Buying first home - a checklist to help you plan

It's time to organise the move! To help you, we have put together some suggestions and several downloadable checklists.

8 weeks to go…

• Decide what you are moving. Arrange for the disposal of unwanted items (you may consider donations to your preferred charity etc)
• Arrange a couple of appointments with removal firm consultants to assess your removal requirements and ask them to provide you with written quotations. If you are not sure who to contact, ask friends or work colleagues for a recommendation or call a Movers Trade Association.
• During your appointment with the removal firm consultant make sure you provide comprehensive details of your move and give clear instructions about what you want included / excluded from the quotation.
• Gather your personal records (banking, medical, insurance) and keep them in a safe location.
• If school arrangements need to be made you may consider engaging the services of an Educational Consultant to assist identifying suitable options.

6 weeks to go…

• Make the necessary personal travel arrangements if you are moving a long distance.
• Obtain the necessary form to redirect your post. Often a period of notice is required before it may be affected.
• Prepare your 'Change of Address Cards' to your Credit Card providers, Insurance Companies, Banks, Mail Order Accounts, Magazine Subscriptions, Rental or Hire Purchase Companies, Taxation Office, Electoral Roll, friends and relatives.
• Consider arrangements for your pets. If professional assistance is required speak to your mover or vet in order to source a specialist.
• Obtain details of new school dress codes if a uniform is required and place an order with the school so that the items are available upon your arrival.
• If you have children and they are members of national organisations such as Scouts, Girl Guides etc, locate the nearest group and make the appropriate arrangements for your child to join.

3 weeks to go…

• Collect items lent to friends, relatives and repairers.
• Return any library books, borrowed or rented items.
• Ensure you have sufficient prescription medication to cover the period of disruption.
• Safely dispose of all flammable substances (paints, gas bottles, cleaning fluids and oils).
• Remember to organise/clear the attic.
• Cancel deliveries (newspapers, magazines and fuels).
• Organise the final meter readings for current home and connection at new home for water, telephone, gas and electricity.

1 week to go…

• Drain fuel from your lawn-mower and other machinery and ensure that water is drained from hoses.
• Arrange for your valuable documents, jewellery and money to be moved separately (usually these are best kept with you).
• Defrost refrigerator and freezer.
• Prepare your white goods for moving. Disconnect power and water from the washing machine and check if 'transit bolts' need to be fitted.
• Check your medicine cabinet and dispose of unwanted medication via your chemist if necessary.
• If your clothing is to be transported on hangers in a clothing carton, ensure all clothing is securely fastened on the hanger.
• If you have younger children make arrangements for them to stay with family or play at a friends home.
• Post 'Change of Address Cards' you prepared earlier.
• Confirm your moving dates and schedule with your removal company and confirm/clarify your insurance requirements. Notify your insurance company of the move.
  

Moving day…

• Ensure that when the removal company arrives you confirm what is to be moved and provide any special instructions.
• Check that everything has been packed and loaded for transportation. Open all cupboard doors and check behind doors to avoid leaving things behind.
• Before you leave the property ensure that all windows are secure and water, gas and electricity supplies are switched off.

Good luck