The Ultimate UK Moving House Checklist (8-Week Plan)

A move feels overwhelming mostly because there are so many small jobs. Break them into weeks and they become manageable. Use this plan as a template and adjust it to your timeline. If you have less time, jump to the section for your timeframe and catch up on anything marked “essential”.

Prefer a version you can tick off? Use our interactive moving checklist, which saves your progress in your browser.

8 weeks before

• Set your budget and include removals, parking, packing materials, cleaning and a small buffer. Our cost guide shows what to expect.
• Start decluttering. Go room by room and sort into keep, sell, donate and recycle.
• Research removal companies and request written quotes. See how to choose a removal company.
• Check your date. Fridays, month-end and school holidays book out first, so reserve early.
• Read your tenancy or contract for notice periods, deposit rules and inventory requirements.

6 weeks before

• Book your removal company and confirm the booking in writing, including date, price, crew and what is included.
• Book packing help if you want it. See our packing service.
• Order packing materials. Collect strong boxes, tape, paper and wardrobe cartons.
• Notify your landlord or letting agent if you are renting, and agree the check-out date.
• Check parking and access. Find out whether you need a council parking suspension and how much notice is required. Book any building lifts.

4 weeks before

• Give notice to broadband and other providers. Broadband installations can take time, so order at the new address now.
• Plan your utilities. Arrange to take final meter readings on moving day and set up gas, electricity and water at your new home.
• Start packing rarely used items such as books, off-season clothes and decorations.
• Arrange time off work for moving day and the day after.
• Plan for children and pets. Arrange childcare or pet care for the day.
• Check your contents insurance starts on the day you take possession of the new home, and that your belongings are covered in transit.

2 weeks before

• Redirect your mail. Royal Mail offers a redirection service. Set it up in good time.
• Update your address with banks, credit cards, pension providers, insurers, your employer, HMRC and the DVLA. You are legally required to update your driving licence and vehicle registration details.
• Update the electoral register and let your council know for council tax at both addresses.
• Update TV Licensing and any subscriptions or memberships.
• Register with a new GP and dentist if you are moving out of area, and arrange any repeat prescriptions.
• School places. If you are moving to a new area with children, contact the new local authority’s admissions team early.
• Confirm timings with your removal company, solicitor or letting agent.

1 week before

• Pack everything except essentials. Label boxes by room and add a short contents list. Mark fragile boxes clearly.
• Defrost the freezer and plan to use up food.
• Arrange to disconnect appliances such as washing machines, and drain and secure them.
• Prepare an essentials box with kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, toiletries, bedding, chargers, basic tools and medication.
• Collect keys and arrange who will hand them over at each end.
• Check the route and parking at both ends. Put the council parking notices up if you have a suspension.
• Confirm with your crew who is meeting them, where the van will park, and your contact numbers.

Moving day: before the crew arrives

• Take final meter readings and photos for your records.
• Keep valuables, documents, medication and chargers with you. Do not put them on the van.
• Strip beds and pack bedding in a clearly marked bag for the first night.
• Take photos of the empty property and any existing marks for your own records.
• Be available to guide the crew and answer questions about what goes where.

Moving day: after the van is loaded

• Do a last walk-through of every room, cupboard, loft and garage.
• Leave keys as agreed and lock up.
• Share a drop-off plan at the new home: label rooms so boxes go in the right place.
• Check your delivery against your inventory and note any damage before the crew leaves. Report issues straight away.
• Reconnect essentials first: beds, kettle and wifi.

The first week in your new home

• Check meter readings and confirm utilities are working.
• Change locks if you can, and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Find the stopcock and fuse box.
• Update remaining accounts: online shopping, loyalty cards, pet microchip details and any apps.
• Introduce yourself to neighbours. It helps with parcels, parking and settling in.
• Break down boxes and arrange recycling.

A simple rule for stress-free moving

Do a little each day rather than a lot at the end. An hour of decluttering or packing every evening for four weeks beats a panicked all-nighter the night before.

When you are ready for the heavy lifting, get a fixed-price quote and let a planned crew take it from there.