Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful if you’re not prepared. Whether this is your first move, you’re upgrading to a bigger place, or just changing scenery, having a solid plan makes all the difference.
This step-by-step moving house checklist guides you through the entire process, breaking it down into simple, manageable tasks. Follow it to stay organised, reduce stress, and make your move as smooth as possible.
Happy moving!
Planning and Preparation
- Set a Moving Date: Think about your work or school schedule, busy moving seasons, and how far in advance you need to book movers. Booking early is especially important during peak times, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
- Build a Moving Budget: Figure out what you’ll need to spend. Movers, packing supplies, transport, storage (if required), and any unexpected costs. Keep track of your spending so you can make smart decisions along the way
- Declutter and Donate: Take some time to sort through your things. Divide them into three piles: keep, donate, and throw away. Getting rid of what you don’t need will require less packing and make moving much quicker and easier.
- Make an Inventory: Write down everything you own, and take photos if you can. This will help with insurance and make unpacking less stressful.
- Research and Hire Professional Movers (if needed): Get quotes from at least three reputable moving companies. Look for ones with good reviews, proper licensing, and solid insurance. Don’t just rely on one review platform; check a few sources to be sure, like Google, Trustpilot, Checkatrade, and RemovalsReview.co.uk
- Notify Important Parties:
Update your address with key organizations so you don’t miss anything important. This includes:
The Post Office (for mail redirection)
Utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet)
Banks and financial institutions
Insurance providers (home, car, health)
Subscription services
Government agencies (DVLA, tax office)
- Transfer Records: Contact schools, doctors, dentists, and other service providers to arrange for your records to be transferred to your new location.
- Notify Landlord (if renting): Let your landlord know in writing when you plan to move out. Your lease might require this, so check the details.
- Check Home Insurance: Make sure your insurance covers your belongings while you’re moving. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Confirm Child’s School Schedule: If you have kids, coordinate their last day at their current school and their first day at the new one. This helps keep things running smoothly for them.
Packing Like a Pro
- Gather Packing Materials: Get sturdy boxes in different sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, good tape, markers, and labels. Having the right supplies makes packing much easier.
- Colour-Coding System: Use different colored labels for each room in your new home. This makes unpacking a breeze and helps you find things quickly.
- Room-by-Room Efficiency: Pack one room at a time. This keeps things organised and stops you from feeling overwhelmed.
- Prepare an “Essentials” Box: Pack a special box or bag with things you’ll need right away—like toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, chargers, and important documents. This will make your first night in your new home much smoother.
Services and Logistics
- Arrange for Parking Permits: If you need street parking for the moving van, check with your local council about permits for both your old and new addresses.
- Arrange Final Meter Readings: Take final readings at your old place and initial readings at your new home. Let your utility companies know so your bills are accurate.
Final Preparations
- Clean Your Current Home: Before you leave, give your old place a good clean. This leaves a good impression and helps you move out with peace of mind.
- New Home Inspection: Visit your new home a few days before the move if you can. Check that everything is clean and working, including utilities and appliances.
Think Ahead
- Clean New Home (If Possible): If you have time, get the carpets and walls cleaned before you move in. It will be challenging to do it after all the furniture is positioned.
- Subscriptions: Update any regular deliveries, like magazines, newspapers, and streaming services, so you don’t miss anything.
Moving Day
- Mover Communication: Confirm the arrival time, addresses, and any special instructions with your removal company. Clear communication helps everything go smoothly.
- Onsite Supervision: Be there during loading and unloading. Guide the movers with fragile items and ensure items go to the right rooms.
- Final Lock-Up: Before you leave your old place, double-check that everything is packed and all windows and doors are locked.
- Helpful Factsheet: Put together a factsheet for the new owners with necessary info, like the location of the stopcock, meters, bin days, and energy providers.
- Moving Day Essentials: Pack a kettle, tea, coffee, milk, cups, snacks, bottled water, toilet paper, toiletries, basic utensils, dishes, and a first aid kit. These will make your first day in your new home much easier.
Happy Moving!
Disclaimer: This moving house checklist serves as a fundamental guide and should be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Consult with relevant professionals as necessary to ensure a personalised and comprehensive plan for your move.
