Your essential home-moving checklist

Moving home can be exciting, but it’s also a big life event, with lots to arrange and remember. Between packing, paperwork, and last-minute hiccups, it’s easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed. A bit of planning and organisation can make a huge difference, helping you stay on top of things and avoid the most common moving-day headaches.

This step-by-step guide walks you through what to do and when – from early prep right through to settling in – so your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Before you move: Thing to do weeks in advance

1. Confirm your moving date

It sounds obvious, but pinning down your exact move date is the first crucial step. If there’s any overlap between properties, get clear on your timeline — your final day in the old place, your first day in the new one, and the big moving day in between.

2. Create a moving folder

Keep all your key documents together — tenancy agreements, mortgage documents, deposit protection info, and any moving quotes. Whether it’s a physical folder or a shared digital one, having everything in one place will save a lot of stress later.

3. Give notice to your landlord (if renting)

If you’re renting, check your contract and give written notice in good time. Most rolling tenancies need a month’s notice, but fixed-term ones can vary. Look out for break clauses or other notice conditions so you don’t get caught out.

4. Gather your packing supplies

Packing always takes longer than you think, so stock up early. You’ll need:
Boxes (cardboard for light stuff, plastic for heavy or fragile items)

• Strong tape and marker pens for labelling
• Laundry or vacuum bags for clothes and bedding
• Bubble wrap, old blankets, or towels for protection
• Small bags or tubs for screws and bolts
• A few black sacks for rubbish and odds and ends

5. Have a big clear-out

Moving is the perfect excuse to get ruthless with your clutter. If it’s been in a cupboard for years, do you really need it? Sell unwanted stuff online, donate what you can, and recycle the rest — you’ll save money and space when it’s time to pack.

6. Measure up your new place

Before you move everything, make sure it’ll actually fit. Ask the agent or seller if you can take measurements — not just of rooms, but hallways, stairways and doorframes. If you’re buying new furniture, you’ll know what will work (and what won’t).

7. Get removal quotes

Once you know what’s coming with you, decide how you’ll move it. Compare quotes from removal companies, or look into hiring a van yourself. Book early if you can; weekends usually cost more.

Packing and practical arrangements: The weeks before you move

8. Pack early and pack smart

Don’t leave packing to the last minute. A few simple strategies help:

• Start with things you rarely use
• Go room by room so you still have space to live
• Make a capsule wardrobe for the final weeks
• Keep an “essentials box” for moving day — kettle, mugs, chargers, toiletries, snacks

9. Sort your utilities

Telling your suppliers early will save headaches later.

• Energy and gas: Give your move date and new address — maybe shop around for a better deal.
• Water: Let them know when you’re leaving; take a final reading if you have a meter.
• Council tax: Tell your current council you’re moving and register with your new one.
• Broadband: Book installation well in advance; it can take weeks to get connected.

10. Update your address

There are a lot of places you’ll potentially need to update when moving:

• HMRC, DVLA, Electoral Roll
• Banks, insurers, pensions, credit cards
• GP, dentist, schools
• Streaming services, subscriptions, delivery apps
• Friends and family

11. Redirect your post

Royal Mail can forward your post for 3, 6, or 12 months. It takes about five days to set up and covers everyone in your household — a small fee for big peace of mind.

12. Check parking at your new place

If parking’s tight or there are restrictions, contact your new local council to book a parking bay suspension for moving day. You’ll usually need to apply about 10 days in advance.

13. Arrange cleaning

If you’re renting, you’ll probably need to do an end-of-tenancy clean at your old place. For your new one, consider a deep clean before the boxes arrive — it’s much easier to do while the rooms are empty.

Moving day: Staying organised

14. Do final checks at your old home

Before you lock up:

• Check cupboards, and easily forgotten places like the loft and shed, if you had them
• Take final meter readings and photos
• Take photos of each room for your records (especially if renting)

15. Do first checks at your new home:

• Walk around and make sure everything’s as expected. Test the smoke alarm, heating, water and electrics. Record meter readings with photos, and locate key spots like the fuse box, thermostat, and stopcock.
• If you’ve got movers, stay on hand to guide them. Be there when they load up and again when they unload, so you can direct boxes to the right rooms. Clear labelling pays off here.
• Move large furniture first
  Unload the big stuff first — beds, sofas, wardrobes — then fill in with boxes and smaller items. It’ll save a lot of shuffling around later.

Settling in: Post-move essentials

16. Find your bin day

Check your council’s website for collection days and make a note straight away — missing your first one is a common rookie mistake.

17. Say hello to the neighbours

A quick hello can go a long way. It’s nice to have familiar faces nearby, and they might share tips on local shops, parking, or bin schedules.

18. Change the locks (if you’re the homeowner)

You never know who still has a spare key, so changing the locks (and window locks if needed) is a simple way to feel secure.

19. Check your budget

New home, new costs — it’s worth reviewing your bills and setting up direct debits straight away. It’ll help avoid surprises later.

20. Sort parking permits

If you’re in a controlled zone, apply for your resident permit. Some councils allow temporary ones while your proof of address is being processed.

Moving home is one of those life events that always feels bigger than you expect — but planning ahead really does make a difference. Use this checklist as a guide, tweak it for your situation, and take it one step at a time. The more you prepare early, the less frantic move day will feel — and the sooner you can enjoy your new space.

Your home-moving toolkit