Moving
The Ultimate House Moving Checklist
A smooth move comes down to a timeline: about 8 weeks out, book removals and start decluttering; 4 weeks out, notify utilities, council, banks and the DVLA and set up mail redirection; 1 week out, pack room by room, confirm completion and label an essentials box; and on moving day, take meter readings, do a final check and hand over the keys. Working backwards from your completion date is what stops things being forgotten.
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- 8 weeksstart the timeline
- 4 weeksnotify everyone
- 1 weekpack & confirm
- The daymeter readings, keys
The moving timeline at a glance
| When | Key tasks |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks before | Book removals, declutter, gather boxes, take time off |
| 2-4 weeks before | Notify everyone, set up mail redirection, arrange insurance |
| 1 week before | Pack and label, confirm completion, prepare essentials box |
| Moving day | Meter readings, final check, hand over and collect keys |
6-8 weeks before: plan and book
Get quotes and book a removals firm early — good ones fill up, especially at month-end and on Fridays. Start decluttering and selling or donating what you will not take; less to move means a cheaper, faster day. Begin collecting boxes and packing materials, and make an inventory of anything valuable or fragile. If you need storage or time off work, sort it now. If you are also selling, this is when a confirmed completion date — firmest with a chain-free or cash sale — lets you book everything with confidence.
2-4 weeks before: notify everyone
This is the admin phase. Tell your providers and update your address with:
- Gas, electricity, water and broadband suppliers
- The local council (council tax) at both addresses
- Your bank, employer, pension and insurers
- GP, dentist, optician and any schools
- The DVLA (driving licence and vehicle log book)
- Subscriptions and regular deliveries
Set up Royal Mail redirection so nothing is missed, and arrange buildings insurance on the new home from the day you exchange (you are responsible for it from exchange, not completion).
1 week before and moving day
Pack methodically, room by room, labelling each box with its contents and destination room. Keep an essentials box accessible for the first night: kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, chargers, medication, documents, toiletries, toilet roll and a change of clothes. On the day itself, take final meter readings at both properties, do a last walk-through to check nothing is left, leave keys for the new owners, and collect yours. A little organisation turns a notoriously stressful day into a manageable one.
Moving with children or pets
If you are moving with young children or pets, plan for them separately. Arrange for someone to look after them on the day if you can — it removes a major source of stress and keeps them safe amid the lifting and open doors. Pack a bag of their essentials (favourite toys, food, bedding) and set up their space first at the new home so there is somewhere familiar and calm from the moment you arrive. Update microchip details and your vet for pets, and notify schools well in advance for children.
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Written & reviewed by Lisa Hayes, Founder
Lisa Hayes is the founder of Ready Steady Sell and an independent UK home-selling expert with over a decade helping homeowners weigh cash house buyers, property investors and the wider fast house-sale industry — without pressure or hidden fees. Every guide is reviewed for accuracy under our editorial standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, no sales talk
How far in advance should I plan a house move?
Start around 8 weeks before completion — booking removals and decluttering early, then notifying providers about 4 weeks out and packing in the final week.
Who do I need to notify when moving house?
Utilities, the council, your bank, employer, GP, dentist, schools, insurers, the DVLA and subscription services. Set up Royal Mail redirection to catch anything you miss.
What should be in my moving-day essentials box?
Kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, phone chargers, medication, important documents, toiletries, toilet roll and a change of clothes — everything you need before you unpack.
When does my home insurance need to start on the new house?
From the day you exchange contracts, not completion — because you become responsible for the property at exchange. Arrange buildings insurance to begin then.
Should I take meter readings when moving?
Yes — take gas, electricity and water readings at both the old and new properties on moving day so you are billed correctly and not charged for someone else’s usage.
How early should I book removals?
Around 6-8 weeks ahead. Good firms get booked up, especially at month-end and on Fridays, which are the busiest times for completions.