Moving House Checklist

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UP TO ONE MONTH AHEAD

• Arrange and confirm your removal date as far in advance as possible Book a Survey with your local Bishop's Move branch
• Prepare a list of fixtures you are leaving in the house

UP TO THREE WEEKS AHEAD

• Sort out the contents of your garage
• Organise suitable transport for your pets Read our Moving Your Pets guide

UP TO TWO WEEKS AHEAD

• Dismantle self-assembly furniture, unless we have agreed to do this for you
• Arrange for professional disconnection of kitchen appliances, including the washing machine to ensure securing of the drum
• Arrange to have the gas, electricity, telephone and water meters read
• Start running down freezers. Manufacturers and the Trade Association advise against moving freezers in a full or frozen state. If, however, you require that yours be moved with food instead, wrap contents in newspapers, boxes and trays to facilitate handling. Please note that freezers in this condition will be moved at your own risk.
• Clear the loft unless we have agreed to do this for you
• Dismantle sheds, greenhouse, etc, unless we have agreed to do this for you
• Drain fuel from lawnmowers/motor cycles
• Take down any fixtures you are taking with you
• If appropriate, make arrangements for the children to be looked after on move day Read our Moving with Children guide
• Fabrics that you are placing into store should be given an anti-moth treatment
• If you are moving in or out of a block of flats, arrange to have use of the manual override key or priority use of the lift.

THE DAY BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Have TV aerials or satellite dishes taken down if they are part of the move
• Disconnect any light fittings you are taking
• Seal packets and tighten jars of food
• Defrost refrigerator and deep freeze. If you do not intend to empty the freezer, please read our earlier advice
• Prepare plants for transit Read our Moving your Garden guide
• Chests of drawers may be left full depending on the make of your furniture
• Set aside an area marked "DO NOT MOVE" for coats, handbags, kettle, snacks, tools and cleaning materials
• Arrange separate transportation for any dangerous substances

ON THE DAY OF YOUR MOVE

• Lock your valuables somewhere safe and carry them personally with you to your new home
• If requested, we take up fitted carpets and lay them on the floors of your new home
• If your possessions are to be stored, remember to retain important items - passport, driving license, etc. Do not put perishable or flammable items into storage
• Before the removals departs, check that nothing has been forgotten. Responsibility is yours to see nothing has been moved in error
• Ensure that the crew have directions to your new house and a phone number to contact you. Agree a time of arrival
• Arrive at your new property, with the keys, before the removal van
• Label all rooms and direct the crew to position your furniture and effects in your new house.