Timeline checks when moving

Countdown timer before the move

Make sure you have started to organise your removals
Collect/order boxes and packing materials
Start packing items that you will not want until after the move
Label all boxes with contents detailing which room they belong in
Organise a ring binder or folder for all paperwork relating to your home swap, for example; estimates, letters and telephone numbers which will make things easy to locate in a hurry
Decide what possessions you will and won't be taking to your new home, a floor plan of your new home can help you work out where furniture will go which will save time on the day
Check your home contents insurance policy to make sure you're covered during the move. If not, your removal company should be able to provide cover
With your contents insurance, make sure you obtain a change of address quote from your current insurer
Organise change of address cards/letters for family & friends
Look at local schools and arrange for your children's records to be transferred if moving to a different area
Check through your loft and sort any unwanted items that can go before you exchange, these can be donated to a local charity shop

Organise change of address cards/letters/emails for the following: Bank, Credit Cards, Insurance Providers, Magazine Subscriptions, Inland Revenue/DSS, Mobile Phone provider, Utility providers (gas, electric and water), loyalty cards such as Boots, Tesco etc.
Contact telephone/broadband supplier and arrange disconnection at current home and connection to your new home
Shop around to see who offers the best deal on Gas and Electricity at your new home
Arrange a Royal Mail redirection Service to have your mail forwarded to your new address
If you are moving to a new area, register with doctors, dentist, and opticians and arrange for all medical records to be transferred
Safely dispose of any items which cannot be moved (flammable liquids, paint etc.)
Start to run down your freezer and tidy through any out of date tins/jars in the kitchen cupboards
Look into whether a new school uniform is required if your children are moving to a new school
Renew any prescription medication to ensure you have sufficient to cover the moving period
Cancel newspaper/magazine/milk deliveries; settle any bills you may have outstanding
Finish packing as much as possible
Prepare directions and provide emergency numbers to your removal firm if you have decided to use one
Notify your local council for both your current and new property. You could be due a refund on council tax as this is calculated on a daily basis

Defrost the freezer, you don't want to be around doing this on the morning of the home swap
Disconnect washing machines and tumble dryer ready for moving
Sort out which items you will need to keep close to hand / in the car or on the bus/train
It is advisable to make some sandwiches for lunch the next day, as well as making sure the kettle is handy - moving can be thirsty work!
If using a removal company confirm what time they will arrive the next day. If hiring a vehicle check the time for collection
Charge your mobile phone and ensure that there is plenty of credit for the next day
If you will be travelling to your new home by bus or train check that they are running to time so you can always change your plans if needed

Read all meters (gas, electric, water) and record all these details in one safe place
Make sure all windows and doors are locked
Make sure all water, gas and electricity supplies are switched off
Make sure all essentials are loaded into the car or packed safely in a bag you can keep with you if you are travelling to your new home by bus or train
Do a final check to ensure nothing has been left behind or overlooked
Check everything has been loaded into the van
Have all keys ready for handing over

Check all belongings as they arrive and note any damaged items. If you have used a removal firm you may be able to claim for any damages
Read all meters (gas, electric, water) and record these details in one safe place
Check that all the lights work in each room on arrival and before it gets dark as you won't be familiar with the layout of this new home
Make the beds, so that at the end of a long day you can at least get a good night's sleep
Children - let older children organise their new bedrooms, as well as involving them it will also keep them from under your feet for a while
Try to unpack and organise one room at a time, will be less time consuming in the long run
Make sure you register your new address so that you are eligible to vote in future elections, you are not automatically registered to vote

Please remember to update your House Exchange account to show that you have moved! Get in touch if you are unsure how to do this.

The House Exchange Team wishes you success and good luck in your new home!