Moving house? You may be tempted to leave everything to the removals company, and have them stow everything safely in the lorry, but there are some things which are just too important to trust to a third party, no matter how solid their reputation.
Moving home? Read our checklist on How to Choose and Organise your Removals
Worst case scenario? Well the lorry could - theoretically at least - burst into flames, destroying everything in it. Yes of course it’s extremely unlikely (unless you’re living in a Hollywood movie) but lesser misfortunes can occur, such as vehicle breakdowns, traffic delays or simply a lost box. And if that missing carton contains your passports or the keys to your new home, you’re in a mess.
Shifting stuff to your new house? Here's how to Hire a Van
So here’s our list of essential items that are safer travelling with you, where you can keep a close eye on them:
The keys to the new property (or check what time the agent closes if picking them up)
Any documents relating to the house move such as emails/letters confirming move day
Useful phone numbers: removals company, solicitor, bank, local takeaway…
Passports and birth certificates
Computer back-up on an external hard drive
Mobile phone chargers
Laptops or computer tablets
Talking of tablets… make sure you have to hand any medications you need to take
An overnight bag for each family member, containing a change of clothes, toiletries
Valuable jewelry
Pet food, bowls and bedding
A torch
Toilet paper!
Kettle, mugs and tea/coffee etc, plus biscuits, in case you get there before the lorry
And last but most definitely not least… your children and pets (if they’ll fit in the car).
