Most moving checklists online are written by people who have never carried a fridge. This one is built from what we see go wrong.
Three weeks before
- Get quotes from two or three movers. Ask each one whether the lift matters — it tells you who knows the job.
- Start giving things away. Every carton costs money to move.
- Tell your society you will be moving and ask what they need. Most want a written intimation and some want a deposit.
Two weeks before
- Book the mover and pay the advance. Good crews get booked out at month-end.
- Book the service lift, both buildings, in writing.
- Sort out school records, gas connection transfer, and the newspaper man.
One week before
- Use up the fridge. Whatever is left on moving day gets thrown away anyway.
- Photograph the back of the TV, router and any wiring you will have to redo.
- Put documents, jewellery and cash in one bag that travels with you.
The day before
- Unplug and defrost the fridge. Twenty-four hours, not two.
- Return the gas cylinder — movers cannot legally carry it.
- Charge your phone and keep a power bank. You will be on calls all day.
Moving day
- Be there at loading. Ten minutes of your attention prevents most damage.
- Walk the empty house before the truck leaves. Check every cupboard, the loft and the balcony.
- Take a photo of the loaded truck.
At the new place
- Check the count against your inventory before signing anything.
- Open anything fragile while the crew is still there.
- Tell the mover about damage immediately, not next week.
