Moving house can be exciting, but when you're trying to get settled before the new school year begins, there's plenty to think about.
From packing up the family home to updating your address and getting children ready for their first day, a little organisation can help make the move feel more manageable.
If your moving day is approaching, our essential checklist can help you prepare for the move and get your family ready for the start of the new school year.
1. Confirm the important dates
Once your moving date has been agreed, start by getting the key dates in one place.
Alongside your moving day, make a note of school start dates, appointments, work commitments and any other plans that could affect your move.
If your child is changing schools, keep any important information from their new school somewhere easy to find rather than packing it away.
Having a simple calendar or checklist can make it much easier to see what needs doing and when.
2. Get ahead with packing
Packing can take longer than you expect, particularly in a busy family home.
If you haven't already started, begin with the things you're unlikely to need before moving day. Seasonal clothes, books, decorations and items stored in cupboards, lofts or garages can often be packed first.
As moving day gets closer, work through the rest of the house room by room.
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. It might feel like an extra job now, but you'll thank yourself when you're surrounded by boxes in your new home.
3. Keep school essentials separate
The last thing you want on the morning of the first day back is to discover that a school jumper or pair of shoes is at the bottom of a moving box.
Keep everything your children will need for school together and away from your main packing.
That could include:
- School uniform
- Shoes
- PE kit
- School bags
- Lunch boxes and water bottles
- Stationery
- Laptops, tablets or other equipment
- Any important school paperwork
Packing these items in a clearly labelled bag or box can make those first few mornings much easier.
4. Prepare children for the move
Moving can feel like a big change for children, particularly if it also means starting at a new school.
Talking about the move in advance can help them know what to expect.
If possible, explore the new area together. You could practise the journey to school, find the nearest park or simply take a walk around the neighbourhood.
For younger children, keeping familiar toys, books and comfort items close by on moving day can also help the new house feel more like home.
5. Tell the right people you're moving
There are plenty of people and organisations that may need your new address, so making a list can help ensure nobody gets forgotten.
Depending on your circumstances, this could include:
- Banks and financial providers
- Your employer
- Insurance providers
- Utility providers
- Your local council
- Healthcare providers
- Schools and childcare providers
- Subscription and delivery services
- Friends and family
You may also want to arrange for your post to be redirected to your new address.
Some updates may need to wait until your move has completed, so keep track of what you've changed and what still needs to be done.
6. Sort your utilities and broadband
A home can feel a lot less settled without heating, electricity or an internet connection.
Before you move, check what you need to do about the utilities at both your existing and new property.
On or around moving day, you may need to take meter readings and provide them to the relevant suppliers.
It's also worth looking into broadband arrangements early. Installation or activation times can vary, and internet access can be particularly important if anyone in the household works or studies from home.
7. Pack a moving day essentials box
You probably won't want to unpack the entire house as soon as you arrive.
An essentials box can keep the things you'll need during your first night and morning within easy reach.
Consider including:
- Kettle, mugs and drinks
- Snacks
- Basic toiletries
- Toilet roll
- Phone chargers
- Cleaning products
- Towels
- A change of clothes
- Basic kitchen items
- Any medication you need
- Children's favourite toys or bedtime essentials
Keep this box with you rather than loading it somewhere difficult to reach.
And yes, knowing exactly where the kettle is can feel very important after a long moving day.
8. Make the children's rooms a priority
You don't need to have your entire new home unpacked immediately.
If you're moving with children, getting their bedrooms comfortable can be a good place to start.
Making their bed, unpacking some favourite belongings and having their clothes ready can create a familiar space among all the moving boxes.
With the new school year approaching, having somewhere calm to sleep and get ready can help everyone settle into a new routine.
9. Do a final check before leaving
Before you close the door on your old home, take one final look around.
Check cupboards, drawers, the loft, garage, shed and any other storage areas for forgotten belongings.
Make sure you've taken anything you need with you and completed any arrangements agreed as part of the move.
It's much easier to spot something you've forgotten while you're still there than after you've travelled to your new home.
10. Give yourself time to settle in
Once you've moved, it's tempting to try to get everything finished immediately.
But your new home doesn't need to be perfect on day one.
Focus first on the essentials and the rooms you use most. The remaining boxes can wait while you and your family get used to your new surroundings and settle into your new routine.
If the first day of school is approaching, prioritising sleep, school essentials and a calm morning can be more important than having every picture hung on the wall.
Ready for your next move?
Whether you're searching for more space, moving closer to a school or simply looking for somewhere new to call home, Reeds Rains can help you with your next move.
Explore properties for sale or speak to your local Reeds Rains team to get started.
The Reeds Rains Content Marketing Team
