THE DAY OF THE MOVE
Make sure you arrive before the removal crew, so you can guide them around the house and confirm where you need each box or item to be. If you colour code the rooms on a floor plan to correspond to the boxes, this will make things easier.
- Check the unloading of each item and account for every item on the inventory. Check carefully for damaged or missing items. Your removal company will ask you to sign a release form, so only do so after you are happy.
- Place important documents in a safe place where they won’t be disturbed.
- Collect mail from the post office, if you’ve arrange this service.
- Once your locksmith has finished, ensure you have several copies of the new keys.
- Unpack your survival kit and put the kettle on!
You should also do the following:
- Utility meters – take a reading as soon as you move in, before you start using electricity, gas and water.
- Sweep for items the previous owners may have left behind.
- Inspect the garden, make sure it’s completely child and pet-proof if necessary.
- Ensure the keys work. This applies to windows and doors and security gates.
- Use the boiler and heating/airconditioning system. Ensure you know how to program it so that you can have a warm/cool house to relax in and a hot shower or bath.
- Write down all your emergency numbers, including out-of-hours doctor’s services, taxi’s vets, poison centres, local hospitals, your child’s school and non-urgent police and fire services numbers.