Keep the irreplaceable items close
Carry keys, identification, important paperwork and your phone yourself. Keep any essential medication accessible in line with its storage instructions. Include contact numbers for the people involved in the handover somewhere you can reach if your phone battery runs down.
Do not pack bank cards, travel documents or the only copy of your moving information deep inside the main load.
Plan for a working phone
Bring a charger and a charged power bank if you use one. Confirm the best contact number for arrival at both addresses. If another person is receiving the delivery, make sure they have the agreed timing and know how to contact DNE.
A paper copy of the key details can help when mobile reception is poor.
Pack for the first few hours
Useful items may include:
- Drinking water, simple food, mugs and the kettle.
- Toilet roll, hand soap, a towel and basic toiletries.
- A change of clothes and bedding for the first night.
- Basic cleaning supplies kept upright and separate from food.
- A pen, labels and a small bag for loose keys or fixings.
- Chargers and any everyday items your household needs.
Adapt the list to your family rather than filling a box with things you will not use. Keep food and liquids securely contained.
Make the loading instructions obvious
Put the essentials in a clearly marked area and tell the team they are travelling with you. Do the same with anything that must remain at the old property. A box beside the front door can otherwise look ready to load.
Keep children and pets clear of the carrying route. Arrange their day separately so open doors and moving furniture do not become an avoidable problem.
At the new home
Check where the essentials will go before directing the rest of the load. Use your room labels or plan so boxes reach the right spaces. Take time to check the agreed work and raise any concern while it can be discussed directly.
Use the moving-house checklist for the bigger schedule. For the removal itself, tell DNE about your move.
