Your complete moving house checklist

They say that moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do in your life. Well, it doesn’t have to be. We have put together a handy checklist of all the things you need to do to keep on top of your pre-moving admin.

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Getting organised for your move

As moving day approaches there is certainly a lot to organise, but if you do plenty of preparation in the weeks leading up to completion you can make the experience a little less stressful.

A month before you move

Choose a removals company

A good removals company can help make your move go smoothly on the day. Word of mouth is important here – get recommendations from friends or family, and try to get three quotes if you can. The removals company should visit you and see how many items you have, so that they can quote you accurately and know what size of moving van they will need. 

Declutter your existing home

Now is the time to get rid of a few things! To lighten the load of the removals lorry, and perhaps create more space in your new home (especially if you are downsizing), do a bit of decluttering. If you can dispose of some bulky items, all the better.

Order packing materials

Your removals company will usually include some packing boxes, but it might not be enough. There are plenty of suppliers online where you can order a range of different sized boxes, as well as bubble wrap, tape and other packaging materials.

Book time off work if required

Completion dates are always week days, so you will usually need to book your moving date as leave. You probably won’t know your completion date that far in advance, so let your employer know that you are moving soon and will need to book a day off at short notice.

Two weeks before you move

Inform phone, broadband and utility companies of your move

Your service providers should be given plenty of notice of your moving date. Gas and electricity meter readings will need to be taken, so that accounts can be closed and any outstanding credit or debts settled. Broadband, phone and TV providers will want to know if you are continuing with their services in your new home, in order to arrange re-connection dates.

Arrange Royal Mail redirection

You will want to keep receiving your post until you have had time to inform every organisation that you have moved. The Royal Mail offer a mail redirection service lasting 3, 6 or 12 months.

Create lists of people to inform of your move

You will have lots of different people who have your old address. Anyone who sends you a Christmas card, for example. Make a list of people you should notify, and prioritise them – not everyone needs to know immediately and some can wait until after you have moved.

1. Family, friends & employer

Let those key people in your life know your new address, as well as any organisations, clubs or societies that you receive correspondence from. Your employer will also need to be informed.

2. Banks & other financial institutions

Your bank will need to know your new address, plus any credit card companies, pensions providers or any financial institution of which you are a customer. This is important because your address is used in verification and security checks.

3. Driving licence & DVLA

Contact the DVLA online or by post so they can change the address registered to your driving licence. You will receive a new licence with the updated information. You may have to update your photo at the same time. 

4. Doctor, dentist and other health bodies

You should notify your GP and dentist of your new address, if you are still going to be using their services. If you have to register with a new GP or dentist, they will arrange to transfer your records and details. Update your address with the NHS, who may issue you with new documentation.

5. Council tax

Let your local council know your new address and moving date. If you are relocating, or your council tax band has changed, they will calculate your final bill and process any refunds that are due.

Start packing non-essential items

Pack anything you aren’t going to need before the move. Take down curtains from rooms and disassemble any beds or self-assembly furniture that won’t be used any longer.

Arrange buildings insurance for your new property

It will be a condition of your mortgage that buildings insurance cover is in place for the property you are moving into before exchange of contracts.

The week before

Pack everything except things you’ll need for the next week

This is the moment to really be brutal. Only clothes, kitchen essentials, toiletries, furniture, fixtures and fittings should really be left unboxed at this point.

Pay outstanding bills

If you have received your final bills from utility companies, get these paid.

Inform change of address to people on lists

Those priority people on that list you made a week ago - it is time to let them know you’re moving house.

The day before

How are your nerves? It’s moving date T-1.

Last minute packing

The only things that shouldn’t be in boxes now are tea bags, essential kitchenware, toiletries and the clothes you are going to be wearing on moving day.

Defrost fridge & freezer

If white goods like your fridge and freezer are moving with you, it is time to put the towels down and turn the power off. They should be more or less empty by now, if you have been reducing their contents over the last few weeks.

Clean your house

If you have time, it is a nice gesture to give your house a good final clean, so the new owners don’t have to.

Moving day

It’s finally happening. The removals vans are turning up soon!

Take final meter readings for gas, electricity & water

Your utility company will want a last meter reading for their records, and to calculate any outstanding bills.

Ensure current property is completely empty

Once the moving van is full, it is time to have one last look around your old home – and not just for sentimental reasons. Check in any nooks and crannies for anything you might have missed.

Ensure doors & windows are secured

Lock all the doors and windows. Perhaps leave the window keys in the locks for the benefit of the new owners. It’s time to hand the keys in to the estate agent!

Find out how much your property is worth

If you’re thinking of moving, do you know the value of your property? Please get in touch and we will provide a free no-obligation property valuation for you.