear out (Request a date for bulky items to be removed)
• Circulate the change to your address (e.g. employer, family tax credits, telephone provider, TV license, insurance, administrative bodies, energy providers, health insurance, friends, relatives, associations, subscriptions etc.)
   

2 Weeks Before

• Discuss a hand-over date with landlord
• Hire a removal van (possibly apply for a special parking suspension permit)
• Acquire moving boxes (also bubble wrap, newspaper, rubbish bags, shoulder straps, towels/blankets to protect furniture etc.)
• Check toolbox (replenish with screws, nails, adhesive tape etc., charge battery for drill and screwdriver)
• Consider opening a new bank account at the new place of residence, if required (think about changing direct debits and standing orders)
• Replenish medicine cabinet (plasters, bandages, disinfectant)
• Run down food supplies
• Confirm accommodation for children and household pets (babysitter or equivalent)
• Adapt curtains, rugs, kitchen (worktops) to the new property
• Pack or even dispose of non-essential items
• Obtain confirmations for relevant dates

Week Before

• Pack and label removal boxes (also on the sides) with information on the contents and the new location 
• Confirm with anyone who promised to help you move whether they are still available
• Clarify if it is OK to use the lift, if necessary
• Organise keys for entrances, lifts or other accessways
• Purchase sufficient cleaning products

1 Day Before

• Deregister/advise residents’ registration office of a change of address
• Apply for Statutory Off Road Notification or notify authorities of a change to the Registered Keeper of personal vehicle 
• Collect removal van
• Reserve a parking place in front of the property
• Find alternative accommodation for children/household pets, if required
• Buy food for moving day
• Clear out and defrost refrigerator and freezer
• Place cover sheets over carpets/parquet flooring
• Pack personal documents/valuables separately
• Pack items for personal needs, such as medicines, underwear or other
  

Moving Day in your Old Home

• Give instructions to removal team
• Prepare bin bags
• Pack up remaining belongings, close windows
• Drain any water from the washing machine
• Check the staircase for any potential damage
• Take down name badge, empty letter box
• Note down meter readings
• Hand-over of keys and carry out inspection with landlord (run through check-list)
• Turn off the water and gas supply, switch off main fuse box

Moving Day in your New Home

• Inform the removal team where to put items
• Check the staircase for any potential damage and, if necessary, inform new neighbours
• Place cover sheets over carpets/parquet flooring 
• Check that the lights are in working order
• Arrange the furniture first, the put the boxes away
• Verify that no damage has been caused to the staircase by the move
• Clean the staircase, if appropriate
• Tip the removal team
• File the receipts for moving costs
• Return removal van