Moving house checklist
A move goes smoothly when the jobs are spread out. Here's the order we'd do things in, from eight weeks out to the day after.
6 to 8 weeks before
- Book your removals company or van hire. Good firms book up, especially at the end of the month and on Fridays.
- Start clearing out: sell, donate or tip what you don't want to move.
- Measure big furniture and the doorways at the new place.
- Work out how many boxes you need (try our box calculator).
4 weeks before
- Order your boxes and packing materials. Ours arrive next working day if you order by 12pm, but it's good to have them early.
- Start packing rooms you don't use every day: loft, garage, spare room, books, out-of-season clothes.
- Arrange time off work for moving day.
- Book a parking space or permit at both ends if you need one.
2 weeks before
- Set up Royal Mail redirection so post follows you.
- Tell your energy, water and broadband suppliers your moving date.
- Keep packing room by room. Label every box with the room and a short list of what's inside.
- Use up food from the freezer.
1 week before
- Pack everything except what you need day to day.
- Confirm times with your removals company.
- Defrost the freezer the day before if it's moving.
- Pack an "open first" box (see below).
Moving day
- Take meter readings (gas, electric, water) with photos at both properties.
- Check every cupboard, the loft and the garden before you leave.
- Hand over or collect keys.
Who to tell about your new address
- Your bank, credit cards and pension providers
- Employer and HMRC
- DVLA: driving licence and vehicle log book (V5C). Updating your licence address is free online.
- Your local council: council tax at both addresses, and register to vote at the new one
- GP, dentist, opticians
- Car, home and contents insurance
- TV Licensing
- Schools, nurseries and vets
- Mobile phone, subscriptions and online shopping accounts
The "open first" box
Pack one box you'll open the moment you arrive and keep it with you: kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, toilet roll, phone chargers, basic tools, scissors, bin bags, bedding for the first night, medicines, a change of clothes and snacks.
Packing tip: Write "OPEN FIRST" on all sides of that box and put it in your car, not the van.
Questions
When should I start packing to move house?
Start about four weeks before with rooms and items you don't use every day, then do the essentials in the final week.
Who do I need to tell when I move house?
Your bank and other financial providers, employer, HMRC, DVLA, your council (council tax and electoral register), GP and dentist, insurers, TV Licensing, and utility and broadband suppliers.
When should I order moving boxes?
About three to four weeks before your move, so you can start packing the less-used rooms early.