Guide · 7 min read
Moving house checklist
Most of the stress in a move comes from things that had a deadline nobody noticed. This is the order they actually need doing in. Adjust the timings — a lot of moves are arranged in three weeks rather than eight, and that is fine.
Six to eight weeks out
The things with lead times. Do these first even if the date is not fixed.
- Get quotes and book the removal firm. Good dates go early, particularly month-end Fridays.
- Book time off work for the day and ideally the day after.
- Start using up the freezer.
- Tell your landlord if you are renting, and check the notice period.
- Begin sorting what is not coming with you.
Three to four weeks out
The admin, which is dull and takes longer than expected.
- Set up mail redirection.
- Notify the council, your bank, your GP and dentist, the DVLA and your insurers.
- Arrange broadband at the new place — this is the one with the longest lead time and the one most often forgotten.
- Book a parking suspension if your street needs one.
- Order packing materials, or confirm the packing service.
One to two weeks out
- Start packing anything you will not need — books, out-of-season clothes, spare bedding.
- Confirm the moving date and timings with everyone involved.
- Arrange for children and pets to be elsewhere on the day if you can.
- Take meter readings and photographs of anything you may need to prove later.
- Defrost the freezer.
The last few days
- Pack an "open me first" box: kettle, mugs, tea, toilet roll, phone chargers, a change of clothes, any medication.
- Keep documents, keys and valuables separate and take them in your own car.
- Charge everything.
- Confirm what time the crew is arriving.
Moving day
The day itself should be the least eventful part if the rest is done.
- Be there for the first half hour to walk the crew through what is going and what is staying.
- Take final meter readings.
- Check every room, cupboard, loft and shed before the van leaves.
- Leave the keys where you agreed, not where you assumed.