Moving house is one of life’s most stressful events — but with proper planning, it does not need to be chaotic. This week-by-week checklist covers everything from 8 weeks before to settling into your new home.
8 Weeks Before
If Buying or Selling
- Accept offer / have offer accepted
- Instruct a conveyancer/solicitor
- Apply for your mortgage (if buying)
- Commission a survey (if buying)
- Start decluttering — sell, donate, or bin items you do not need
If Renting
- Give notice to current landlord (check notice period — usually 1 month)
- Review your new tenancy agreement carefully
- Take photos of your current property for deposit evidence
- Sign new tenancy agreement and pay deposit
6 Weeks Before
- Get removal quotes — at least 3 quotes from different companies
- Research removal companies (check reviews, insurance, accreditation)
- Start packing non-essential items (books, seasonal clothes, decorations)
- Begin collecting boxes — ask local shops, buy from removal companies, or use box rental services
- Arrange parking for removal van at both properties (check if you need a council permit)
Removal Company Costs
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Man with a van (local, small move) | £200–£500 |
| Full removal service (2-bed) | £500–£1,000 |
| Full removal service (3-bed) | £800–£1,500 |
| Full removal service (4-bed) | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Packing service (add-on) | £200–£500 |
| Storage (per week) | £20–£50 |
4 Weeks Before
Notify These Organisations
| Organisation | How to Notify |
|---|---|
| Royal Mail | Set up post redirection (£50 for 3 months, £70 for 6, £170 for 12) |
| Council tax | Notify old and new councils |
| Electoral register | Register at new address (gov.uk) |
| GP surgery | Register with a new surgery near your new home |
| Dentist | Find and register with a new practice |
| Schools | Notify existing school; apply to new school if changing |
| Employer / HR | Update payroll address |
| DVLA | Update driving licence and V5C (free online) |
Also Notify
- Bank(s) and credit card companies
- Insurance providers (car, home, life, pet)
- Pension providers
- HMRC (for tax records)
- Premium Bonds / NS&I
- TV Licensing
- Amazon, online shopping accounts
- Subscriptions (streaming, gym, magazines)
- Professional bodies and memberships
2 Weeks Before
- Confirm removal date and time with your removal company
- Pack systematically — label boxes by room (Kitchen, Bedroom 1, etc.)
- Book time off work if needed for moving day (and the day after)
- Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day
- Arrange cleaning — book cleaners for old property or plan to clean yourself
- Transfer utilities — notify gas, electricity, and water companies of move date
- Set up broadband at new address (can take 2 weeks to activate)
- Take photos of current property (for deposit return if renting)
1 Week Before
- Pack remaining items except essentials
- Prepare an essentials box — kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, toilet roll, phone charger, torch, basic tools, snacks, change of clothes, toiletries, medications
- Defrost freezer (24–48 hours before)
- Disassemble furniture that needs it
- Confirm final details with removal company
- Get cash for tips and small expenses on moving day
Moving Day: Old Property
- Take final meter readings (gas, electric, water) — photograph them
- Check every room — cupboards, loft, shed, garden
- Clean the property (or have cleaners in)
- Hand over keys to new owners/landlord/agent
- Cancel any standing orders for old property bills
Moving Day: New Property
- Collect keys from agent/seller’s solicitor
- Take meter readings — photograph them
- Check utilities — gas, electric, water all working
- Check heating and hot water
- Check for any issues — note anything different from viewing
- Guide removal team on where to put boxes (room labels help)
- Secure the property — check all locks work, change locks if buying
First Week in New Home
- Unpack essentials first — bedding, kitchen basics, bathroom
- Register with new GP, dentist, optician
- Introduce yourself to neighbours
- Locate stopcock, fuse box, and boiler controls
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Set up broadband and WiFi
- Update your address on remaining accounts
- Explore the local area — shops, transport, parks
Budget for Moving
| Cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Removal company | £_____ |
| Cleaning old property | £_____ |
| Post redirection | £_____ |
| New locks | £_____ |
| Essential supplies | £_____ |
| Takeaways on moving day | £_____ |
| Total | £_____ |
If you are also buying, add: | Stamp duty | £_____ | | Conveyancing | £_____ | | Survey | £_____ | | Mortgage fees | £_____ |
Plan your move budget as part of your overall financial planning to avoid surprises.