In Part 1 of ‘Preparing to move – the master guide’ we looked at the top five steps to take in the week before you actually begin your move (exciting!). Part 2 of this guide focuses on the night before the move, those final checks that need doing and a few last minute considerations to give you the peace of mind you need to ensure moving day goes as smoothly as possible.
- Children, pets and moving day don’t mix!
Pets and children are a big no-no to have around on moving day; not only can they get underfoot and cause a lot of distractions but a busy house in the middle of a move can be an unsafe environment for them. Action point: make sure that you have someone else, a friend, family member of neighbour who is prepared to watch the kids and the pets on moving day leaving you free to concentrate on the move. If the any of the older kids want to help then consider finding them some safe simple tasks – not only will this make them feel involved but keep them from being underfoot.
- Get those meter readings
Last minute meter readings are a must! The last thing you do before walking out the door of your old property is to take the final meter readings for your utility services and inform the relevant companies allowing you to settle up your final balance and close your accounts. Skipping this step can leave you in dispute with the new tenants, stress you don’t need when you’re trying to settle in to your new home.
- Overnight bag is a must!
You wouldn’t go away for the weekend without taking an overnight bag and moving house is very similar. For at least a couple of days you are going to be hard pushed in having access to your clothes. Make sure you have a change of clothes and all your essential toiletries – spending hours looking for a toothbrush in piles of boxes is no fun at all.
- Pack a kitchen essentials box
Similar to your overnight bag this is designed to help you carry out your daily routine without having to go digging through boxes. Make sure you pack the following: a kettle, tea, milk (we are British after all!), toilet roll, some basic food, your smartphone charger, a pen, scissors and some takeaway menus in case required!
- Saying goodbye and doing those final checks
This is it! Now it’s time to prepare for the big day ahead of you. Walk around your old home, make sure you haven’t forgotten anything and say goodbye. Keep thing as clean and tidy as possible – you want the new owners to feel good about moving in. Now it’s time to breathe a mini sigh of relief, but don’t get too ahead of yourself. You have the actual move still to come.
Continued in Part Three: Moving Time (out February 2015)