4 weeks before moving day
- [ ] Book a removal company — get three quotes. Prices vary widely; check reviews.
- [ ] Confirm your completion date is fixed and coordinate with removals booking
- [ ] Arrange mail redirection with Royal Mail (requires 5 working days minimum; earlier is better)
- [ ] Start collecting packing materials — boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers
- [ ] Declutter — moving is the best time to get rid of things you don't need
- [ ] Begin packing non-essentials — books, art, seasonal items
- [ ] Notify your current landlord if renting — check notice period matches completion date
2 weeks before moving day
- [ ] Notify your employer of your new address (affects P60, tax codes, pension)
- [ ] Notify your bank and financial institutions — change address on all accounts
- [ ] Notify HMRC — update your address for self-assessment, tax credits, child benefit
- [ ] Notify DVLA — update your driving licence and vehicle registration
- [ ] Notify your GP and dentist
- [ ] Notify the DVSA if you have a medical driving licence
- [ ] Notify your children's school if relevant — inform new school too
- [ ] Cancel or transfer any local subscriptions (gym, delivery boxes, community groups)
- [ ] Sort your current utilities — contact gas, electricity, broadband providers about moving date
- [ ] Set up broadband at new property — some providers require 2 weeks lead time
1 week before moving day
- [ ] Finish packing — label every box clearly with room and brief contents
- [ ] Set aside essentials box — items you'll need immediately on arrival (kettle, toiletries, change of clothes, phone chargers, important documents)
- [ ] Defrost freezer — do this 24–48 hours before to ensure it's fully defrosted
- [ ] Dismantle large furniture if needed (wardrobes, bed frames)
- [ ] Photograph your current home to document condition for deposit return
- [ ] Confirm removal company and timing
- [ ] Get enough cash for any tips, last-minute supplies, or parking fees
- [ ] Make an extra key for trusted family member or friend for new property
Day before moving day
- [ ] Confirm keys collection plan with estate agent — what time, where
- [ ] Eat down perishables in fridge and freezer
- [ ] Charge all devices — phones, tablets, laptops
- [ ] Pack overnight bag — everything you need that night regardless of when boxes arrive
- [ ] Confirm final completion balance transferred to your solicitor if not already done
- [ ] Brief the removal team on any fragile items, heavy pieces, or access issues
Moving day (your current home)
- [ ] Take final meter readings — photograph them
- [ ] Leave any manuals, spare keys, guarantees, or documents for the new owners
- [ ] Do a final walk-through of every room, cupboard, loft, garage, shed
- [ ] Return keys to landlord (if renting) or hand to estate agent
- [ ] Lock up and confirm the removal team has everything
Moving day (new home — once you have keys)
- [ ] Take meter readings immediately — photograph all meters (gas, electricity, water)
- [ ] Check the fittings and contents list against what's in the property
- [ ] Check the condition of the property — note any issues for your solicitor
- [ ] Locate the fuse box, stopcock, and boiler — know where they are
- [ ] Check heating and hot water work
- [ ] Check all windows and doors lock properly
- [ ] Unload essentials first
- [ ] Change the locks — do this on day one
- [ ] Check broadband/TV aerial connection
This checklist is a guide. Times and tasks vary by property and personal circumstances.