Everything but the kitchen sink: Things you shouldn’t forget on moving day

One of the most common moving day faux pas is to pack the kettle and tea bags say reallymoving.com, following a survey of top UK removal companies.

The UK’s leading provider of instant online quotes for home-movers reveals that having gone through the intricacies of the home buying and selling process we can easily forget some of the more obvious requirements on moving day itself and it’s not just the teabags. Some people even forget to tell the in-laws!

Top five things that are forgotten when moving home:

1. Tell people you’re moving and on what day – removal firms revealed a range of key people movers neglect to notify from utilities providers and the inland revenue to neighbours, in-laws and even family members moving with them!

2. Dismantle furniture – wardrobes and beds that were purchased flat-packed and assembled inside may not move in one piece. Disassemble these ready to be packed into the van for the removal firm or pay extra for the service in advance.

3. Make sure white goods are disconnected – some removal firms are unable to unplumb washing machines and dishwashers and most cannot disconnect gas or electric cookers. Remember to turn the services off at the mains and get a professional to prepare them for moving.

4. Packing – incorrect, incomplete or total lack of packing was a common complaint from removal firms. Don’t forget to empty and pack the contents of the loft, shed or basement in advance of the day.

5. Tea and coffee – mark up a box of essentials and reserve for the kettle, tea and coffee, milk, disposable cups and biscuits. A screwdriver, hammer and Allen key may also come in handy!

Rosemary Rogers, Director, reallymoving.com comments:

“After months of the moving process, moving day itself always seems to arrive suddenly. But being prepared is the key to a stress-free move. Making a list of moving day activities and ticking them off one by one will really help and cut down on the panic.

"As our survey found out, we do forget some rather important things, however, being able to brew up a nice cuppa for your removals crew and when you finally arrive at your new home, is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face!”