Moving Home Checklist: The Complete UK Guide (Everything You Need)

How to use this guide

• Follow the timeline from 8+ weeks out to the first week after moving.
• Use the address-change list and tick everything off.
• Keep date-stamped photos of meter readings, condition, and keys/fobs.

8-6 weeks before moving

Planning and budget

• Allocate a budget: removals/packing, boxes, cleaning, childcare/pet care, storage, parking, insurance in transit, unexpected delays (10-15% contingency).
• Book time off work for moving day(s); line up childcare.
• Get 3+ written quotes from insured removal firms. Confirm: packing service, dismantling/reassembly, floor protection, storage, access constraints, insurance, waiting-time and late-key fees, cancellation terms.
• DIY? Price van size/insurance, trolleys/blankets/straps, extra helpers, fuel and mileage.

Dates, legal and redirection

• Agree on a realistic target date with your conveyancer/agent or letting agent. If you are in a chain, plan for contingencies.
• Order Royal Mail Redirection for all household members (Royal Mail Redirection).

Broadband, utilities and services

• Broadband often needs 10-14 working days. Book the new connection now and request overlap.
• Decide whether to take your energy supplier/tariff with you or start on the deemed tariff, then switch.
• Pre-book cleaners, window cleaner, gardener and any childcare or pet care.

Declutter, measurements and access

• Organise, declutter and clean as you go; sell, donate or recycle unwanted items.
• Measure furniture and check doorways/stair turns at both homes; plan dismantling.
• Plan for vehicles, pets and plants (some movers restrict soil/large plants; confirm policy).

4-3 weeks before moving

Insurance and risk

• Buyers: take out buildings insurance from exchange, not completion.
• Confirm contents insurance covers goods in transit; add cover if needed and declare high-value items.
• Photograph valuable/fragile items before packing.

Access, parking and neighbours

• Apply for parking suspensions/bay permits if required at both addresses; reserve lifts/loading bays in flats.
• Tell your mover about stairs, narrow lanes, low bridges, and height/weight limits.
• Consider a polite note to neighbours about dates and van access.

Packing strategy

• Buy double-walled boxes, wardrobe cartons, tape, fragile labels, tissue/bubble wrap.
• Label clearly on top and two sides using a room code + number + contents, e.g. "K-07 - pans and lids" (KITCHEN - BOX 7 - PANS AND LIDS).
• Start with low-use spaces (loft/spare room). Photograph cable setups behind TVs/PCs before disconnecting.
• Dispose of hazardous/flammable items properly: fuels/propane, paints/solvents, fireworks, aerosols, open chemicals.

2 weeks before moving

Confirmations and family logistics

• Reconfirm arrival time, crew size, access, insurance and payment with your mover; share floor plans/photos.
• Arrange pet day-care or a safe room; confirm microchip address with the database and update tags.
• Request repeat prescriptions to cover the move week; download a GP summary if helpful.

Admin and address changes (start now)

• Employer/payroll; banks, credit cards, building societies, investment platforms, pension providers.
• HMRC, National Insurance, benefits where relevant; council tax; electoral roll (Register to vote).
• Water, gas, electricity (prepare to submit close/open readings).
• Broadband/mobile/TV contracts and TV Licence (TV Licensing).
• DVLA driving licence and V5C (DVLA); car insurance/finance/lease.
• Home, life, health, dental and pet insurance.
• Doctors, dentists, vets; solicitors and accountants; subscriptions and memberships.
• Schools/nurseries: confirm place/start date and request transfer of records.

Appliances and home prep

• Defrost and clean freezer 48 hours before; clean refrigerator and oven.
• Service or disconnect appliances per manuals; refit drum bolts on washing machines.
• Prepare an overnight bag and an "Open First" box for each key room (see lists below).

1 week before moving

• Pack daily-use items last. Keep a clear surface for tools and cleaning kit.
• Keep a separate valuables box you will transport yourself: cash, jewellery, passports, deeds, insurance papers, hard drives, medications.
• Set aside a toolkit (screwdrivers, Allen keys, utility knife, tape measure), light bulbs, extension leads, batteries.
• Book a final clean or end-of-tenancy clean; photograph results.

48-24 hours before moving

• Charge phones and power banks; download boiler/heating manuals for the new home.
• Lay floor protection; gather snacks, water, bin bags, and shoe covers.
• Box up bed linen and towels for first-night setup.

Moving day: timed plan

• 08:00 Walk-through with crew; confirm labels, access routes and priority rooms. Protect floors and bannisters.
• 09:00 Date-stamped photos and notes of meter readings (gas/electric/water) at the old property.
• All day Keep pets contained safely or off-site. Keep keys, valuables and medications with you.
• 11:00-14:00 Buyers: completion funds typically clear late morning/early afternoon. Keep removers/agent/solicitor in a live update thread to avoid late-key fees.
• Arrival Photograph opening meter readings at the new home; direct boxes by room code.
• Afternoon Reassemble beds first. Make one bathroom and the kitchen functional.
• Handover Leave owner manuals and household receipts, labelled keys and garage fobs for your buyer/landlord.
• Exit Final walk-through; remove rubbish; lock doors/windows and switch off all appliances/lights.

First week in your new home

• Test smoke and CO alarms; locate stopcock, fuse board, gas shut-off and boiler controls.
• Submit opening readings; set up/switch utilities and broadband; book boiler service if needed.
• Register with GP, dentist and vet; update schools/nurseries and transport.
• Review security: consider changing external door locks; check outdoor lighting and outbuildings.
• Set up waste/recycling; confirm bin days or order bins/permits if required.
• Factory-reset and re-pair any smart locks, cameras, thermostats and doorbells; change Wi-Fi SSID and passwords.

Buyers: chains and new-builds

• Exchange vs completion: at exchange, you are contractually bound and buildings insurance must start; keys release on completion when funds clear.
• Same-day exchange/completion: possible but higher risk of delays and late-key fees; ensure your mover's terms cover this.
• New-build snagging: book an independent snagging inspection; log issues with deadlines for fixes.

Renters: notice, deposit and inventories

• Give correct notice; confirm move-out inspection and cleaning standard.
• At check-in, review the inventory thoroughly; add photo-backed comments by the deadline.
• Return all keys/fobs and provide a forwarding address to speed deposit return.

Special items and restrictions

• Pro-only handling: pianos, large aquariums, American-style fridge freezers, safes, fine art/antiques, gym machines, garden buildings.
• Often not transported: fuels/propane, paints/solvents, fireworks, open chemicals, perishable/open food, some live plants on long routes.

Children, pets and vulnerable relatives

• Keep routines steady; pack a comfort box for each person and pet.
• Cats: confine to a quiet room for 24-48 hours with litter, food and water. Dogs: a long walk before the van arrives helps.
• List essential medications (names/doses) in your valuables box.

Data security and fraud prevention

• Redirect mail; update addresses promptly to reduce identity-theft risk.
• Shred unneeded documents before recycling.
• Be wary of phishing texts/emails pretending to be councils or utilities after you move; verify independently.
• Consider checking your credit files after all updates are complete.

Open-first box and overnight bag

• Overnight bag: pyjamas/clean clothes, toiletries, medications, towels, toilet paper, phone chargers, documents, cash/valuables, pet food/supplies.
• Open-first boxes: cleaning supplies, light bulbs, basic tools, kettle, tea/coffee and snacks, hand soap, remote controls, kids' toys.

Change-of-address list

• Employer/payroll; banks, credit cards, building societies, investment platforms; pension providers.
• HMRC, National Insurance, benefits where relevant; council tax; electoral roll.
• Water, gas, electricity (close/open with readings); broadband, mobile, TV packages; TV Licence.
• DVLA driving licence and V5C; car insurance/finance/lease.
• Home, life, health, dental and pet insurance.
• Doctors, dentists, opticians, vets; solicitors, accountants.
• Schools, nurseries, clubs and lessons.
• Online shopping and subscriptions (Amazon, eBay, streaming, meal kits, magazines); professional bodies and memberships.

Contacts

• Farrell Heyworth branch and negotiator.
• Conveyancer/solicitor.
• Removal company (crew lead and mobile).
• Storage contact (if used).
• Cleaner/window cleaner.
• Utilities (account numbers).
• Emergency trades (plumber/electrician/locksmith).
• GP/dentist/vet.