You’ve got your mortgage offer and the completion date is set – congratulations! Now comes the next big challenge: the move itself. Moving house can be one of life’s most stressful events, but with a solid plan, it doesn’t have to be.
Follow our ultimate checklist to ensure a smooth, organised, and stress-free move, broken down by a clear timeline.
8 Weeks Before Moving: The Big Picture
The key at this stage is to make the big decisions and start decluttering.
- Declutter Ruthlessly: Go through every room, cupboard, and attic space. Create four piles: Keep, Sell, Donate, and Dispose. The less you have to move, the cheaper and easier it will be.
- Get Removal Quotes: Research and get quotes from at least three different removal companies. Check their insurance cover and read reviews. Book your preferred company as soon as you have a confirmed moving date, especially if you’re moving on a Friday or during a busy season.
- Notify Your Landlord: If you are currently renting, check your tenancy agreement and give your landlord the required notice in writing.
4-6 Weeks Before Moving: The Admin and Early Packing
Now is the time to tackle the administrative tasks and make a real start on packing.
- Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you don’t use regularly. This includes books, out-of-season clothing, decorative items, and anything stored in the loft or garage.
- Label Everything: Clearly label every box with its contents and the room it belongs in at the new house. You’ll thank yourself later! It’s also a good idea to number the boxes and keep a corresponding inventory list.
- Notify Key Organisations: Start the process of changing your address. Contact your bank, credit card providers, pension providers, insurance companies, and the DVLA.
- Arrange School Transfers: If you have children, speak to their current school and the new school to arrange for their records to be transferred.
2-3 Weeks Before Moving: Finalising Arrangements
With the moving date getting closer, it’s time to finalise all the essential services.
- Arrange Utilities: Contact your current utility providers (gas, electricity, water, internet, and TV) to inform them of your moving date. Arrange for the services to be disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.
- Redirect Your Post: This is a crucial step that many people forget. Set up a mail redirection service with Royal Mail for at least 3-6 months to ensure you don’t miss any important documents.
- Confirm with Movers: Call your chosen removal company to reconfirm all the details, including the arrival time, addresses, and any special instructions for fragile or valuable items.
- Start Eating Through Your Freezer: Plan your meals to use up the food in your freezer, fridge, and cupboards to minimise waste.
1 Week Before Moving: The Final Push
The final week is all about packing the essentials and preparing for the day itself.
- Finish Packing: Aim to have the vast majority of your packing done, leaving only the items you’ll need for the final few days.
- Create an “Essentials Box”: This is a lifesaver! Pack a separate, clearly marked box containing everything you’ll need on moving day:
- Kettle, tea/coffee, milk, sugar, mugs, and snacks.
- Toilet paper, hand soap, and a towel.
- Phone chargers.
- A small tool kit (screwdriver, Allen keys, etc.).
- Important documents (passports, moving documents, etc.).
- Arrange Child and Pet Care: If possible, arrange for children and pets to be looked after on moving day. It will be safer and far less stressful for them and for you.
- Defrost the Fridge/Freezer: Ensure your fridge and freezer are empty, defrosted, and cleaned at least 24 hours before the move.
Moving Day!
The day is finally here. Stay calm and follow these final steps.
- Take Final Meter Readings: Before you leave your old property, take photos of your final gas, electricity, and water meter readings.
- Do One Last Check: Do a final walkthrough of every room, cupboard, and drawer to make sure nothing has been left behind.
- Greet the Movers: Greet your removal company and provide them with clear instructions. Keep your “Essentials Box” and any valuables with you in your car.
- At Your New Home: Arrive before the movers if you can. Do a quick check of the property and, crucially, take photos of the new meter readings.
- Start with the Essentials: Direct the movers to place boxes in the correct rooms. Once they have gone, don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on the essentials first: assemble and make the beds, unpack the kettle and your “Essentials Box,” and maybe order a well-deserved takeaway!
Congratulations, you’ve made it! Now you can start the exciting process of turning your new house into a home.
