Moving House: The Ultimate Checklist from Start to Finish

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Conquer the chaos of moving house

Moving house is a big deal — and a huge effort. It’s usually full of excitement for a fresh start and the overwhelm at the thought of packing up your entire life. 

But with a little planning, you can take some of the stress out of your move and help things go a little smoother. At SellHouseFast.co.uk we have helped thousands of people moving house. So don’t worry — we’ve got your back.

This guide will walk you through every step, from the initial planning to unpacking your last box. Think of it as your roadmap for the process of moving house.

Let’s get started.

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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.

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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

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.

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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:

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.

After moving house

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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:

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