Moving House Checklist UK 2026
Start your moving preparations at least 8 weeks before your moving date. Key tasks include: instructing a solicitor, booking removals (6 weeks ahead), setting up mail redirection (4 weeks), notifying utilities (3 weeks), packing (2 weeks) and final preparations (1 week before). Our checklist covers every step.
Successful Move = Early Planning (8+ weeks) + Organised Packing + Confirmed Services + Updated Addresses
Moving house is consistently ranked as one of life’s most stressful experiences. The key to a smooth move is starting early and staying organised. Our comprehensive moving house checklist covers every task you need to complete, from the moment your offer is accepted to settling into your new home.
This guide is specifically tailored for UK movers, covering UK-specific tasks like council tax notification, TV licence updates, electoral register re-registration and NHS change of address. Use it as your master reference throughout the moving process.
What This Means
Use the cost estimate alongside this checklist to budget for your move. The checklist below is organised chronologically, starting 8 weeks before your moving date. Tick off each task as you complete it to ensure nothing is forgotten.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is the planning phase. Key tasks to complete as soon as your offer is accepted:
| Task | Details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Instruct a solicitor/conveyancer | Compare at least 3 quotes. Choose a firm with ‘no sale, no fee’ if possible | £1,000–£1,800 |
| Arrange a property survey | Book a HomeBuyer Report or building survey if buying | £400–£700 |
| Confirm mortgage offer | Ensure your mortgage offer is in place and won’t expire before completion | Varies |
| Start decluttering | Go room by room. Sell, donate or recycle items you won’t take. Less stuff = lower removal costs | Free (may earn money!) |
| Research removal companies | Get quotes from at least 3 firms. Check BAR membership and reviews | Free for quotes |
| Create a moving budget | List all expected costs and set aside a contingency fund | N/A |
| Start a moving folder | Keep all documents, quotes, confirmations and receipts in one place | N/A |
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Booking and organising phase:
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Book removal company | Confirm in writing. Pay any deposits required. Get a written quote with all costs itemised |
| Order packing materials | Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, tissue paper, marker pens. Allow 40–60 boxes for a 3-bed house |
| Begin packing non-essentials | Start with rarely used items: books, ornaments, off-season clothing, garage items |
| Arrange an EPC | If selling and your current EPC has expired, book a new one |
| Notify your landlord | If renting, give notice per your tenancy agreement (usually 1–2 months) |
| Research schools | If you have children, contact the local authority for school applications in your new area |
| Book time off work | Request moving day and at least one additional day off to unpack and settle in |
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Notification and admin phase:
| Task | How | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Set up Royal Mail redirection | Apply online at royalmail.com/redirection | £35.99 (3 months) / £49.99 (6 months) / £69.99 (12 months) |
| Notify utility providers | Gas, electricity, water – give meter readings on moving day | Free |
| Transfer or cancel broadband | Check if your provider covers the new area. Allow 2+ weeks for installation | May have early termination fee |
| Notify council tax | Tell current and new councils of your move dates | Free |
| Update home insurance | Arrange buildings and contents insurance for new property from completion date | Varies |
| Notify TV Licence | Update your address at tvlicensing.co.uk | Free |
| Pack room by room | Label all boxes with contents and destination room. Colour-code by room | N/A |
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Intensive packing and final preparations:
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Continue packing | Pack all rooms except kitchen and daily essentials |
| Notify the following | Banks, credit cards, subscriptions, DVLA (driving licence), HMRC, pension providers, insurance companies, mobile phone provider, GP surgery, dentist, optician, vet, gym membership |
| Electoral register | Register at your new address at gov.uk/register-to-vote |
| Confirm removal details | Reconfirm date, time, address and any special requirements with your removal company |
| Arrange parking permits | If needed at either address, apply to the local council for temporary permits for the removal vehicle |
| Plan for children and pets | Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day. Moving with young children and pets adds stress |
| Prepare an essentials box | Pack separately: kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, toilet roll, basic tools, phone chargers, medications, important documents, change of clothes |
| Defrost freezer | Start using up frozen food. Defrost completely 24–48 hours before the move |
Moving Day Checklist
The big day. Stay calm and work through this checklist:
| Time | Task |
|---|---|
| Morning (before removals arrive) | Take final meter readings (gas, electricity, water) and photograph them. Pack remaining items. Strip beds and pack bedding |
| When removals arrive | Walk them through the house. Point out fragile items, heavy items and anything that won’t be going. Confirm the delivery address |
| Before leaving | Check every room, cupboard, loft, shed and garage. Check post behind the front door. Lock all windows and doors. Leave keys as arranged |
| At the new property | Take meter readings. Check everything works: heating, hot water, electrics, taps. Direct the removal crew to the correct rooms |
| Evening | Set up beds first (you’ll thank yourself later). Find the essentials box. Make the house secure – check all locks work |
| Within 48 hours | Register with new GP surgery. Update vehicle registration (DVLA). Introduce yourself to neighbours |
Pro tip: Keep your essentials box, important documents and valuables with you in your car, not in the removal van. If there’s any delay, you’ll still have everything you need.