Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start when moving home. How soon should you cancel your broadband, and when is the best time to start packing up all your worldly possessions?
With our helpful checklist, we’ve broken down the steps you need to take to make sure your moving day runs as smoothly as possible.
Two months before
- Pencil in important dates: If you’re buying a property, ask your solicitor for estimated exchange and completion dates. This will give you a date to work towards.
- Tally up the cost of moving: Find out when you’ll have to pay for searches, solicitors’ fees, your mortgage deposit (and every other lump of cash you’ll need to shell out) and make sure you have this money readily accessible. Our handy cost of moving home calculator will help you tot up your costs.
- Inform your landlord you are leaving: If you’re renting a home, you normally need to give your landlord two months’ notice that you are moving out so put this in writing.
- Be ruthless with your packing: Whether you are renting or buying, have a big clear out. There’s no point moving stuff you don’t need.
One month before
- Get quotes from removals companies: Prices will vary depending on whether you want them to provide boxes or pack your stuff, and the distance between your old and new homes. Our moving costs guide provides some helpful suggestions on how to use credit effectively to help with the expense of moving.
- Work out the logistics of moving: If you don’t need a removal firm, think about how you will move your stuff. Will it all fit in your car? Do you need to enlist friends to help?
- Start packing non-essential items: Label boxes with their contents and which room in the new house the box should go in. Don't forget to clear out lofts, sheds, and storage rooms and to take artwork off your walls.
- Update your mailing preferences: Arrange for your mail to be redirected using the Royal Mail's Redirection service.
- Check your insurance policy: Read over your existing home insurance policy to see if your possessions are covered while you move. Our moving home guide provides helpful tips on what you should look out for when sorting out your house admin.
Two weeks before
- Put together a to-do list for all the ‘little’ things: If you’re buying a home, you’ll normally exchange contracts two weeks before completion (‘getting the keys’). Once you’ve exchanged, start to schedule the ins and outs of your moving day.
- Inform your landlord of your moving date: If you’re renting, confirm your move date with both your old and new landlord. Consider booking a cleaner to give your old property a deep clean to ensure you get your full deposit back.
- Inform your removal firm of your moving date: Confirm the moving date with your removal firm and agree what time they’ll start work. Arrange a parking permit for outside your old and new home if necessary.
- Arrange for child and pet care on your moving day: Plus plan your meals so your fridge and freezer are empty by the time you move.
- Cancel your phone and broadband contracts: Contact your broadband and phone company and arrange for services to be cut off at your old address and connected at your new home. If you’re not tied in to a contract, shop around for a better deal. Our postcode checker allows you to find out what type of broadband deals are available in your new neighbourhood.
- Shop around for cover: If your home insurance policy is up for renewal, make sure you check out what other insurers have on offer as some companies have different prices for different postcodes.
- Notify every company you deal with of your new address: This includes informing banks, building societies, the local authority which collects your council tax, HMRC, sports clubs, children’s schools, dentist, doctor, DVLA, TV licencing, etc.
One week before
- Check dates and timing are still on track: Check with your solicitor and estate agent that everything is going to plan. Agree a time you’ll collect the keys on your agreed moving day.
- Defrost the fridge and the freezer: They should be completely empty and dry before moving.
- Pack everything including a first night box and bag: The box should contain some kitchen essentials such as the kettle, tea/coffee and snacks. Your bag should contain a change of clothes plus important documents such as your passport and driving license – keep this with you on moving day.
On moving day – before you go
- Take final meter readings for gas and electricity: Give these to your energy company and ask for a final bill.
- Check everything is packed and ready to go: If you’re using a removals firm, check everything is in the van before they drive off.
- Walk around the house for one final check: Make sure all windows and doors are locked so your home is safe and secure after you leave.
- Hand over any sets of keys: Give all the sets of keys to your old house to the letting agent/landlord/estate agent.
Moving day – in your new place
- Check each box is where it’s supposed to be: Once you’ve got the keys to your new place you can start unpacking. If you’re using a removals firm, make sure they put things in the right room and don’t damage anything.
- Find out where the important parts of your home are: Make sure you know where the stopcock, gas isolation valve and electricity, gas and water meters are in your new home.
- Take electricity and gas meter readings: There’s no obligation to stay with the previous occupier’s energy supplier so shop around for the best energy deal here.
- Enjoy your moving in day: Check out your new local pubs and restaurants for some well-earned refreshments.
After you move in
- Get the locks changed: You won’t know who has keys to your home, so be on the safe side.
- Register to vote: You can get on the electoral roll at About My Vote. Also register with a local doctor and dentist, and find a vet if you have pets.
- Check everything is in working order: Check all carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are functioning properly and are in good working order.
For more tips, visit our dedicated homemovers’ article hub where you’ll find lots of handy suggestions for a stress-free move.
Where to next?
Compare home insurance policies
Calculate the cost of moving with our interactive calculator
Slash your household bills with our home bill checker
See the best UK cities for families with our interactive tool