Packing Your Essentials Kit

You should pack any items that you may need on moving day and take them personally with you - make sure that they don't get mixed up with items to be taken by the removal company.

The "Before you Arrive" Box

This box contains all the things you'll need to have handy before you get to your new house:

• Keys for your new home
• Directions to your new home and a local map
• Removal firm contract (in case of queries)
• Mobile phone and charger
• Address book (with numbers of estate agent, removal firm, solicitor, vendor, your buyer, neighbours, utility companies, etc.)
• Notepad and pen
• Medication and first-aid kit
• Camera - in case you want to take pictures of your old or new house
• Wallet or handbag with cash, credit card and cheque book

The Essentials Box

This is the first box you will need to open when you arrive at your new home:

• A landline phone
• Tea, coffee, milk (either long-life or powder), sugar, soft drinks, bottled water
• Electric kettle
• Teaspoons, teapot and mugs
• Cereal, snack food (fruit, crisps, biscuits), instant soup (or something similar) for lunch
• Plastic or disposable cups, plates and cutlery
• Washing-up liquid, dishcloth and rubber gloves
• Toilet paper, tissues and wipes

The "Getting Down to Work" Box

This will contain all the items you'll need to get your house shipshape:

• Cleaning materials
• Vacuum cleaner
• Broom, mop, and dustpan and brush
• Light-bulbs and fuses
• Tool kit with an adjustable spanner, screwdrivers, hammer, picture hooks, tape measure and pen knife

The Basics Box

The final box holds all the other things that you will need for your first day and night in your new home.

• Bed linen, duvets and towels
• Pyjamas, dressing gowns and slippers, and a change of clothes for the next day
• Toiletries
• Small TV to keep any children occupied
• Radio or CD player
• Matches or lighter, candles and torch
• Saucepan and frying pan
• Tin opener, can and bottle opener, corkscrew
• Sharp knife
• Nappies and toys
• If the house has been empty for a while, you may need hot water bottles and a portable heater
• Bottle of champagne to drink when the removal men have gone!