Packing and moving day hints and tips

Magik01

Does anyone have any general tips for packing and moving day? What needs doing? Do you take meter readings just before you hand over the keys etc?

(Hopefully) moving house soon and have never sold a property to move to another so it’s all pretty new! So any general tips would be great. Thanks

zagubov

Have you enough stuff to move that it would be worthwhile hiring a packer? Does a lot to smooth the move and well worth the money.
Take plenty of photos of every expensive item being moved, each room to recollect the layout, and also as you leave to record the state of everything.
Have you put together a folder of guarantees for appliances, locations of stopcocks, meters, boilers etc. ,local tradespeople you trust, bin days, etc.
Fill a box with things you'll need on arrival, toiletries, phone chargers, cutlery, bottle/can openers,
Made a list of everyone that needs your new address.. Examples all over this sub-forum by myself and others.

hazyjo

Photograph the meter readings.

Make the bed first when you get to new place.

Pay for packing/removals.

Don't pack the hoover. You'll need it.

Know where essentials are.

NameUnavailable

Keep all your most valuable items with you.

Make a list of what you pack in each box and number the list/box so you can find the stuff you need quickly.

Pack a box with a kettle/tea/coffee/basic set of cutlery etc ready for when you get to the new place.

Pack a tool kit to take with you ready for when you get to the new place (screwdrivers, tape measure, stanley knife, scissors, hammer, torch).

youth_leader

Put the new door key on a string around your neck - our movers shut the front door and we were all locked out waiting for the locksmith.

tealady

Put the bedding off the bed in a separate bag. As soon as the beds are in place get them made up.

UnderOffer

tealady said:

Put the bedding off the bed in a separate bag. As soon as the beds are in place get them made up.

I second this advice, definitely make your bed up ASAP, you can then collapse into it later that evening. 

amandacat

Take and photo gas/electric/water readings and give to these companies. 
Don’t forget to redirect your post at the post office, gives you time to change all addresses after moving and that you won’t forget anything. 
I always start packing what I can in advance and write a brief description on the outside of the box of the contents. 
Clean in advance so all that might need doing once all stuff is on the lorry might be a quick vacuum. 

lesalanos

I normally take the meter readings the day before.  It may be a couple out but its one less thing to worry about on the day.  If you have smart meters then they will have the readings anyway so it's just a record for you. 

Agree with bedding but top of the list for me is always a kettle, cups etc and your cleaning bits in case anything needs wiping/cleaning before putting things away.  Kitchen cupboards especially.  And have a snack available.

Also remember its going to be a tiring stressful day. 

Are you packing and moving yourself?

Magik01

lesalanos said: it

I normally take the meter readings the day before.  It may be a couple out but its one less thing to worry about on the day.  If you have smart meters then they will have the readings anyway so it's just a record for you. 

Agree with bedding but top of the list for me is always a kettle, cups etc and your cleaning bits in case anything needs wiping/cleaning before putting things away.  Kitchen cupboards especially.  And have a snack available.

Also remember its going to be a tiring stressful day. 

Are you packing and moving yourself?

We are packing ourself but we have hired a moving company to do that. Managed to convince the other half it will save a lot of arguments on the day! 😂

davilown

zagubov said:

Fill a box with things you'll need on arrival, toiletries, phone chargers, cutlery, bottle/can openers,
Made a list of everyone that needs your new address.. Examples all over this sub-forum by myself and others.

Definitely this!