The Most Commonly Forgotten Things When Moving House
After thousands of moves the same handful of things get left behind. Almost all of them sit in places nobody thinks to open on the day: the loft, the shed, the airing cupboard, the freezer and the space behind the shower curtain.
The short answer
- The loft the shed and the garage are the three most forgotten spaces
- Take meter readings before the crew leave
- Empty and defrost the freezer 24 hours ahead
- Keep keys, chargers, medication and documents in the car with you
- Do a final walk round opening every cupboard and window seat
Places people never check
Walk these in order on the morning and you will find something in at least two of them.
- Loft hatch and any eaves cupboards
- Garden shed garage and bike store
- Under the stairs and inside window seats
- Airing cupboard and the top of wardrobes
- Behind the shower curtain and inside the bathroom cabinet
- Freezer drawers and the back of high kitchen cupboards
- The washing machine drum and the tumble dryer
- Garden: plant pots hose water butt and the washing line
- Wall mounted brackets curtain poles and the letterbox cage
Practical jobs that get missed
These take minutes and each one causes a real headache when skipped.
- Photograph meter readings at both addresses
- Defrost the fridge freezer a full day ahead so it is dry
- Drain the washing machine hose and fit the transit bolts
- Collect every spare key including neighbours and window keys
- Cancel the milk the veg box and the newspaper
- Empty the fuel out of the mower and the strimmer
- Take down and pack the curtains you are keeping
- Leave manuals guarantees and alarm codes for the next occupier
Things you want with you not in the van
Anything in this list should travel in your own car. Once a box goes into the load you may not see it until the next afternoon.
- Passports birth certificates and the completion paperwork
- Medication and prescriptions
- Phone laptop and every charger
- Keys to both properties
- Cash and cards
- Kettle mugs tea and a first night box
- Toilet roll soap and a towel each
- Children's comforters and pet essentials
Admin forgotten until it bites
Insurance is the big one. Buildings cover on the new house should start at exchange and not at completion because you carry the risk from the moment contracts are signed. Car insurance premiums are postcode based so update the address the same week.
Everything else sits on our change of address checklist which runs in date order so nothing is missed.
The final walk round
Once the van is loaded walk the empty house from the top down. Open every door and cupboard, look behind every door and check the garden before you lock up. Two minutes here prevents the drive back across the county on Saturday morning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most commonly forgotten item when moving?
Loft contents followed by shed tools and spare keys. All three sit outside the daily routine so nobody opens them while packing.
Should I empty the loft before the movers arrive?
Yes. Crews cannot always access lofts for safety and insurance reasons so empty it the week before and let the removal company know the volume.
What do I do with food in the freezer?
Run it down for two weeks then defrost 24 hours ahead. A full freezer can travel short distances closed but most people find it easier to empty it.
Who gets the spare keys?
Every key for the old house goes to the agent or the buyer. Keep a written note of how many you handed over.
Planning a move?
BlueSky Removals gives fixed written prices after a free video or home survey. Call 0800 090 3125 or request a quote online.