Moving Day Essentials

There are a number of items that you'll need on moving day; pack these yourself and take them personally with you - make sure that they don't get mixed up with items to be taken by the removal company.

The "Before You Go" Box

This box contains all the things you'll need to have handy before you get to your new house:

• Keys for your new home
• Wallet or purse with cash, credit card and check book
• Removal firm contract (in case of queries)
• Directions to your new home and a local map
• Address book (with numbers of realtor, removal firm, lawyer, vendor, your buyer, neighbors, utility companies, and do on)
• Cell phone and charger
• Medication and first-aid kit
• Notepad and pen
• Camera - in case you want to take pictures of your old or new house

The "When You Arrive" Box

This is the first box you will need to open when you arrive at your new home:

• A landline phone
• Toilet paper, tissues and wipes
• Cereal, snack food (fruit, chips, cookies), instant soup (or something similar) for lunch
• Plastic or disposable cups, plates and flatware
• Tea, coffee, milk, sugar, soft drinks, bottled water
• Kettle or coffee maker
• Teaspoons and mugs
• Dish washing liquid, dishcloth and rubber gloves

The Cleaning Box

This will contain all the items you'll need to get your house shipshape:

• Broom, mop, and dustpan and brush
• Vacuum cleaner
• Cleaning materials
• Tool kit with an adjustable spanner, screwdrivers, hammer, picture hooks, tape measure and pen knife
• Light-bulbs and fuses

The Basics Box

The final box holds all the other things that you will need for your first day and night in your new home.

• Toiletries
• Bed linen, blankets and towels
• Pajamas, dressing gowns and slippers, and a change of clothes for the next day
• Matches or lighter, candles and flashlight
• Small TV to keep any children occupied
• Diapers and toys
• Radio or CD player
• Saucepan and frying pan
• Sharp knife
• Can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew
• If the house has been empty for a while, you may need hot water bottles and a portable heater
• Bottle of something to celebrate with when the removal men have gone!