Essential Moving House Checklist in 2024

Table of contents

1. Submit your notice before moving
2. Set your moving date
3. Budget for the move
4. Declutter
5. Hire a removal company
6. Consider self storage
7. Plan for kids and pets' needs
8. Arrange mail redirection
9. Inspect your car and plan the route
10. Pack and label boxes
11. Shutdown and transfer your utilities
12. Update subscriptions and memberships
13. Inform your friends and family
14. Notify government agencies and institutions
15. Make an essentials box
16. What to bring for your first night in your new home
17. Prepare a list of essential item locations
18. Triple check you haven't forgotten anything
19. Coordinate with your removal company
20. Explore your new neighbourhood

1. Submit your notice before moving

Moving house can be a big step! To ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s important to start by notifying your landlord. Here's how you can do it efficiently:

• Check your tenancy agreement to ensure you comply with the required notice period and avoid penalties.
• Write a clear notice stating your intent to vacate and the move-out date to legally document your departure.
• Send the notice via recorded delivery or hand it in personally to have proof of the notification date and prevent disputes.
• Discuss the final inspection, deposit return, and any remaining tenancy obligations with your landlord to clarify expectations.
• Keep copies of your notice and all related communications to resolve any potential misunderstandings or legal issues.

2. Set your moving date

Choose a date that gives you enough time to pack and prepare without rushing. Consider work schedules, school terms, and weather conditions to select a convenient and strategic day. Once the exact date is decided, confirm this with your removal company to secure their services. This will help ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

3. Budget for the move

Having an accurate estimation of moving costs will help avoid financial setbacks. Budget for expenses such as removal company fees, packing materials, and potential additional costs like storage unit fees, insurance, and pet relocation.

Remember, moving company costs vary. What you ship out depends on the size of your move, the distance travelled, and the going rates in the area. So be sure to compare quotes from different removal companies to obtain an accurate estimate.

When budgeting for packing materials, consider the size of your move and the type of materials you need. Basic packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap can be purchased from most hardware stores. However, specialty items like mattress covers and wardrobe boxes may also be necessary.

4. Declutter

For a smooth move, it's crucial to declutter your belongings and select a reputable removals company. Start by sorting through your items, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. This not only simplifies your move but also reduces moving costs. Here's a few tips on decluttering:

Start early – Begin decluttering several weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress and rushed decisions.

Categorise items – Organise belongings into categories such as keep, sell, donate, and discard. This visual separation makes decision-making easier.

Use the one-year rule – If you haven’t used an item in the last year and it doesn’t hold sentimental value, consider letting it go.

Plan a declutter day – Set aside specific days for decluttering different areas of your home, such as the garage, attic, and closets.

Sell or donate – Sell items of value online or at a garage sale. Donate gently used items to charities or give them to friends and other family members.

Be decisive – Avoid returning items once you’ve decided to part with them. Keep your decluttering momentum going by removing these items from your space as soon as possible.

For more tips, check out our guide on top decluttering strategies.

5. Hire a removal company

Next, research and choose a reliable removals firm. Look for companies with positive reviews and proper insurance coverage to ensure your possessions are handled professionally and securely. Booking early can also secure better rates and availability.

Confirm all details and services provided by the removals company to avoid any surprises. For some help picking a removal company helping hand, we broke down our picks for the top removal companies in London.

6. Consider self storage

If you're moving to a smaller space or need time to settle into your new home without clutter, consider using a self-storage facility. Self storage offers a flexible solution for keeping your belongings safe and accessible while you organize and decorate your new home.

In the UK, there are numerousstorage options for moving house. Look for facilities like HOLD with robust security measures, climate control options, and convenient access hours.

This can ease the moving process significantly by reducing the volume of items you need to manage immediately upon arrival at your new home.

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7. Plan for needs of kids and pets

Moving can be particularly challenging for children and pets, as it disrupts their routine and environment. Planning ahead can make the transition smoother for them. Here are some key strategies:

• Prepare an essentials bag – Pack a bag for each child and pet that includes necessary items such as snacks, toys, medication, and familiar items to comfort them during the move.
• Maintain routines – As much as possible, keep to your regular schedule for meals, walks, and bedtime to give kids and pets a sense of normalcy.
• Involve children in the move – Let children help with packing if appropriate, and explain the moving process in a positive light to help them understand what to expect.
• Secure pet care during moving day – Consider arranging for a pet sitter or a daycare facility for pets on moving day to keep them safe and reduce stress.
• Set up their spaces first – Prioritise setting up areas in the new home where kids and pets can feel settled, such as bedrooms or a designated pet area, to help them adjust.
• Keep safety in mind – Ensure that children and pets are kept away from potential hazards like moving boxes or heavy furniture during the moving process.

8. Arrange mail redirection

This ensures you don't miss any important correspondence. You can easily arrange this through the Royal Mail, either online or at a local post office.

Opt for a redirection service for a duration that suits your needs, typically from three months to a year. This service will forward all mail from your old address to your new one, giving you peace of mind and continuity while you update your address with banks, utilities, and other services.

9. Inspect your car and plan the route

• Check and top up the oil if necessary.
• Ensure all tires, including the spare, are correctly inflated.
• Test the brakes for responsiveness and any unusual noises.
• Verify coolant levels to prevent overheating.
• Make sure all lights and signals are functioning properly.
• Stock or update the emergency kit with essentials like a first aid kit, flashlight, and basic tools.

Now it's time to plan your route. Doing so in advance (considering factors like traffic, road conditions, and the time of day) will avoid those bumps in the road! If the move is long-distance, identify rest stops and refuelling points, and have a backup plan in case of delays or detours.

10. Pack and label boxes

Packing for a move involves using techniques that maximise efficiency and safeguard your items. For everyday essentials like keys, wallets, and phones, organise them in decorative bowls or other containers for easy access.

To maximise space in your moving boxes, utilise vertical space with shelves and stackable containers, which can aid in making packing more efficient.

When selecting a removals firm, consider factors such as:

• cost
• reputation
• insurance coverage offered by insurance providers
• customer service

By implementing effective packing strategies, you can help ensure that your items are organised and protected during the moving process

Label each box with its contents and intended room to streamline the unpacking process. Using waterproof markers for clarity and durability, ensure labels are visible on multiple sides to facilitate quick placement and access in your new home.

11. Shutdown and transfer your utilities

This step is crucial to avoid paying for services you no longer use. It ensures that your new home is fully functional when you arrive. It also helps prevent any gaps in essential services like electricity and water, making your transition smoother and more comfortable.

Get a final meter reading

Taking meter readings when you move out is essential for ensuring you're only billed for the utilities you've used, preventing disputes over charges.

It marks the end of your financial responsibility for the utilities and is crucial for smoothly closing your accounts and complying with any legal obligations.

Transfer utilities

Transferring utilities to your new home involves the following steps:

1. Contact your current utility providers and provide them your new address.
2. Organise a final bill to be sent by giving at least 48 hours' notice before your move.
3. The new supplier at your new home will automatically place you on a ‘deemed contract' until you switch to a new contract.

Before vacating your old property, take final meter readings of your gas and electricity meters and forward them to the relevant utility suppliers to ensure accurate billing and avoid disputes.

12. Update subscriptions and memberships

This prevens service interruptions. This includes magazine and newspaper subscriptions, gym memberships, and subscription boxes.

To update your address, contact the customer service team of the subscription provider or log into your online account on their website and follow the instructions for changing your address.

By updating your address for subscriptions and memberships, you can ensure that you continue to receive important information and services without interruption.

Additionally, this helps to guarantee that all bills, statements, policies, and services are sent to the correct address, preventing missed payments or policy expirations.

13. Inform your friends and family

Consider sending out ‘We have moved' cards or an email to your personal contacts with your new address and move-in date. This ensures that your new owners and loved ones know where to find you and can keep in touch after your move.

Also, remember to update your address with online retailer accounts and remove your old address to avoid any confusion or misdirected deliveries.

14. Notify government agencies and institutions

For legal and administrative purposes, it's necessary to update your address with various organisations. Here are some important ones to notify:

• HMRC for personal tax affairs
• Local council to update your address on government records
• Driver's license and vehicle registration form
• Bank and building society
• Pension provider
• Educational institutions

15. Make an essentials box

Think ofthist like a moving day survival kit! It contains items and all your important documents and items required for your first night in the new home (medications, towels, electrics, etc.).

To properly pack and secure your essentials box, follow these steps:

1. Choose an appropriate size box.
2. Fill any empty spaces with clothing or towels to prevent items from shifting during the move.
3. Use suitable wrapping materials, such as bubble wrap or packing paper, for fragile items.
4. Seal all liquids in sealed plastic containers to prevent leaks.
5. Label the box as ‘Essentials'.
6. Keep the box easily accessible during the move.

16. What to bring for your first night in your new home

Transitioning into your new home smoothly starts with having the right items at hand. Here's what you'll need:

Personal essentials

• Bedding & Linen – Sheets, blankets, and pillows for each family member.
• Hygiene Basics – Hand soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant.
• Clothing – Pyjamas for everyone, next-day work outfits.
• First Aid – Basic first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic, and pain relievers.
• Toiletries – Towels, toilet paper, and other personal hygiene items.

For the kids

• Sleep Arrangements – Kids’ bedding or a portable cot.
• Comfort Items – Favourite toys or comfort objects.
• Extra Clothing – Spare outfits.
• Entertainment – Tablets, laptops with chargers, headphones, colouring books, crayons, and a few toys.
• Lighting – A nightlight to ease bedtime.

Pet care

• Pet Supplies – Food, water, bowls, toys, and medications.
• Walking Gear – Lead and collar.
• Waste Management – Litter tray or waste bags.
• Comfort – Pet crate for a familiar sleeping spot.

Food & dining

• Dining Supplies – Disposable plates, cups, and basic utensils.
• Meals – Dinner (or takeaway options) and breakfast items.
• Drinks & Snacks – Bottled water, tea/coffee supplies, milk, and some snacks.

17. Prepare a list of essential item locations

To assist the new occupants of your former home, compile a list of essential locations and instructions:

• Location of the main water shut-off valve
• How to operate key appliances
• Locations of the gas and electricity meters, thermostat, and fuse box
• Carbon monoxide detector
• External gas valve
• Boiler location

Providing this information can be a thoughtful gesture that helps the new residents and may prove helpful if you need to reach out for any assistance, such as retrieving packages sent to your old address.

18. Triple check you haven't forgotten anything

Take one last walk through your home.

Have you remembered to remove bedding?

Gathered any remaining toiletries from the bathrooms?

Have you emptied out any greenhouses or garages? Gather everything, leaving no space unchecked.

19. Coordinate with your removal company

A successful moving day hinges on effective coordination with your removal company. Here are some important details to confirm:

1. Confirm the moving route and ensure there are appropriate stops along the way for refuelling and breaks.
2. Ensure that your mobile phone is charged and ready to go.
3. Put any essential items in a box labelled with your name.

The night before your move, follow these steps to help ensure a smooth and efficient moving day:

1. Move your boxes to a convenient location.
2. Ensure that your essentials box is easily accessible.
3. Coordinate with the removal company to confirm details and timing.

By following these steps and double-checking all the necessary details, you can help ensure a smooth and efficient moving day.

20. Explore your new neighbourhood

Make the most of your new surroundings by familiarising yourself with your new neighbourhood. Here are some ways to do that:

• Discover local amenities and community resources
• Get to know your neighbours
• Use online resources like Nextdoor, local publications, city websites, and My Community to find information on local events, businesses, and community news

These resources can help you connect with your new neighbourhood.

Take the time to visit nearby parks, shops, and community centres to get a feel for the local atmosphere. By exploring your new neighbourhood, you can establish connections with your neighbours and become an active member of your new community.

Good luck with your move!

That wraps up our handy moving house checklist. You can now confidently prepare for your move, organise your belongings, handle utilities and services, notify relevant parties, and settle into your new home with ease.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What things do I need to do when moving house?

When moving house, make sure to pack necessary items like boxes, bubble wrap, parcel tape, and cleaning products; book a removals company; update address and utility companies; and notify friends. Finally, unpack room by room, check all utilities are functioning, and get familiar with bin collection days.

How do I plan a move checklist?

To create a move checklist, start by researching your move, arranging a home survey, and finalising contracts and packing. Then, update your address and get organised to leave your old house before finally locking up and checking your new property.

What do you need to do once you move into a new house?

Take meter readings, find the fuse box and water valve, clean your new house, check the bin day, meet all the keys neighbours and make sure you have the necessary insurance coverage when moving into a new house.

Who needs to know that I've moved house?

You should let your healthcare providers, work, bank, insurance, pension and credit card companies, and the council know about your new address as soon as possible. This will ensure that all relevant parties are informed of your move.

How can I estimate the cost of hiring a removal company?

To get an estimate of the cost to hire a removal company, compare quotes from different providers and consider factors such as size packing service, and distance.