Packing Your Essentials Kit

It's a good idea to pack any items that you may need on moving day 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 Arrive" Box

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

• Wallet or handbag with cash, credit card and cheque book
• Directions to your new home and a local map
• Keys for your new home
• Mobile phone and charger
• Notepad and pen
• Address book (with numbers of estate agent, removal firm, solicitor, vendor, your buyer, neighbours, utility companies, etc.)
• Removal firm contract (in case of queries)
• Medication and first-aid kit
• Camera - in case you want to take pictures of your old or new house

The Essentials 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
• Electric kettle
• Tea, coffee, milk (either long-life or powder), sugar, soft drinks, bottled water
• Teaspoons, teapot and mugs
• Plastic or disposable cups, plates and cutlery
• Cereal, snack food (fruit, crisps, biscuits), instant soup (or something similar) for lunch
• Washing-up liquid, dishcloth and rubber gloves

The "Getting Down to Work" Box

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

• Vacuum cleaner
• Cleaning materials
• Broom, mop, and dustpan and brush
• 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.

• Small TV to keep any children occupied
• Nappies and toys
• Radio or CD player
• Bed linen, duvets and towels
• Pyjamas, dressing gowns and slippers, and a change of clothes for the next day
• Saucepan and frying pan
• Tin opener, can and bottle opener, corkscrew
• Toiletries
• Matches or lighter, candles and torch
• Sharp knife
• If the house has been empty for a while, you may need hot water bottles and a portable heater
• Bottle of champagne to drink when the removal men have gone!

Don't give yourself any extra work by trying to cook dinner on your first night - order a take away or go out to eat.