Moving House Checklist (UK)

After your offer is accepted

If you're renting, remember to hand in your notice of intent to leave to your landlord or estate agent. Check how long this period is. Sometimes it's one month, sometimes two.

If you have lived in your current home for less than a year, you may be in a contract with a break clause. Be sure of your preferred moving date before you give notice.

There are several actions worth taking in the early stages, even if your move date is not yet confirmed.

Documents to prepare and who to contact

• Create a folder for moving documents, emails and quotes
• Set a provisional moving date or date range
• Research removal companies or van hire options
• Check access at both properties, including parking, stairs and lifts

If you are sorting through items early on, read our guide to decluttering before a house move.

When to book removals and storage - things to consider 

• Whether your move-out and move-in dates will align
• Whether you may need temporary space for furniture or boxes
• Whether any items require specialist handling

If your move dates are uncertain, read about how storage can help during a house move.

At this point, plans usually become more defined and packing can begin.

Book key services

• Confirm your removals company or van hire
• Arrange time off work for moving day
• Book a kennels or cattery for any pets, if needed
• Start planning for any short-term storage to help manage the move.

What should I pack first when moving house?

Seasonal clothing and shoes

• Pack coats, boots, swimwear and anything you won't wear before the move
• Vacuum-seal or use wardrobe boxes for bulky items such as winter coats and duvets

Books, ornaments and décor

• Pack books in small boxes, because large boxes get too heavy to lift
• Wrap ornaments and framed pictures in paper and label them "fragile"
• Take down wall décor and mirrors early, and keep the screws and fittings together

Items from storage areas and spare rooms

• Clear the loft, garage, shed and under-stairs cupboards
• Tools, garden equipment and storage bins can go early, since you will need them least

Kitchen and dining

• Pack serving dishes, spare crockery, glassware and small appliances you rarely use
• Keep one pot, one plate, one cup and one set of cutlery per person until the last 48 hours

Pantry and bathroom extras

• Use up or donate perishables and open food
• Pack spare towels, bedding and toiletries you won't use

Keep packing rooms you use least, and separate what you still need before moving day

How to organise boxes when planning a move

• Label boxes clearly by room and contents
• Use smaller boxes for heavy items such as books
• Keep a simple inventory of valuable belongings

Browse our range of packing materials and boxes when you begin packing.

This stage focuses on administration, utilities and building packing momentum. Notifying the right people and organisations of your change of address is one of the most commonly missed tasks.

Who to notify when moving house

• Banks and credit card providers
• Insurance companies
• Employer, DWP and any private pension providers
• Schools, nurseries and childcare providers
• Electoral registration office and local council tax department
• Subscription services and regular deliveries

Utilities and services

• Notify gas, electricity and water providers
• Arrange final meter readings
• Book broadband installation at your new property
• Set up mail redirection if required

Plan and start packing furniture and large items

• Measure large furniture, doorways, stairs or lifts at both properties
• Decide what goes to your new home, into storage, or to be sold or disposed of
• Photograph how furniture and electronics are assembled/connected before taking them apart
• Order packing materials for large items, such as covers and corner protectors

Storing furniture? See our guide to preparing furniture for storage.

With moving day approaching, focus on confirmation and essentials.

Essential tasks to complete before moving day

• Confirm timings and access with your removals company
• Confirm key collection arrangements
• Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day

Prepare a moving day essentials box

Keep valuables, important documents and paperwork somewhere safe, away from the chaos of packing. Include any documents you need for the move and keep them with you on your moving day.

• Passports, birth and/or marriage certificates
• Insurance and tax documents
• Phone chargers and extension cables
• Pack a first-night box with a kettle, toiletries, medication and bedding
• Basic cleaning supplies to use on the day you move in

Finish packing and confirm your moving day plan

• Pack any remaining non-essential items
• Check the loft, garage, shed and under-stairs cupboards
• Get in touch with your removals company for arrival time and contact numbers
• Confirm how and where you will collect the keys to your new home

Clear and clean your old home

• Arrange a final clean, or book one if your tenancy requires it
• Defrost the freezer and use up or donate perishables and open food
• Set aside keys, manuals and spare parts to leave behind