A checklist when moving home is a must

ACCORDING to experts moving home is one of the most stressful experiences you can undertake. With so much to do, so much to remember, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to feel like there is simply too much to do and not enough time to do it. But by creating a checklist of tasks and duties prior to the big event.

A moving home checklist can help you organise your move effectively and takes away a good deal of the stress and worry. Preparing all your belongings, utilities, broadband, waste collection, and other services in good time will stop you rushing around at the last minute getting everything together.

There are so many things that might either go wrong or be delayed, that having a plan in advance can save a lot of anxiety. Even before signing the tenancy agreement, being well prepared with a moving house checklist will help you out in the long run.

Pick a moving date as soon as you have confirmation that the house is yours and begin planning towards that date. If you require assistance moving in, whether from a removal company, or friends, check their availability for the day in question.

If you are moving on a weekday check with your employer and, if required, book the day off well in advance. In addition to moving into your new home and all that comes with it, you must also consider the property you will be vacating.

If you are renting you should check how much notice your landlord requires before you leave the property and inform them accordingly. There might also be other details in your tenancy agreement that require other things before you leave.

It’s of the utmost importance that your new abode has a connection to electricity and/or gas, this may seem like a given but it’s worth double-checking just in case. If you are already registered with ESB it’s a good idea to call them and have your account switched to the new property.

One of the most important things you’ ll need to sort out on your moving house checklist is how you’re going to move all your furniture, clothes, and linen to your new home. Typically, if you’re moving to a smaller home with just one or two bedrooms, you might just want to hire a van, but if you’ve got more stuff to shift, you’ ll need a house removals company.

A month ahead of your move is a good time to start notifying your utility companies of your move. The process of moving energy suppliers to new properties typically takes at least two weeks. Your water companies will also need to be notified too.

If you wish to have your post redirected to your new address you should contact An Post and ask about this service. There is a fee involved depending on how long you want the post to be redirected for.

Another important task is to go through the checklist provided by your landlord prior to moving in and ensuring everything is the way you left it. Either clean your house or flat yourself or hire a cleaner to make sure everything is all spotless for when you move out. By the time you get to a week before moving you should be starting to pack your belongings. Giving yourself enough time to pack things away and organise how you are going to transport it all to your new home will make things a lot easier on the way. It’s easier to begin with clothes, bedding, towels, linen, cushions, the items that aren’t required on a day-to-day basis. Also, try and use up whatever food is left in your home, especially frozen foodstuffs which will end up in the bin if not eaten.

It’s a good idea to get moving boxes, especially if you’re not hiring a moving company. If you are paying for movers they will provide the boxes. When you pack your items, be sure that all the contents of each box only contain things from one room. That way you can simply take each box to its corresponding room and dramatically cut back your time sorting through items later. Make sure to label the boxes so you know exactly what’s in them. Finally, before leaving, disconnect all the appliances in your old home, ensuring you’re not using up any energy unnecessarily.

On moving day make sure you load the moving van according to what you’ ll need to take out first. As a general rule, you’ ll want to load the heavier objects first and then your lighter boxes. So this means wardrobes, fridges, freezers, sofas and ovens first, then the more delicate items such as mirrors, televisions, and picture frames. You should wrap these up with bubble wrap to prevent them smashing if they’re any problems.

You’ ll need to take your final meter readings when you leave your old property. Go around the house to each of the meters and either write down or take a picture of the reading so you are ready to move out and carry on with your bill.

Check your electricity meter, gas meter, and water meter if applicable. Remember to lock up all the doors and windows before you say goodbye to your old home for the last time. This will keep it secure for the next occupants who come to live there.

Remember to give back the keys to either your landlord or to a relevant party when you finish locking up. Once you’re in your new place, you should find the circuit breaker and water valve.

Even if everything is already running fine, you should still locate them, that way you’ ll be ready if there’s ever a problem. You should also find your gas and electricity meters and your MPRN number.