Published: 02/09/2024

Jobs to do before your move  

Moving day can be overwhelming, so it’s important to be well-prepared. Here’s a list of things to think about before the big day:

• Arrange a final walkthrough your new property with the current owners and/or the estate agent
  
  
• Questions for your seller you might not have asked yet:-

Do you know where the main stopcock (to shut off the water)?
Where are the gas and electricity meters?
Do any surfaces need special cleaning products, such as wooden floors?
What day are the bins collected?
Do you have any old tins of paint in the same colour as the walls?
Do you have any instruction manuals or warranties on electrical items?
Where did the kitchen and bathroom tiles come from?
Which company supplies the energy, broadband, and home phone?
Where is the thermostat?
 

• Check any smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems if there are any in your new home
  
  
• Have you packed everything? Are your boxes labelled by room for easier unpacking?
  
  
• Do you have an ‘essentials’ box with items you will need as soon as you’ve moved in? Toiletries, basic kitchen supplies (tea, coffee, milk and sugar), maybe a local takeaway menu for dinner
  
  
• Make sure you have any your important documents and valuables stored separately (maybe carried in person not boxed, or left with a friend or relative)
  
  
• Confirm your booking with the removal firm including date, time and ask for contact mobile numbers in case you need to reach them
  
  
• Introduce yourself to your new neighbours, politely forewarn them of your move in date, and let them know you’ll try and keep any disruption to a minimum
  
  
• Schedule disconnection of all your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) at your old property and the reconnection at your new home
  
  
• Organise mail forwarding with the Royal Mail to make sure any current post is forwarded to you
  
  
• Think about if moving with children and/or pets, do you have a plan in place for the day to keep them safe and occupied during the move
  
  
• Have you updated your new address with banks, insurance companies, HMRC (NI, tax, state pension and driving licence), doctors, schools?

Your Local Agent  

At Palmer & Partners our teams are happy to help you with any questions, queries, and support you need with moving home. We appreciate it can be a stressful time and we are here to assist you with the process.

Contact Us  

Please feel free to contact us in Colchester, Ipswich, and Clacton.
We look forward to hearing from you, and helping you find your new home - and everything else in between!