Here is a detailed moving house checklist in chronological order so you know exactly when you need to sort out items on the list and be well prepared for the move.
Two months before the move
Research your move
- Research the new area for local news and facilities.
- Get yourself a conveyancing solicitor.
- If you are interested in selling your property, compare estate agents.
- If you are considering a mortgage, find out what to consider and then arrange it accordingly.
- If you are in a rental property, inform your estate agent or landlord about your moving date.
- Check if your current home and new home allows parking for large removal vehicles. If not, you will have to get a permit.
Arrange a survey for your home
- Find out what survey you need and how you can pick a surveyor.
- Compare costs from different surveyors.
- Get quotes from different removal firms.
Organize your possessions
- List out an inventory of all your possessions.
- De-clutter and find out what is the best way to get rid of your unwanted possessions. The lesser you have to move, the lesser it will cost.
- Make a floor plan of your new home and decide what you will put where.
- Collect packing boxes – from your removal company or purchase them separately.
- Start packing nonessentials – anything that you can live without for the next two months.
- Maintain a file for documents and notes – important contacts, dates, and details of conversations, etc. Save the file on your keyring USB do you can access it at any time.
Six weeks before moving
Make a list of everyone who has to be notified
- Friends and family
- Utility providers and subscription services
Check your insurance cover
- Contact your home insurance company to insure your valuable possessions and find out if they will insure your move.
Finalize contracts
- If you are working, apply for leave by selecting sufficient days both before and after the moving day.
- If you have children, begin the admission process for their new school.
- Get in touch with your solicitor to exchange contracts and confirm your moving date.
- Arrange for your mail to be redirected at the Post Office
- Choose a removal company.
- Work out a route for your removal truck on the moving day. Look out for low bridges and weight restricted roads.
- Confirm a storage unit if storage facilities are required.
- Order furnishings and carpets as necessary for your new home.
- Book overnight hotel accommodation if traveling to your new home is going to be a long journey.
One month before the move
Start Packing
- There will be more non-essentials that you can manage without for a month.
- Label each box clearly and note which room it should go to.
- Fragile boxes should be labeled very clearly.
- Clear out the loft, shed, and other external storage spaces.
- Clean all the gardening equipment that removal companies will have to transport to your new home.
Miscellaneous
- Study the route to get to your new house.
- Finalize details of the move with the removal company.
- Arrange child and pet care for the moving day.
- If you need help from family and friends, now is the time to inform them.
- Make arrangements to have your old house cleaned after your move and before new tenants come in.
- If you need the services of a plumber or electrician for your move, book them now.
- Cancel or unsubscribe from all local services and settle outstanding bills.
- Make arrangements to finance your move.
Two weeks before the move
- Make a list of essentials that you will need for the first day of moving into your new home – these will probably be essentials so don’t pack them yet.
- Store all important documents in a safe and accessible place.
- Finish as much of your packing as possible – in a systematic manner.
- Cross-check boxes to rooms (use color labeling to make organization easier).
- Collect all keys for your existing property; including those given to neighbors and friends.
- Clean your refrigerator from all perishable items that don’t transport well.
- Return any borrowed items – tools, books, etc.
- If your plants don’t have to be moved, give them away.
- Launder all linen and clothing, pack up and label them.
- Collect keys of the new home from your Estate Agent.
One day before the move
- Pack your essentials for the first few nights in your new home. Make sure you pack a kettle and some mugs too.
- Triple check everything around the house to make sure nothing you need is left behind.
- Prepare a small toolkit to open and unpack boxes and furniture once you get to your new house.
- Make sure you have the keys to your new house in hand.
- Make sure your mobile phone is charged and your charger is handy.
- Remind anyone you’ve requested to help you on the moving day.
- Say your heartfelt goodbyes to the old home!
On the day of the move
- Note down meter readings for gas, water, and electricity. Capturing images on your mobile is a good idea.
- Pack up your bedding and curtains.
- Set aside fragile items and items you will be taking in your vehicle so that the removal team doesn’t pick them up.
- Delegate one person to stay at the old house to ensure the movers have packed everything in their truck.
- Keep all the keys to the old house in the location decided – for the new owners.
- Double check your contact details and the new property address with the movers.
As you enter your new home
- Take some time to relax and unwind.
- Make sure your new house has new locks. Check if all the keys are working fine.
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbors.
- Instruct the removal team on where to place the boxes and furniture.
- Check your inventory for damaged or missing items before you sign the document from the removal company.
- Read utility meters of your new home and capture images.
- Carefully place important documents so you can find them when needed.
- Inspect the garden for hidden ponds, broken fences, or entry points that should be secured.
What’s next?
- Update your address on the electoral register and re-register to vote from your new address.
- Find new gas and electricity suppliers and other utility companies.
- Arrange broadband services and a new phone line.
- Register with the local medical services.
- Inform your friends and family.
- Compare insurance quotes for your new home.
- Update your details for council tax in the new area.
- Reassemble electrical items such as refrigerator, oven, and washing machine.
- Study how to use the boiler and heater in your new home.
- Note down all emergency contact numbers in the new area.
