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Last updated: October 2026
Moving house involves far more than packing boxes. There are dates to coordinate, services to arrange, people to notify and dozens of small but important tasks that are easy to overlook.
This moving house checklist is designed to help you plan your move from start to finish. It breaks the process into clear stages so you know what needs to happen at each point, and highlights common issues that can delay or complicate a move.
How to use this moving house checklist
This checklist is organised by time and stage, rather than as one long list of tasks. Not every move follows the same timeline, but working through these stages in order will help you stay organised and reduce last-minute pressure.
Each section includes practical tasks, reminders and things to consider before moving on to the next stage.
Prefer a printable version? You can download our moving house checklist to print or save and tick off tasks as you go.
As soon as your move is likely (around 8-12 weeks before)
Hand in your notice
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.
What to do
- 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.
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.
6-8 weeks before moving
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
- Book cleaners if required
Start packing non-essential items
- Seasonal clothing and shoes
- Books, ornaments and décor
- Items from storage areas and spare rooms
Packing tips
- Label boxes clearly by room and contents
- Use smaller boxes for heavy items
- Keep a simple inventory of valuable belongings
Browse our range of packing materials and boxes when you begin packing.
4 weeks before moving
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
Continue packing
- Most rooms should now be partially packed
- Clearly separate items you will still need before moving day
2 weeks before moving
With moving day approaching, focus on confirmation and essentials.
Final checks
- 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 in the car on moving day.
- Passports, birth and/or marriage certificates
- Insurance and tax documents
- Phone chargers and extension cables
- Medication and toiletries
- Kettle, mugs and tea or coffee
- Basic cleaning supplies
1 week before moving
Finish packing
- Pack remaining non-essential items
- Dismantle furniture if required
- Clearly label boxes that need careful handling
Prepare your old home
- Defrost the freezer
- Dispose of unwanted items responsibly
- Set aside keys, manuals and spare parts to leave behind
After you have moved in
In the first few days
- Unpack bedrooms, bathrooms and the kitchen first
- Check belongings for any damage
- Update your address where needed
In the following weeks
- Register with a GP and dentist
- Update the electoral roll
- Review insurance policies
- Finish unpacking and organise your space
Who to notify of your change of address
Notifying the right organisations helps prevent missed bills, service interruptions and admin issues after you move.
Financial and legal
- Banks and building societies
- Credit card providers
- Loan providers and finance agreements
- Mortgage provider
- Insurance providers (home, contents, car, life)
- Solicitor or conveyancer
Government and council
- Local council (council tax)
- DVLA (driving licence and vehicle log book)
- HMRC
- Electoral register
- TV Licensing
Utilities and home services
- Gas supplier
- Electricity supplier
- Water supplier
- Broadband and internet provider
- Landline provider
- Mobile phone provider
Work, education and childcare
- Employer and payroll
- Pension provider
- Schools, colleges or universities
- Nurseries and childcare providers
Healthcare
- GP surgery
- Dentist
- Optician
- Vet (if you have pets)
- Pharmacy for prescription collections.
Deliveries, subscriptions and membership
- Online shopping accounts
- Streaming services
- Newspaper and magazine subscriptions
- Gyms, clubs and memberships
- Loyalty schemes
Common questions about moving house preparations
What should I pack first when moving house?
Pack the things you use least first: out-of-season clothes, books, decorative items, spare bedding and anything stored in the loft, garage or spare room. Leave daily essentials until the last 48 hours. Keep one first-night box with a kettle, chargers, toiletries, medication and bedding.
What are some essential tasks to complete before moving day?
Confirm your removals booking, give notice to your landlord if renting, and tell your energy, water, broadband and council tax providers. Set up Royal Mail redirection, notify your bank and GP, take meter readings on the day, and defrost the fridge-freezer.
When should I book removals and storage?
Book removals as soon as your moving date is likely, ideally 4 to 8 weeks ahead. Month-end, Fridays and summer usually fill first.
If your dates might not line up, reserve storage at around the same time. This way, you can start to move items out early, or be prepared in the event of a delayed move in timeline.
