What should you do one month before the move? Start with a clear head. Panicking does not help, but good planning does. These tips will help you on your way.
1. Use up your supplies
Now is a good time to use up any supplies you cannot take with you. Think of frozen food, washing-up liquid or hazardous chemicals. That way you reduce the volume that needs to be moved.
2. Buy packing materials
Start gathering moving boxes and packing materials. You will find these at the supermarket or in a specialist shop. If you want to be eco-friendly, you can use reused boxes. Make sure you also have plenty of tape, packing paper, markers and scissors.
3. Pack the things you rarely use first
Begin with the items you will not need over the coming weeks. Are you moving in summer? Then your winter things can already be packed. That way you work calmly towards moving day.
4. Confirm your moving date with the moving company
Call your moving company to confirm the date and ask for written confirmation. Make sure there are no misunderstandings about the time, the address and the scope of the job.
5. Inform organisations, friends and family
Visit your post office to register your change of address. Also notify your bank, creditors and other organisations. This is certainly the case for international moves, which involve even more paperwork.
6. Close your contracts with utility companies
Are gas, water and electricity in your name? Inform the utility companies about your move and request a disconnection date, preferably on moving day itself. That way you avoid unwanted costs afterwards.
7. Arrange utilities at the new location
Do the same for the new home. Indicate the date on which you will arrive and from when you want to start using the utilities. That way you have water, gas and electricity on arrival.
8. Cancel subscriptions or register your change of address
The perfect moment to cancel magazine and newspaper subscriptions or to register your change of address. That way your favourite magazine keeps arriving neatly at your new address too.
9. Consider a car boot sale
A car boot sale is one of the best ways to keep your moving costs down while earning a little on the side. Anything you do not take with you can start a new life with someone else.
10. Return borrowed items and reclaim your own
Have you lent out or borrowed any items? Now is the moment to put that right. Also ask for any money you are still owed. That way you close your current chapter neatly.