Moving house can be a daunting task, not if you keep a moving house checklist handy.

Perhaps you are already done sorting out your mortgage and exchanging contracts for your dream home. But doesn’t it feel overwhelming to keep track of all the big and small things you need to do when you are moving house?

If you were planning your move and looking for a definitive moving house checklist, you’ve come to the right page. In this blog post, we will share with you everything you need to keep in mind when moving house, from preparation to finally moving your new home.

The Definitive Moving House Checklist

Step #1: Preparation

• Reach out to removal service providers and request quotes
• Finalise a removals company for the job and enquire if they also offer additional services like house cleaning, plumbing, packing, dismantling and assembling furniture, etc.
• Make sure you have enough supplies and medication to last you throughout the moving period
• If required, arrange for child care and/or pet care for the big day
• If you are renting, make sure you give advance notice to your current landlord letting them know on what date you will be moving out
• Confirm if the home insurance policy applicable for your new address is currently active
• Redirect or cancel any deliveries, subscriptions, or local services you may have requested at your current address
• Settle all the outstanding bills you may have accumulated so far on the current address
• Clear the loft, shed, and other storage spaces (including the outside spaces)
• Get rid of any plants and old items that you won’t require anymore
• If you have any flammable materials all liquids at your home dispose them off safely
• Use up all the perishables you may have stocked up
• Return anything you may have borrowed from your friends or neighbours

Step #2: Informing local authorities and other people about your change of address

It’s important to inform the following authorities about your change of address:

• Your bank
• Credit card companies
• Insurance providers
• Utility companies
• Healthcare providers
• The local Council
• DSS / Pension / National Insurance offices
• The DVLA (driver and vehicle licensing agency)
• Electoral roll
• Inland revenue
• Your employer

Also, share the news with your close friends and family, and let them know about your new address.

Step #3: Packing all your belongings

• If required, arrange packing and/or storage services.
• Organise all your paperwork valuables and personal documents and store them in a safe place
• For the items you are planning to move on your own, check if they will be able to fit easily inside your vehicle.
• Start packing all your belongings into separate boxes, depending on which room they belong in.

Step #4: Getting ready to move out

• Pack an overnight bag to keep all the essentials handy for your entire family
• Collect keys to your new home from your estate agent
• In case you are planning to arrange help from your family or friends, make sure you keep them posted on the progress
• Defrost your fridge and freezer
• Keep all the paperwork important documents and other valuables somewhere safe
• Arrange all the boxes carrying your belongings somewhere accessible for the movers
• Have a final check and make sure you are not leaving anything behind
• Keep your mobile phone fully charged for the moving day

Step #5: Moving out

Here is a list of all the things you need to take care of on the moving day:

• To avoid getting distracted, consider leaving your pets and/or children to stay with your family your friends in the meantime
• Pack your bedding and curtains
• Make sure you have the contact details of your estate agent, conveyancer, and removals company handy
• Reach out to the movers to check if they are on time and are aware of your new address
• Identify which of the boxes would require special handling to avoid damaging the fragile items stored in them
• Before you sign the document for your movers to take your packages away, make sure all the boxes are clearly accounted for
• Note down the meter reading for all your utilities including gas electricity and water
• Make sure all the utilities are properly switched off
• Check if all doors and windows are closed
• Lock everything up and move out
• Hand over the keys to your estate agent

Step #6: Moving into your new home

Here is the final checklist to make the last step before settling down into your new home straightforward and stress-free:

• Collect from your estate agent the keys to your new home
• Once you are at your new property, do a thorough inspection of the property, and check everything, including the keys you have received for the property and the open spaces
• Instruct your removals company on where to unload your packages
• Check the boxes for any damages or if there is anything missing
• Make sure your valuables and important documents are stored safely
• Unpack the overnight bag and take out any items that you will need to use
• Confirm whether all the utilities are up and running
• Take a reading of all the utility meters
• Before you started packing the boxes settle your children and pets in another room
• Do a deep clean up of the whole property, including every nook and corner
• Starting with the boxes that contain your kitchen items, gradually unpack all the boxes
• Check if the boiler and heating are fully operational, so you can use them whenever required
• Make sure your larger appliances are plugged in and ready for use
• Finally, make up the beds and order a takeaway to reward yourself and spend a relaxing evening with your family

Final Thoughts

We’re sure the checklists shared in this post will make things less stressful when you’re moving house. Don’t forget to add to this list any other action items that may cross your mind!

If you need any help with packing or moving and are interested in hiring a professional removals company, feel free to contact us today!

Happy moving!