The Complete Moving Checklist

Moving home can feel overwhelming—but with a clear plan, it becomes far more manageable. This complete checklist walks you through everything you need to do from 8 weeks before moving day to settling into your new home.

8 Weeks Before Moving

✔ Decide on a potential moving date
✔ Create a moving budget
✔ Research and compare removal companies
✔ Book a home visit if using a professional removals service
✔ Start decluttering room by room
✔ Measure large furniture (so you know what fits in the new home)
✔ Gather essential paperwork in one folder (contracts, IDs, warranties)

6 Weeks Before Moving

✔ Order packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, labels)
✔ Plan how each room will be packed and what will be donated or disposed of
✔ Notify your child’s school if a transfer is needed
✔ Check pet arrangements for moving day
✔ Begin using up food in the freezer and cupboards
✔ Confirm parking or access restrictions at both addresses

4 Weeks Before Moving

✔ Start packing items you don’t use daily (books, décor, off-season clothes)
✔ Arrange storage if needed
✔ Notify utility providers that you’re moving
✔ Begin change-of-address updates (banks, workplace, subscriptions)
✔ Inform your GP, dentist, and vet if you’re changing areas
✔ Book time off work for moving day
✔ Arrange for disconnection/connection of broadband

2 Weeks Before Moving

✔ Finalise arrangements with your removal company
✔ Pack most non-essential items
✔ Label boxes clearly by room and contents
✔ Confirm access with your agent or solicitor for key collection
✔ Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day
✔ Redirect mail through Royal Mail
✔ Make a “moving day essentials” list (see below)

1 Week Before Moving

✔ Clean and prepare old property for handover
✔ Take photos of meter readings for your records
✔ Defrost the freezer
✔ Pack valuables, important documents, and medications separately
✔ Dismantle large furniture if needed
✔ Confirm broadband and utilities activation date for your new home
✔ Prepare suitcases for each family member with essentials

Moving Day Essentials Box

Pack these in one clearly marked box and keep it with you:

• Kettle, tea/coffee, mugs, snacks
• Cleaning wipes, cloths, bin bags
• Phone chargers
• Basic tools (screwdriver, Allen keys, scissors, tape)
• Bedding for the first night
• Towels and toiletries
• Toilet roll!
• Pet food and leads/carry cases
• Important documents

Moving Day

✔ Strip beds and pack final bedding
✔ Disconnect appliances safely
✔ Double-check all cupboards, loft, and sheds
✔ Take final meter readings
✔ Leave keys as agreed with your estate agent
✔ Hand over manuals for appliances (if staying with the property)
✔ Lock up securely
✔ Collect new home keys

Arriving at Your New Home

✔ Take meter readings at the new property
✔ Check utilities are working (electric, gas, heating, water)
✔ Direct removal team to the right rooms
✔ Make beds first— you will be grateful you did so later in the day!
✔ Unpack essentials only
✔ Ensure pets are settled in a quiet room
✔ Take a moment to celebrate your new home ?

Within the First Week

✔ Register with local GP and dentist
✔ Update licence and car registration address
✔ Introduce yourself to neighbours
✔ Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
✔ Locate stopcock, fuse box, thermostat, boiler manual
✔ Schedule any planned repairs or improvements
✔ Explore your new neighbourhood

Within the First Month

✔ Update home insurance details
✔ Register to vote at your new address
✔ Check your council tax band
✔ Notify any remaining services or memberships
✔ Organise long-term storage areas (garage, loft, shed)