The Thatcham Moving Day Checklist: 10 Things People Forget

After enough moves in Thatcham, you start noticing the same few things get forgotten over and over. None of them are complicated — they're just easy to miss when you're focused on the bigger stuff.

1. Confirm parking is available right outside, or that you've told us about restrictions. 2. Take meter readings for gas, electric and water before you leave. 3. Charge your phone — you'll need it more than you think. 4. Set aside a "first night" box: chargers, toiletries, bedding, kettle, so you're not digging through 40 boxes at 9pm. 5. Keep important documents (passports, ID, paperwork) with you, not in the van.

6. Defrost the freezer the night before — nobody remembers this until there's a puddle. 7. Label boxes by room, not by contents, so they land in the right place straight away. 8. Walk the house one last time before the van pulls away — check lofts, sheds, and the back of cupboards. 9. Leave keys and any meter/alarm info for the new owners or landlord somewhere obvious. 10. Have cash or card ready for a tip if the crew's done a good job — never expected, always appreciated.