Ten Lifestyle

Members have asked us for assistance in co-ordinating a move because:

• We have organised many moves for our members. We know the pitfalls to look out for and the short-cuts to make the process as smooth as possible.
• We work with fully vetted and insured companies that you can rely on to get the job done.
• We can manage and outsource a significant number of the jobs involved to reduce the workload and stress for our members.

Our home expert Jessica Paice says: 'Moving is supposed to be one of life's most stressful experiences, but it can become a lot less traumatic if you have a plan. It can become even less stressful if you hire people to implement that plan.' We can outsource some, or even all, of the tasks for members, and this checklist gives you an idea of what to do and when to do it so you can structure the move and then call us.

'Depending on how many people you want to hire, you can have almost the whole move organised for you.' We have specialist removal companies that are experts in packing and transporting paintings and antiques, as well as large, bulky items, such as pianos. Project managers are available to oversee the entire process, from packing at the old address to hanging the last picture at the new one. We work with ‘declutterers' who will help ensure you're not spending time and money moving possessions which you'll never use. They can also arrange to recycle unwanted items to benefit charities or make you some money on eBay or similar auction sites.

Our gardeners can advise which of your plants will thrive at your new home and, if necessary, store them in suitable conditions at their premises before transplanting them once you're settled in. We can arrange cleaners, handymen, locksmiths and even feng shui consultants to help create a harmonious new home.

Week-by-week moving checklist:

One to two months before:

• Talk to us about booking the people that are crucial to a smooth move. We'll recommend a selection of removal companies to suit your requirements and arrange for them to give you quotes.
• If you're going to put items into storage then some suppliers offer discounts for booking and pre-paying in advance. Ask us to arrange storage now and you could save money as well as crossing a job off the list.
• If you want an expert to project manage the whole process, it‘s advisable to confirm an initial consultation at this stage.
• We also recommend getting quotes from companies to do the final clean.
• If you're thinking of taking established garden plants with you, then now is the time for a professional gardener to give you an assessment.
• Inform bank and credit card providers, building societies, insurance companies, utilities companies (including internet and phone providers), government agencies, loyalty cards and any other services about your change of address. If you're happy to provide us with your details, then we can do the work for you, but many members find it quicker and easier to manage themselves.
• If you're moving out of an area, then deregister from your GP, dentist, optician and any other practitioner, such as a chiropractor or osteopath. When doing this always ask your current surgery for any recommendations for the area you're moving to. If recommendations aren't available, there are a number of online NHS and private websites that will search for medical services via postcode. Our team can carry out this research for you.
• Many new items of furniture, such as sofas, curtains or carpets take six to 10 weeks to arrive. Now may be a good time to order.
• Start using up food stocks in the freezer.
• Begin throwing out, recycling or donating to charity belongings you don't want to take with you. This is a great time to declutter. Jessica says it's best to be ruthless: if it's been in a drawer, a cupboard or the loft for years, chances are it will end up in the same place at your new house so you really don't need it. Charities are grateful for most items, although used children's toys and beds or furniture without fire retardant labels may be rejected for safety reasons. Clothes agencies will sell good second-hand garments and give you a percentage of the sale, and eBay is a useful outlet for all types of items. If you don't have the time or inclination to arrange this yourself, we can put you in touch with agencies that do the work for you.
• Give notice of moving to cleaners, window cleaners, gardeners, personal trainers and anyone else who comes to your home.
• If you're moving yourself, order packing boxes and materials. In some cases, local removal companies will sell used cardboard boxes and wrapping material at reduced prices. We can check with the ones in your area and arrange for them to be delivered.
• If you work from home, then add proposed move dates to your email signature and advise business contacts when you will be off-line. Inform suppliers that deliver stationery, printer cartridges and general office items of your new address. Check if they can continue to provide the service once you've moved; we can do this for you and source alternatives as required.

Two weeks before:

• Arrange for your post to be redirected. Ask our team to help.
• Send a change-of-address email or card to friends and family. Including a Google map of your new home is often a good idea. Talk to us about the different options available. We can help to organise your address book and make sure everyone is informed of your move.
• Check whether your existing insurance covers the move. Our team can advise on specialist cover, and make sure it's adequate.
• If you're moving yourself, start packing non-essential items, such as books and non-seasonal clothes.
• Arrange babysitting and pet-sitting for moving day if necessary. Inform schools if children need a day off.
• Book a few days off work either side of the move. If you're moving yourself we would recommend you set aside two days to prepare, the day itself and two days after the move. Even with assistance it's good to have no commitments on the day before, the day itself and the day after so you can keep stress to a minimum.

One week before:

• Confirm the time and date with the removal company and ensure it has directions to your new address. Your lifestyle manager can do this for you.
• Ask us to find out about any parking restrictions that may affect the move at both ends. We can arrange for the required permits to be issued.
• Having one list of useful phone numbers can make things easier. Include estate agents, solicitors, the removal company, insurers, utilities and any account numbers. Include the seller's solicitor's contact details in case of difficulties at the new house.
• Talk to your estate agent about key collection.
• Round up spare keys, including those left with neighbours, nannies, cleaners and relatives. Give them to your solicitor or estate agent.
• If the move is going to take a couple of days, we often arrange accommodation for members at a hotel - many members prefer this to staying with family and friends because they find themselves too exhausted to socialise.
• Consider booking a handyman to be at one or both houses on the day to help with dismantling and reassembling items, hanging pictures and general odd jobs.

Two days before:

• Thoroughly thaw and defrost fridges and freezers, otherwise you'll have problems with ice and condensation on the day of the move. These appliances need to be dry and fully aired to prevent musty smells. Even frost-free fridges and freezers need to be prepared in advance.
• If you're moving yourself, take down curtains and blinds. This is a good time to have them cleaned if you're taking them to the new property.
• Send out an email saying you'll be offline for a few days. Check and print off details of the route for the day of the move, avoiding road works wherever possible. Box up all computers, printers, stereos and large electrical items.

The day before:

• Pack up any prescribed medicines, painkillers and toiletries. Collect together keys, deeds, contract, insurance documents, important phone numbers, removals paperwork, utilities paperwork, a calculator, your cheque book and credit cards. Pack these in your clearly marked personal luggage.
• Pack a box containing the kettle, mugs, teaspoons, sugar, teabags, coffee, snacks, takeaway menus, scissors, torch, corkscrew/bottle opener, a radio, soap, toilet paper and towels. Mark it clearly. If you haven't arranged for a professional clean, leave the vacuum cleaner unpacked for a final clear up.
• Make sure uniforms, school bags, PE kits and schoolwork are packed and clearly labelled in a separate box.
• Pack a box of basic cleaning and repair products for the new house, including dustpan and brush, strong bin liners and a toolkit. Mark it clearly.
• Withdraw cash for last-minute emergencies, basic supplies and tips.
• Recharge your mobile phone.

On the day:

• Make sure your personal luggage is locked securely in the car before the removal starts.
• Strip the beds, pack bedding and mark clearly whose is whose.
• The box containing the kettle, mugs and other basic supplies should be taken in the cab of the van so it can be one of the first items to be unloaded on arrival at the new property. Tea has a surprising ability to lift people's spirits when faced with stuck windows and grand pianos.
• Once the van is loaded, take a walk around the house to ensure you haven't left anything behind. Check cupboards, walls, the garden, the garage and behind doors. And remember wall clocks - often the last thing people look at.
• Take the meter readings in your old property and, if possible, call them through to the utility companies before you leave. Otherwise make sure you have them written down and kept safely to pass on at your earliest convenience.
• Lock up the property and hand the keys to the solicitor or mutually agreed agent. Keys shouldn't be given to the incoming occupants until all payment arrangements have been cleared and confirmed by your solicitor.
• Upon arrival, read the meters and check that the phone, security alarm, electricity, gas, central heating and water work. Make sure all items that were included in the sale, such as carpets, curtains and light fittings, are there. If there are any problems call your solicitor.
• Consider having the locks changed on your new property - you never know who may have been given spare keys in the past. We can arrange for 24-hour locksmith services.

Your new home:

• When you turn on the water, check for leaks from disconnected washing machine or dishwasher hoses. If there are any problems call our team. We'll book the relevant tradesmen to resolve the problem as soon as possible.
• If you're staying in the house on the first night, make sure that beds are assembled and made up as a priority. This is particularly important if you have children to settle into a new home.
• Unpack, or buy locally, essential food and drink (milk, bread and a bottle of champagne) before the shops close. Order a take-away meal, or ask your lifestyle manager to arrange for one to be delivered at a convenient time.
• Don't power up the fridge and freezer until it has stood for the recommended time, normally two to six hours.
• Enjoy your new home. Don't forget that we can arrange all the assistance you require.