Moving house checklist & guide

8 weeks before moving

• Set a moving budget and a target date.
• Declutter room by room — sell, donate or recycle what you don't need.
• Get quotes from removal companies. Request a free quote from us.
• If you rent, check your notice period and plan your end-of-tenancy clean.

4–6 weeks before

• Book your removal company and confirm the date.
• Order boxes and packing materials, or book our packing service.
• Arrange storage if your completion dates don't line up.
• Start packing spare rooms, lofts and garages.
• Book time off work for moving day.

2 weeks before

• Notify utilities, broadband, TV Licensing and insurers of your moving date.
• Set up Royal Mail post redirection.
• Check parking at both properties and let us know about permits, lifts or restrictions.
• Use up frozen food and plan simple meals.

The week of your move

• Pack everything except daily essentials, and label boxes by room.
• Defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before moving.
• Confirm arrival times with your removal team.
• Pack your first-night box and keep valuables and documents with you.

Moving day

• Take meter readings and photos at both properties.
• Walk through with your movers to point out fragile or special items.
• Do a final check of every cupboard, loft and shed before leaving.
• Leave keys as agreed with your agent or landlord.

After you move

• Check furniture placement and unpack the essentials first.
• Register with a local GP and dentist.
• Update your address with DVLA, HMRC, your bank and employer.
• Update your council tax and join the electoral roll.

Packing tips from professional movers

• Use small boxes for heavy items (books) and large boxes for light items (bedding).
• Wrap plates individually and pack them on their edges.
• Fill empty spaces with paper so contents don't shift.
• Keep screws and fittings in labelled bags taped to the furniture.
• Label each box on the side with the room and a short contents list.

Who to notify when you move house in the UK