# Moving house checklist
1st Choice Packaging · Updated 25 October 2026

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](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/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](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/how-to-pack-books-for-moving/), 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.

## Shop for this
[3 bedroom moving kit £195.00](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/3-bedroom-moving-kit/) [Wardrobe box with hanging rail £13.95](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/wardrobe-box/) [Fragile tape £2.99](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/fragile-tape/)
[Work out how many boxes](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/box-calculator/)

## More moving guides
Guide

### [How many moving boxes do I need?](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/how-many-boxes-do-i-need/)
Box counts by home size and by room, and what pushes the number up or down.

Guide

### [How to pack plates and glasses for moving](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/how-to-pack-plates-and-glasses/)
How to wrap and box crockery and glassware so nothing breaks.

Guide

### [Medium or large box: what goes where?](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/medium-or-large-moving-box/)
A simple rule for which box size to use, with examples for every room.

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Source: https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/moving-house-checklist/ · 1st Choice Packaging, 41 King John Avenue, Bearwood, Bournemouth, BH11 9RX · hello@1stchoicepackaging.co.uk