A Month Before the Move

There's plenty to do in the weeks leading up to your move, with some tasks more urgent than others. Some of the jobs in the following checklist can be left until a week or two before moving day, but you need to be aware of them and make sure that they're on your 'To Do' list.

• If you live in rented accommodation, notify your landlord that you will be moving out. This will need to be done in accordance with your rental contract, so check your notice period well in advance.
• If you're selling your home before buying a new one, you will need to arrange alternative accommodation. Book hotel or self-catering accommodation well in advance, especially if you're moving during summer.
• Book (or reconfirm) the removal company or van.
• Arrange for time off work, if needed. Some employers give employees a day or two off to move house.
• If you'd like your friends to help you out on moving day, now's the time to arrange it, especially if they will need to take time off work.
• If applicable, inform your children's current schools of their leaving date or warn them that you will be moving as far in advance as possible.
• Find a babysitter or ask a friend to look after your children for the day of the move.
• Make arrangements for your pets - ask a friend or neighbour to look after them on moving day or book them into a kennel or cattery.
• Contact your insurance companies if you haven't already done so, you should insure your new home from the day you exchange contracts. You might be entitled to a rebate on your current buildings and home contents insurance, if you're moving to a cheaper home or to an area with a lower insurance rating.
• Arrange for any work to be done on your new home that needs doing before you move in. This not only includes essential work (such as mending the roof) but also things such as changing the locks and installing an alarm system.
• If you need to buy new carpets or curtains for your new home, arrange a visit to take measurements and order them well in advance.
• Make arrangements for your new house to be professionally cleaned after the vendor has moved out. Few people leave a home spotless and the best time to clean it is when it's empty.
• Arrange for professionals to remove and install any specialist items you might be taking with you, if the removal firm is not dealing with it. This includes carpets, and appliances, such as the cooker or dishwasher.
• Start running down food stocks, particularly frozen foods.
• Start sorting through your belongings in cupboards, loft, garden shed, workshop or garage. Throw away, sell or donate anything you don't plan to take with you. Be ruthless.
• Make a list of all the major items that you're taking with you for insurance purposes, including the cost and date and place of purchase.
• Go through all your papers and copy any important documents, such as birth, marriage, divorce or death certificates; educational and professional certificates; employment references; school records; bank account and credit card details; insurance policies and receipts for valuables. Store the originals in a safe or safety deposit box.