There are a lot of moving parts in any house move. Between booking removals, notifying utility providers, updating your address and packing up your home, it is easy for important jobs to get missed.
That is why a clear moving house checklist UK can make such a big difference. Instead of trying to remember everything at once, you can work through each stage of the move in order.
Tip: Save this page or print the checklist at the end so you can tick tasks off as you go.
Why use a moving house checklist?
Moving house is not just about boxes and vans. There is also admin, timing, suppliers, contracts and dozens of smaller details to deal with.
A good checklist helps you:
- Stay organised in the weeks leading up to your move
- Avoid forgetting important providers or address changes
- Reduce last-minute stress on moving day
- Break the process into smaller, more manageable steps
8 weeks before moving
This is the planning stage. The earlier you start, the easier everything becomes later.
- Confirm your moving date if possible
- Book a removal company or arrange van hire
- Start decluttering room by room
- Measure large furniture for your new home
- Create a budget for packing materials and moving costs
- Set up a folder for quotes, documents and key dates
Decluttering early can save money on removals and makes packing much easier.
4 weeks before moving
Four weeks out, it is time to start locking in the practical details.
- Notify your landlord if you are renting
- Arrange buildings or contents insurance for your new property
- Book broadband installation or transfer your package
- Contact gas, electricity and water suppliers
- Order boxes, tape, labels and protective wrapping
- Start packing non-essential items
Labelling each box by room will make unpacking much less painful on the other side.
2 weeks before moving
This is the ideal point to focus on admin and address changes.
Who to notify when moving house
- Your bank and credit card providers
- Your employer
- DVLA for your driving licence and vehicle logbook
- HMRC where relevant
- Your GP, dentist and healthcare providers
- Insurance providers
- Subscription services and online shopping accounts
You may also want to set up post redirection so any letters sent to your old address still reach you.
1 week before moving
By now, your move should be taking shape. This week is about confirming details and making moving day easier.
- Confirm arrival time with your removal company
- Finish packing everything except essentials
- Defrost the freezer if needed
- Wash remaining laundry
- Separate important documents so they stay with you
- Prepare a moving day essentials box
What to pack in your essentials box
- Phone chargers
- Kettle, tea or coffee, and mugs
- Snacks and bottled water
- Toiletries and medication
- Cleaning products and toilet roll
- Basic tools such as scissors and a screwdriver
Moving day checklist
Moving day is often the busiest part of the process, so keeping things simple helps.
Before leaving your old property
- Take final gas, electricity and water meter readings
- Photograph the readings for your records
- Check cupboards, loft spaces, sheds and under beds
- Make sure windows are closed and doors are locked
- Leave keys as agreed with the buyer, landlord or agent
When you arrive at your new home
- Take meter readings straight away
- Check heating, electrics and water are working
- Locate the stopcock and fuse box
- Unpack essentials first
- Make up beds early so the first night is easier
After moving in
Once you are in, there are still a few final jobs to finish off.
- Update your address on the electoral roll
- Register with a new GP if you have moved area
- Set up your council tax account
- Learn your bin collection schedule
- Update delivery addresses for online shopping
- Introduce yourself to neighbours if you want to
Free printable PDF
Prefer something you can print and tick off by hand? Download the printable checklist below.
Download: Moving House Checklist UK PDF
Make moving easier with Smoovly
A checklist is useful, but it is even better when everything about your move is organised in one place.
Smoovly helps you keep track of tasks, stay organised and feel more in control from the moment you start planning to the day you are fully settled in.
Ready to organise your move properly? Get started with Smoovly.