Moving House Checklist

Create a proper labelling system. For instance, each box could be labelled with the room they are to go to, the contents, fragility, whether the box contains heavier materials, etc.

There are several things to consider when ordering packaging materials and packing boxes:

• Quality – Saving a little money by skimping on the quality of materials and boxes you use is never a good idea. Opt for the best possible quality to ensure your good travel and store safely. U Store It stocks a range of high-quality boxes and packing materials to help protect your belongings during the move.
• Box size – There is always a temptation to opt for the largest possible box, but this isn’t always the best option. Large boxes are difficult to handle and stack and can become overheavy, try to minimise your use of larger boxes. Also, for ease of stacking try to purchase as many boxes of the same size as possible

Consider specialist boxes – Boxes like wardrobe boxes that are custom-designed to serve a specific purpose are a fantastic way to pack many types of items safely and securely

Take a deep breath for this one and prepare for some potential frustration. Utility companies can take time to get things moving, so it is best to contact them nice and early and just check what their procedures are. Also, what you need to do and when you need to do it. Doing this now will save valuable time nearer the moving day when things are already frantic.

Remember to keep the information you discover and the dates that action is required in your paperwork folder. There is more information about what to do about bills and utilities later in this guide.

A methodical approach to packing is always more successful. Consider what rooms are least used and begin with them.

Another thing to do at this stage is to check that all the involved parties are aware of the times and that they are booked for the appropriate dates. (Time to dig out that all-important paperwork folder again.)

It is also a good time to organise a moving crew as well! Of course, good removal companies will safely transport your belongings from A to B, but organising a crew of friends and family is always a good idea to help with all the finer details.

Keeping aside only what you need for those last few days, now is the time to pack the remaining parts of your wardrobe

Moving day is hectic, so make sure that all necessary invoices are cleared ahead of time

Make sure you know the route to your new home and your car or vehicle is ready for the journey

Inevitably, moving day will find you packing the remainder of your gear. Toiletries, bedding, clothing and kitchen gear are usually among the last-minute items. Make sure you have plenty of boxes and materials to finalise your packing

throughout the week cleaning each room as it is emptied makes cleaning easy. Also, any last-minute repairs that are needed can be carried out

Forearmed is forewarned! You may not be able to do anything about the weather on the day of your move. But at least if you know there is rain, or worse, forecasted you can take steps to account for it

Make sure that all the utility companies are aware of the move

Once you have the estimated costs of your move you can set a realistic budget and stick to it. This can stop costs from spiralling and becoming overwhelming

Lists are essential, especially if you are likely to forget to do certain things, and let’s face it when it comes to moving with so much to remember and do we are all susceptible to that. Lists need to be made on a room-by-room basis, so start scouring the house and decide what items you want to keep, donate, and discard. Also, jot down all of your requirements such as packing boxes and materials, hiring removals, notifying energy and network subscription services, as well as all of those whom you need to notify of the change of address.

Time is not on your side right now, so the more daytime you can fit into your life the better. You need to make the most of every minute, so set the alarm to get up bright and early. Early starts, enable more time to tackle all of those needy jobs, and it won’t feel as rushed plus it’s also better for packing as you certainly don’t want to be throwing items into boxes last minute in case things get damaged or broken during transit.

Now’s the time to collect everything you need to pack up your home, you will need, assorted boxes (different sizes), tape, paper, bubble wrap, marker pens, labels, and cutters. Start collecting early so that you have time to get more if you happen to run out.

It’s overwhelming there is no doubt about that, and most likely, you are sitting there with absolutely no idea where to start. We get it! So to simplify the mission and for it not to feel too much to handle, focus on one room at a time and only move on to the next once that room is complete. To keep motivation alive, it’s always recommended to start big first, so focus on lounges, kitchens, and master bedrooms before tackling the smaller spaces.

Save your boxes for all items that are non-fabric-related because fabric items such as clothing, curtains, cushions, blankets, duvets, sheets, etc. can be packed into bags. If any large items could be effectively used to pack the smaller items, use them! To make it even quicker, simply leave clothes on their hangers as it saves time at the other end when you come to unpack, lay items flat cover them in bin liners, and pop in the boot of the car.

Never leave space in the boxes that could allow items to move around during transit as it could damage things. When packing into boxes, be sure to use packing paper to wrap anything breakable and stuff the gaps with bubble wrap or paper to keep all the items secure.

Labelling all of your packed boxes is vital; otherwise, you end up with the mammoth task of having to sift through them all at the new home, just to find the items you need. Packing also helps with removals since you can request for the boxes to be moved into their rightful rooms, and don’t forget to clearly label anything that is fragile so that it gets handled with extra care.

There is no doubt about it; more hands make for lighter work, so if you can get people on board to help you out, it will undoubtedly pay off. Moving with friends and family makes the time more joyous. It’s generally less stressful and often full of laughs, especially when mishaps. It also enables last-minute quality time, especially if the move is much further away.

We touched on this earlier in the guide, however, this is one of the areas where stress levels can be swiftly elevated by a potent mixture of red tape, infuriating call centres and the urgency of ensuring uninterrupted services. All of which can cause a few headaches!

Here are some essential moving house tips for dealing with utility companies:

Contact your electricity, gas, water, and broadband providers well in advance of your move to inform them of your relocation. Provide them with your moving date and new address to arrange for the transfer or disconnection of services.

Determine whether you need to disconnect services at your current address or transfer them to your new address. Schedule these changes to coincide with your moving date to avoid any service disruption.

Arrange for final meter readings for your electricity, gas, and water meters at your old property. This ensures accurate billing and prevents you from being charged for usage after you’ve moved out.

Before vacating your current property, settle any outstanding bills with your utility providers. This includes paying any remaining balances and ensuring all accounts are up to date to avoid late fees or penalties.

Provide your utility providers with your new contact information, including your new address and contact numbers.

If you’re moving to a location where utilities are not included or need to be set up independently, research and arrange for new services in advance.

We touched on this earlier in the guide, however, this is one of the areas where stress levels can be swiftly elevated by a potent mixture of red tape, infuriating call centres and the urgency of ensuring uninterrupted services. All of which can cause a few headaches!

Here are some essential moving house tips for dealing with utility companies:

Begin by researching the visa and immigration requirements for your destination country. Ensure you understand the necessary documentation and any restrictions or regulations that may apply to your move, the last thing you need is to be stopped at the border. That is certainly not good for stress levels!

Gather and organise all essential documents, including passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, and academic transcripts. Make copies of these documents and store them securely, both physically and digitally.

When packing for an international move, prioritize essential items and consider the climate and lifestyle in your destination country. Pack efficiently to minimise excess baggage fees and consider using self-storage facilities for items you won’t immediately need upon arrival.

Plan your transportation logistics for both getting to your destination country and navigating within it. Research local transportation options, driving regulations, and vehicle importation procedures if you plan to bring a vehicle.

Consider using self-storage facilities to store belongings that you won’t be taking with you immediately or that you’re unsure about. Self-storage provides a secure and convenient solution for temporarily storing items during your transition period.

Familiarise yourself with the culture, customs, and language of your destination country to ease your adjustment and integration. Learn basic phrases in the local language and research cultural norms to navigate social interactions more effectively.

Maintain a detailed moving checklist and timeline to stay organised throughout the process. Be prepared for unexpected challenges and changes, and remain flexible in your plans to adapt to new circumstances.

If you are moving into your first place – then first of all congratulations – here are three tips to help you get settled into your first home!

There’s no doubt about it, moving out is far from cheap. There’s a litany of things to take into account, including the initial deposit, monthly house rent, utility bills & general living costs to take into consideration.

That’s why it’s always best to prepare ahead in the months preceding your move. Aim to put aside as much spare cash as you can each week in a savings account. Map out a budget plan each week and cut out the non-necessities.

When working off a selected budget, it’s not the wisest idea to start outlaying a fortune on expensive accessories & furniture. When moving into independence, it pays to shop around both offline and online and search for bargains.

There are many online forums where people can buy or swap household items such as furniture, kitchen accessories and electrical goods. Keep an eye out for seasonal and liquidation sales also, where you can purchase items for more than half of their usual retail price

One of the most important decisions in choosing new surroundings is choosing a location that is accessible and financially viable.

Lettings in a city or town centre generally tend to command higher rates than in the adjoining suburbs, so it’s best to look further afield. Also, consider local amenities, shopping locations and transportation options if commuting.

Once you decide to store your belongings with a third party, you need to make sure that you are satisfied with all the conditions. Your belongings should be safe and secure at all times. Moreover, you should be able to access your items whenever you need to. Lastly, storage options should suit all of your needs.

Here at U Store It, our Self Storage service provides you with the following:

When it comes to packing, having a good plan can save you a lot of work and energy. It’s best to start by placing your largest items first: put beds, couches, tables, and appliances in before anything else and place them in the back of the unit. Chances are that you won’t need these items until you move to your new home, so it makes sense to keep them in the back where they won’t get in the way.

Using the same logic, put the items that you might need closer to the unit’s door. Those might be some clothes or documents — something that you are probably going to need before you complete the move. If you have enough space, it’s also smart to leave an aisle in the centre — that will provide easy access to all of your belongings.

Once you store all of your things in a safe place, you can focus on getting into your new home as soon as possible. When the time comes to move into your new home, all of your stored belongings will be ready to be placed in their final destination.