10 Key Moving Day Tips

S W Leach & Sons has been getting people moving across Kent and the wider area for more than 40 years. Here, we share some invaluable advice on how to make moving day as stress-free as possible.

1. Pack ahead of time
It goes without saying that packing up all of your belongings and furniture is more than a one-day job. Make sure to pack as much as you can before the day of the move, labelling the boxes and furniture appropriately. In particular, lofts, gardens and sheds should be tackled well in advance. Most removal companies will require lofts to be emptied completely before moving day arrives.

For more detailed packing advice, see our blog on ‘How to pack up your house ready for a move’.

2. Arrange child and pet care in advance
Moving day is stressful and comes with many competing priorities. Make your life easier by asking friends or relatives to look after your dependents.

3. Keep a ‘to-do’ list
From freeing up parking spots for the arrival of removal trucks to the handing over of the keys, there’s a lot to remember on moving day. Keeping a ‘to-do’ list will help you manage your workload and keep your head clear so you can focus on the task at hand. And that’s not to mention the satisfaction of seeing your progress throughout the day as you tick off each item one by one.

4. Don’t cancel your utilities on moving day itself
It may seem intuitive to sever ties with your utility providers on the day of the move, but remember, you will still need lighting and electricity – not to mention drinking water and flushing toilets! – as you move out of the house. And while, in reality, most utility providers won’t cut off the supply straightaway, it is important to arrange a clear transfer of ownership to the new homeowners on a date after you have moved out to avoid any dispute over bills.

5. Set aside essential items
If you have opted to have your belongings wrapped and packed by professional packers, remember to leave items you do not want to be packed – mobile phone charger, kettle, passport, important documents, moving information, car keys and so on – in a clearly marked area. Also, remember to ask for a few boxes beforehand so you can pack any personal items you would prefer the removals team not to touch.

6. Pack an overnight bag
For all moves, it is wise to pack an overnight bag with a change of clothes, nightwear, medication, phone charger and so on. so they can be easily accessed once you arrive at your new home.

7. Appliances and electrical items
Remember to defrost any fridges and freezers that are due to be moved. Freezers hold a lot of water and cannot be moved until empty to avoid any flood risk once on the road. Disconnect all electrical items – TV, WiFi, dishwasher, washing machine in advance, as well as any light fittings or fixtures that you want to take with you.

8. Think about foodstuffs
Especially if you are putting your goods into storage.

9. Leave out basic cleaning supplies
Moving large items of furniture will uncover dust and other debris, while inevitably during the move dirt will be walked in and around the house. You will want to leave your house in a suitable state for the new owners, so make sure you set aside some basic cleaning supplies to give the place a quick once over.

10. Do one last walkthrough
Everything is packed up and the house is empty – or so you’d think. Perform one last walkthrough, checking all the drawers and cupboards, to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. And don’t forget, in the midst of a hectic move, to allow yourself a moment to cherish your beloved house one last time before you move on to pastures new.

We hope you found this useful. For all removal enquiries, call S W Leach & Sons now on 01622 882070 and one of our team will be happy to help.