A List Of Things You Need To Do Before Moving

It’s stressful because there are so many things to do and so much to think about, and it will be even more stressful if you arrive at moving day and realise that you have forgotten to do something. It is tough enough if you are just moving across town, but when you are moving overseas it can be even more complicated because you are going to somewhere that has very different rules and laws from our own, different culture and behaviours, and quite often a different language. 

 

If you are going to a country where a different language is spoken, you need to learn the basics before you move. Fortunately, there are a variety of apps that you can download to your phone or tablet, and some of them let you try them out free. The more of the language you understand, the quicker you will be able to settle in when you arrive. At Movers International a lot of our staff are bilingual because they have been moving people to other countries for years. We even have two depots of our own in Spain – in Malaga and Alicante – and we know how important it is to be able to converse with people in their own language. 

 

You need to make some big decisions as to what to take with you and what not. Many people move home and then find that they have paid good money to move a lot of items that “might be useful” only to get rid of them six months later. You need to make a list of all your belongings and then pare it down so that you only take what is really necessary. And, yes, that includes all those lovely dresses or trousers that you haven’t worn for years but are still hanging in the wardrobe. It has been shown that if you have anything that you have not worn for two years, you will never wear it again anyway. 

 

Incidentally, you can download an app for your smartphone that will help you with all this. Just Google “Moving apps” and take a look. Using one of these will help to keep you on track. 

 

You need to create an inventory of everything that you are taking with you including their estimated value, destination room, and most importantly their present condition, including photos. This will help if there is any damage during the move. This is also a good reason to let Movers International do your packing: as international movers and packers, our experts will pack all your items securely so that they are safe in transit. If you pack yourself and something gets damaged it may well be that insurance does not cover it. 

 

You should also create a moving calendar. Just having a list of things to do isn’t a lot of use if you don’t have a time scale for when they should be completed. You can then tick them off as you go and will know that you are on the right track. 

 

You also need to inform not only family and friends of your new address, but several other people as well. For instance, your bank, your insurance company, and many others such as people you buy from online – Amazon, eBay, online stores, and so on. You need to think about all this carefully. For instance, if you have a driving licence you need to inform the DVLA because if you don’t and you drive you can be fined £1,000. You also need to cancel things like newspapers or milk deliveries. In addition, if you are moving some distance away you need to inform your GP, your dentist and so on, and you also have to tell the Inland Revenue. 

 

You must arrange for things like gas and electricity to be disconnected the day after your move, and make certain that the water, gas, and electricity at your new home are connected for the day you move in. 

 

If you have pets, you may be able to take them with you in your car, but if you are going a long distance or overseas there are companies who are specialist pet movers and will take care of your pets for you. 

 

So yes, there is a lot to think about, but planning is key. At Movers International we will take care of the packing and moving and ensure your goods arrive in safe condition, but you have to deal with all the other things yourself.