Moving House Checklist: Guide from Start to Finish

When moving house is on the horizon

It pays to prepare early. It means you’ll streamline the process, and keep disruption to a minimum. And for these tasks, it’s never too early.

Declutter and organise

Moving house is the perfect opportunity to declutter your life — provided you start early enough. 

Sort through your belongings with a critical eye, letting go of items you no longer need or use. Not only will this lighten your load for moving day, but it will also help you create a fresh start in your new home. Consider booking into a car boot sale or using online marketplaces to sell unwanted items. For gently used goods, you can donate to local charities. 

Decluttering is hard work, but when you’re not having to move home with unwanted items in tow or find room for them in your new place, you’ll be glad you did it.

While you’re at it, start packing

Yes, really. You can never start too early. While you’re sorting and decluttering, box up some of the things you’re keeping but rarely use. You can put the boxes back in the same cupboards or stack them well out of the way. And label them well, just in case you need something before the move.

Set a realistic budget for moving house

Moving house comes with certain unavoidable costs. Draw up a budget to cover expenses like removal services, packing services, cleaning services, storage, repairs and renovations, as well as packing materials (which can really add up, as you always need more than you think).

To get an idea of removal and/or packing costs you’ll need to get some quotes — we recommend getting at least three to make sure you get the best deal. Check whether packing materials are provided or whether you’ll need to supply your own.

In the run-up to moving house

This section is for when the wheels are in motion. You’ve found your dream home, there’s a loose timescale, and the countdown has begun. This means it’s time to circle the wagons and spread the word.

Tell everyone

• Contact utility providers and other services to transfer service or terminate accounts:
  • Electricity/gas
  • Water
  • Broadband
  • TV packages
• Arrange new school admissions for any school-age children
• Book removal services or rent a van if you’re handling the move yourself
• Schedule cleaning services for your old and new homes (if needed).
• Tell services about your new address well in advance, including:
  • Royal Mail (set up a redirection for a while too if you wish)
  • Banks, loan and credit card providers
  • Pet insurance provider
  • Insurance providers (pet, car, life, business, health)
  • Government bodies (DVLA, HMRC, Electoral Roll, local councils)
  • Health providers such as your GP and the dentist
  • Subscriptions such as magazines, newspapers, streaming services, gaming memberships, gym memberships
  • Delivery subscriptions like Amazon Subscribe & Save, meal kits, pet food
  • Your employer, any schools or educational institutions if not transferring to a different one

Get packing

Protecting your belongings is key to a stress-free move. At this point we suggest you create a packing schedule to ensure you pack methodically and efficiently.

Start packing items you won’t need immediately, like out-of-season clothes or decorations. This will prevent last-minute rushes and keep you organised.

You might think you’ll remember what’s in each box, but trust us, it’s easy to forget. That’s why clear and consistent labelling is a lifesaver down the line. Use a marker to write clearly on the top and sides of each box, detailing the contents and the room it belongs in. For extra organisation use a colour coding system. For example, use blue tape for the kitchen, green for the bedroom and so on.

Bubble wrap is your best friend for fragile items. Wrap everything carefully, using plenty of padding. If you’re short on bubble wrap, use clean towels or blankets as cushioning. For awkward items like lamps or mirrors, use plenty of padding and secure them well. Disassemble furniture if necessary, taking photos or sketches to help with reassembly. Pack all screws, bolts and other hardware in labelled bags as this is another area where our confidence in our memory is better than our actual memory.

Above all else, pack carefully and methodically. You’ll be saving yourself from headaches (and potential broken items) down the line.

Write an ‘essentials’ list

There are certain items you’ll need from the word go when you arrive in your new home. Start a list, and add to it. The list might include toiletries, medications, clothing, bedding, kitchen utensils, chargers and important documents. Keep some boxes at the ready as you approach moving day and add anything on the list. Then, keep these essential boxes readily accessible throughout the move.

A week before moving house

It might not feel real yet, but the big move is just around the corner. Here are a few ways to keep things on track:

• Double-check the details with your removal company. Confirm the moving date, time, and any specific instructions. Clear communication is key.
• Gather up spare keys from friends, neighbours and family members. Label keys for front and back doors, outbuildings, windows etc.
• Ensure you have all essential documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and bank statements, readily available.
• Firm up childcare plans if needed. A new house can be exciting for children, but they don’t need to be around for the removals part. See whether friends or grandparents can take them off your hands for the day.
• Gather up all manuals for the heating system, any alarms, and anything else that’s staying put in your old home. The new owner will appreciate this hugely.

On the big day

Moving day is a heady mix of excitement and (despite your organisation efforts) a fair amount of chaos! To keep things running smoothly, a little coordination goes a long way.

• Before the movers arrive, give your old home a good clean. Focus on the kitchen and bathrooms.
• When the removal team arrives, keep a close eye on your belongings. Make sure everything is packed securely and communicate clearly with the movers about where you want things placed in their vehicles.
• Keep your valuables and essentials boxes with you, or in a secure but accessible place.
• To protect yourself, take photos or videos of your old property before the movers arrive. This documents the condition of your home and can be helpful if any disputes arise.
• Make sure to take meter readings for all your utilities.

After moving house

• Prioritise what you unpack first – think bedding, towels and kitchen essentials. Getting these basics sorted will make your new place feel like home sooner rather than later.
• It’s okay to have a pile of boxes for a while. The hardest part is over, and you may well need to catch up with the rest of life after the move. But try not to let your unpacking efforts grind to a halt completely, or you’ll be celebrating years 1, 2 and 3 in your new home with unpacked boxes still lurking in a corner — an all too common story.
• Security is key — pun fully intended. Change your locks as soon as possible. You want to feel safe and secure in your new home and control who has access.
• Keep an eye on your redirected mail to pick up on anything that slipped through the change-of-address net.
• Depending on the cost of your new home, you may need to pay Stamp Duty. This is due within 30 days of moving. Your conveyancer will usually sort this out for you, but it’s worth checking in with them to ensure all is well.
• Take some time to make your new place feel like yours. Unpack your favourite things, hang pictures and arrange your furniture to create a space you love. You chose your new home for a reason, so take good care of it.
• Don’t forget to introduce yourself to your neighbours!
• Remember, unpacking takes time. Don’t rush it. Enjoy the process of making your new house a home.

That’s it — moving house with confidence just got a lot easier

So there you have it. This guide to moving house has hopefully equipped you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the moving process smoothly.

Remember, the key takeaways for a positive and exciting moving experience are:

• Planning is everything. The earlier you start, the less stressful the move will be. And hopefully this checklist for moving house has made that more straightforward.
• Be informed. Take time to understand and budget for the costs involved, from removal services to potential stamp duty.
• Choose the right selling method. If you’re looking to sell your house fast on your terms, SellHouseFast.co.uk can help. We buy any house with our uniquely fast and fair service.

Ready to get a free cash offer and explore your options? Talk to us today and take the next step towards your new home.