Pack a box of essentials you’ll need first, make sure the fridge freezer is empty and defrosting, find your meters, charge your phone and put keys and paperwork in one safe place. Then stop packing and get some sleep: tomorrow goes better on a clear head than on one more box.
Pack your essentials box
This is the box that travels with you, not in the van. Put in what you’ll want in the first evening and morning: kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, toilet roll, phone chargers, any medicines, a change of clothes, bedding for the first night and something simple to eat. Label it clearly so nobody loads it by mistake.
Empty the fridge freezer
Freezers aren’t designed to be lifted full, so everything needs to come out. Which? advises unplugging it and leaving it to defrost for at least 24 hours, then wiping it down and letting it dry with the doors open so it doesn’t turn musty. If yours isn’t off yet, switch it off tonight, use or give away what’s left, and lay towels round the base to catch the water.
Find your meters
You should already have told your gas and electricity suppliers you’re moving, ideally at least 48 hours ahead. Tonight, find your meters and a torch, so that tomorrow you can read them before you leave and give the readings to your supplier. A photo on your phone is an easy way to keep a note of each reading and the date.
Gather keys, documents and chargers
Put house keys, car keys, your moving paperwork and your phone charger together in one bag that stays with you. Charge your phone fully, and check the time your removals firm or van will arrive.
If some things are going into storage
Keep everything bound for storage together and clearly labelled, so it can go on the van as one load. If it’s coming to us, check tonight that smart entry is set up on your phone: you’ll have had a text before your move-in date explaining how. At Chipping Norton you’ll use your PIN instead and lock the unit with a padlock, so bring one or buy one at reception; drive-up units take your own padlock too. Access is from 6am to 10pm (Cheltenham’s hours differ slightly), there are free trolleys on site, and you can park for free while you unload. If you’d like us on the end of the phone while you move in, a weekday is best.
Then rest
Set an alarm, put out tomorrow’s clothes and get an early night. The checklist is done.
Not booked a unit yet? Call us on 0800 2545585 or get a price online.
Related questions
- How do I move into my unit?
- What if smart entry won’t open the gate?
- Can I store a fridge or freezer in a storage unit?
Further reading
- Citizens Advice: Moving home: dealing with your energy supply
- Which?: How to install a fridge freezer