Home Essentials - Assuming all goes to plan and you pick up the keys no problem, there are some house essentials you will want to have nearby when you move in. These include:

• Light bulbs
• Toilet paper + soap + towel
• Bin bags – to round up any rubbish left behind by the previous owner
• Phone + laptop chargers
• Relevant paperwork
• Camera – to start making those new home memories

 

Refreshments – moving house can be exhausting and at some point, you, the kids and your removal team will want some supplies to keep you all going. Make sure you keep these key pieces of cutlery and crockery out!

• Kettle
• Mugs
• Teabags + coffee
• Snacks
• Cutlery + plates – it’s unlikely you’ll want to cook the first night; a take away will be just the ticket. Make sure you have something you can eat off of and with!

 

Cleaning materials – it’s sad but true: no one cleans your house better than you. Don’t rely on the previous owners to leave kitchen surfaces sparkling and carpets hoovered. Before you start unpacking, it is always best to be prepared for any nasty surprises and give everything a once over so it’s clean and ready for you to move in.  Also, if you can get in before the furniture starts being unloaded, you will get to all corners, carpets and skirting boards before they get covered up.

• Kitchen towels
• Multipurpose cleaning spray
• Hoover
• Dish Cloths, wipes and sponges
• Washing up detergent
• Dishwasher detergent
• Broom and dustpan
• Toilet bowl cleaner

Kids’ things

Try and get your kids involved in the move by getting them to pack their special things, teddies and toys. As well as getting them involved, it will give them something to do before the move and afterwards when you are in.

Toolbox

Chances are if you don’t have a handy DIY toolbox nearby, you will soon wish you’d brought one. A measuring tape, hammer, Alan key, pliers and multi-sized screwdrivers for reassembling pieces of furniture are crucial. And a utility knife or two for opening boxes will also come in handy.

Safety

An easy one to forget but all important for complete peace of mind when moving.

• Fire extinguisher
• Batteries – for smoke detectors that won’t stop beeping or remote controls
• First Aid kit – plasters, antiseptic cream
• Torch

Unforeseen emergencies

Even the best-made plans can go awry, so be prepared. If you can’t move in on move day for any reason, you could find yourself booking into a hotel while things sort themselves out. Avoid the added stress of frantically unpacking boxes to find your toothbrush. Make sure you have packed:

• Emergency overnight bag
• Change of clothes
• Pyjamas
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Basic Toiletries
• Thermometer and Calpol (from experience!)

AND FINALLY…as the enormity of what you have achieved sinks in, a bottle of beer or a glass of wine for a celebratory toast can be the perfect tonic in your new home. It’s no good if you can’t open it or don’t have any glasses to hand!

• Corkscrew + glasses
• Bottle of champagne