Are you moving house and do you have a moving checklist? There is so much more to consider besides planning for moving day itself. You also need to make arrangements before, during and after the move which is where thorough planning and preparation are vital.

Moving house is one of the most stressful things you’ll do in your life. To help you through this process, we’ve put together a handy home moving checklist which will ensure your move is as stress-free as possible.

The checklist is broken down into a few key areas below.

Removals

You need to decide well in advance how you are going to move; a total pack and removal service, removals only or a one-man show. Each option has its own pros and cons and you must determine which is best for you. Don’t leave this until the last minute though as your choices might be limited due to a company’s availability.

Clear out

Everyone has things they haven’t seen for years so instead of packing and moving what you don’t really use, need or want, rather sell it or put it in a self-storage unit. Getting rid of these things early on, even before considering selling your property will not only make the move easier, it could also save on removal costs.

Take your time and clear out one room at a time. Clear out the loft, the garage and don’t forget the garden shed. Some ideas for unwanted things include selling, donating, recycling or storing.

Packing

As with everything in life, preparation is a key factor. Pack as much as possible early on and if you do regular spring cleaning or decluttering, it will make things even easier. If you’ve packed boxes early and don’t want to clutter your house in the meantime, consider putting them into self-storage for the short term at least.

Make sure you keep an inventory of the number of boxes and contents. This will make your life much simpler when you get to your new home as you’ll be able to quickly see if anything is missing.

Packing tips

• Label all the boxes with their contents and the room they’re destined for (easier to manage once in the new place).
• Don’t over-pack boxes. You don’t want the bottoms to tear open and items to drop and break as a result.
• On the opposite end of, don’t under pack boxes. If they are not packed properly they could get crushed if heavier items are placed on top. Rather fill them with packing materials to keep them sturdy
• Pack the essential items like kettle, tea, coffee, mugs, and snacks for children in a separate box to travel with you. Don’t forget phone chargers and extra adaptors
• Fridges, freezers, washing machines and tumble dryers need to be disconnected / detached at least 24 hours before moving day
• Ensure they are fully defrosted and drained of any liquids. You don’t want water from your washing machine hose or freezer soaking your boxes during the move

Moving checklist for children and pets

There is quite a lot to consider when moving with children and your furry friends. Let’s first take a look at how to make your child’s transition as smooth as possible:

• Notify the old school when your child’s last day will be
• Arrange the return of books or equipment and don’t forget the old school uniform
• Ensure your child is registered at the new school well in advance
• If possible, buy any equipment, stationery and new school uniform before you move

What about your pets? This is one area many people don’t give enough attention to and they should. Just like us, a house move can stress pets out, especially if it involves a long journey. We can actually compile an entire moving checklist just for pets but for now we’ve only highlighted a few of the most important points.

• Keep a box of pet essentials in the vehicle; water, pet food, treats, toys and items needed to clean up any mess
• Know the details of your new vet. If your pet falls ill during the move or soon after arriving at your new home, you’ll need to consult them quickly.
• Make sure you have a plan for helping your pet settle into their new surroundings

Finally, if there is a delay moving into your new home, you may need to find a self-storage provider between properties. If you’re not sure how much space you’ll need, talk to the facility manager as they will be able to advise you.

If you’re not sure how long you will need storage for, make sure to check their contracts. At Space Centre Self Storage we don’t tie people to long contracts and are flexible if people need to extend or even cut short their time with us. We understand that moving house doesn’t always go as smoothly as you’d like. Whilst most providers are flexible, not all are, so always check the rental terms.

We have facilities in Stroud, Bristol and Gloucester so please get in touch if you need help with self-storage in these areas.