Moving Checklist - 1 day until moving day:

 - Packing. Aim to finish the packing today, apart from a few essentials in the kitchen and bathroom. You will feel so much better when you can see the end is finally in sight. "Don't forget to clearly mark the boxes with the room name you would like them to end up in".

 - Dismantle & Disconnect.  Unless you have arranged with the removal company, you will be expected to dismantle any self-assembly furniture that cannot be moved out in one. Take down curtains and any fixtures you are intending to take with you. Make sure you have disconnected the washer and fitted the transit brackets to secure the drum. Defrosted the fridge / freezer unless you have arranged to have these moved with the food inside, if this is the case pack the contents into bags so they can be lifted out quickly.

 - Snack box. Make up a box of refreshments for the next day, bearing in mind that your cooker may be disconnected or in the back of a removal van. Include tea, coffee, sugar etc, and the most important item of all the kettle, you will have to keep the refreshments flowing as moving house is very thirsty work. A selection of cold drinks is also a good idea. Mark on the box "kettle things" or "brewing tackle" and it will be guaranteed to be last on, first off the van.

 - Toiletries box. Make up a box in the bathroom and put in the toiletries that you aren't using. Leave this box open to put in all the other toiletries tomorrow morning after everyone has got up and cleaned their teeth, you can then seal it up.

 - Outside items.  Anything outside that you can move, try and put either inside the garage or in a dry place, there is nothing worse than putting soaking wet outside furniture into a removal van along with all your other furniture.

 - Parking. If you have difficulty parking outside your house, it could be a good idea to park your own car or cars outside so that your removal van will be able to park outside. Remember the van needs more room than its own length to manoeuvre.

 - Draw a map. Sit down and either write out some directions or draw a plan on how to get to your new address, including a contact number.

 - Mobile phone. Make sure that your mobile phone is fully charged up for tomorrow, you are probably going to need it.

How to Meet the Neighbors After Moving

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

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All eyes are on your moving company truck driving down your new street, but who are these people now known as your neighbors and will you ever meet them?  Even though numerous ways to connect via social media and electronics exist, they sometimes detract from in-person meetings that truly acquaint people and build relationships.  When you move somewhere you may not know what the neighborhood protocol is, so you may miss opportunities to make new connections if you avoid meeting your neighbors.    Step out of your comfort zone and discover how to meet your new neighbors.

Greetings and Salutations

Don’t be afraid to smile and say hello to your neighbors even if you tend to be shy or the person looks intimidating.  Remember looks can be deceiving.  Even the woman with the Resting You-Know-What Face could be a lovely person and possible friend.  Women’s Health suggests inserting compliments in your conversations or commenting on their beautiful landscaping, for instance.

Hang Out Outdoors

The only way to get acclimated to your surroundings and acquainted with your neighbors is to become more than part of the scenery.  If there’s a central place where other residents frequent, make an appearance even if it’s to sit and observe.  Strike up an outdoor interest and attend neighborhood events, says Apartment Therapy.  A trending idea featured on Allstate.com is to start a lending library on your property that attracts neighbors, especially if you have the same taste in books.

Be a Joiner

In addition to meeting neighbors, joining clubs and volunteering produces more ways toward making friends and connections.  Using the Internet as a guide, locate your local gym, religious organization or meet-up groups for activities.  Before moving, ask everyone you know if they know people who currently live in your new neighborhood and if they can introduce you.  To get further acquainted with your neighbors, start a neighborhood group like a neighborhood watch or book club, says Women’s Health, or organize a block party.  If you organize a neighborhood-wide yard sale, sell anything undesirable that you kept in storage and meet neighbors in the process.  Apartment Guide recommends becoming a regular at a local restaurant or café, too, and accepting any invitations you receive to meet people.

Use Your Kids and Pets

Although it sounds sneaky, meeting people through your kids and pets is an ideal socializing tool.  When your children play outside, observe where other children play and take them there.  Once you’ve met neighbor kids and their parents, host a playdate with them, especially if they’re around the same age.  If your kids are enrolled in school, join school organizations and local sports teams to meet other parents.  With your dog in tow, walk around the neighborhood, so you can meet other dog lovers.

Make the First Move

It’s a big step but introducing yourself to neighbors will eliminate any unfamiliarity and foster relationships.  After learning their names and getting acquainted, neighbors can offer the neighborhood and township scoop.  If you need a nudge to talk to them, bring cookies you baked or show off your neighborly behavior, says GOOD, by helping them with unwieldy bags or exchanging misplaced mail.  If you’re confident enough, when you’re holding your housewarming party for loved ones include the neighbors or plan a get-together for just the neighbors so everyone can get acquainted and build up your community.