Moving House Checklist

Moving to a new home can stressful. Our moving house checklist will guide you through every step, making your move as smooth as possible.

8 Weeks Before Moving: Plan and Prepare

At the 8-week mark, it’s all about planning. Here’s what you need to do:

Choose a Moving Date: Lock in the best time to move. Consider weekdays when moving services might be cheaper.
Research Moving Companies: Get quotes from different London house movers. Look for reviews and ask for recommendations to find a reliable service.
Set a Moving Budget: Moving can get expensive, so plan for costs like movers, packing supplies, cleaning, and repairs.
Notify Your Landlord: If you’re renting, make sure you give your landlord proper notice.
Research New Schools: If you have children, start looking into schools in your new area and arrange for transfers if necessary.
Start Decluttering: Moving is easier with less stuff! Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need or use.
Gather Important Documents: Collect documents like birth certificates, passports, insurance papers, and store them safely.

Now it’s time to start gathering materials and prepping for the packing process.

Buy Packing Supplies: Get plenty of boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap, and other supplies.
Pack Non-Essentials First: Start with things you don’t need every day. This could be out-of-season clothing, books, and decorative items.
Label Boxes Clearly: Write what’s inside and which room the box will go to in the new house.
Create an Inventory List: Number your boxes and keep a list of what’s inside each one. This will help when unpacking and ensure nothing is lost.
Notify Important Parties: Make a list of everyone you need to inform about your move. Start with banks, utility providers, and subscription services.

As moving day gets closer, it’s time to confirm the details and make sure everything is in order.

Confirm Your Moving Company: Double-check with the moving company or van rental to ensure everything is booked for the correct date.
Arrange Child and Pet Care: Moving can be stressful for kids and pets. Arrange for someone to watch them on moving day if possible.
Plan How to Transport Valuables: You may want to keep items like jewelry, important documents, and personal electronics with you instead of with the movers.
Use Up Perishables: Start eating the food in your freezer and pantry so you don’t have to move it. Now’s a great time to clean out your fridge!
Continue Packing: Focus on packing less-used items like kitchenware, tools, and hobby materials.

With just two weeks left, focus on the most important things.

Change Your Address: Update your address with your employer, bank, credit cards, and insurance companies. Also, update your address for any subscriptions or delivery services.
Pack a First-Night Box: Moving is tiring, so pack a box with the essentials you’ll need right away. Include things like bedding, toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and chargers.
Pack Valuables and Important Documents: Keep things like your passport, insurance papers, and medications in a separate box or bag that stays with you on moving day.
Confirm Parking Arrangements: Make sure there’s space for the moving truck or van at both your old and new home.
Clean and Repair: If you’re renting, start cleaning your old place and make any necessary repairs to ensure you get your security deposit back.

In the last week, focus on getting everything packed and ready.

Finish Packing: Pack up everything that’s left. Label boxes by room and be sure to mark any boxes containing fragile items.
Defrost and Clean Appliances: If you’re moving your fridge or freezer, defrost and clean them at least 24 hours before moving.
Confirm Moving Details: Contact your movers to confirm the exact time, date, and details. Provide any special instructions, like handling fragile or heavy items.
Set Aside Cleaning Supplies: Keep some cleaning supplies handy so you can do a final clean after the movers have left.

Finally, the big day has arrived! Follow these steps to keep things smooth.

Take Final Meter Readings: Before you leave your old home, take meter readings for gas, electricity, and water. Do the same when you arrive at your new home.
Label Boxes Clearly: Make sure all boxes are labeled so they end up in the right rooms.
Double-Check Every Room: Before you leave, check all rooms, cupboards, and storage spaces to make sure nothing is left behind.
Hand Over the Keys: If you’re selling or renting, make sure to hand over the keys to the new owner or landlord.

You’ve made it! Now it’s time to unpack and settle in.

Start Unpacking Essentials: Focus on the essentials first. Unpack your bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom so you can live comfortably while you unpack the rest.
Check for Damages: Look over your items for any damage that might have happened during the move. If you used professional movers, contact them right away if something is damaged.
Set Up Utilities: Make sure your water, electricity, gas, and internet are set up and working.
Test Safety Features: Check your new home’s security system, locks, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms.
Update Your Address: Don’t forget to update your address on your driver’s license, voter registration, and any other important places.