Moving House Checklist

If you’re moving house, the first thing to do is finalise your moving date, and then you can start ticking things off your checklist. Use our guide below so you don’t forget anything:

Four weeks before moving house:

  • Book a removals company as soon as possible. This will guarantee you get the date and the company you want. Keep in mind that weekend moves are likely to be more expensive.
  • Check your home contents insurance policy to see what cover you have regarding moving home. Your removal company may provide this if you are not covered.
  • Arrange for parking of the removal van outside your current and new addresses. This may involve parking bay suspension requests from your local council. Removal companies can arrange this but may charge for it.

Three weeks before you move:

  • Order boxes, bubble wrap and packing materials so you can start packing in advance of moving house - don't leave everything to the last minute. Ordering the materials online will save you money.
  • Let your broadband supplier know that you are moving to ensure you are not penalised for terminating your account. You can compare deals online, which will help you decide if you want to take your supplier with you or switch to a better deal.
  • If you are moving out of the local area you will have to de-register with your current doctor, dentist and optician and register with new ones in your new area.

Two weeks before you move

  • Check out the best deal on gas and electricity at your new home. The size and postcode of your new home will affect your bills so it is worth investigating all the options.
  • Inform your credit card, store card and insurance companies of your change of address.
  • Book pets into kennels/cattery etc, for moving day.
  • If possible arrange childcare on moving day.
  • Inform your cable/satellite operator of the date that you're moving house.
  • Register your change of address with the Electoral Registration Office so you are eligible to vote, by printing off a form online
  • Inform the DVLA of your change of address. Failure to do so is an offence and you could be fined £1000.

One week before you move:

  • Notify your local councils (current and new) that you're moving house and advise them of your change of address. Council tax is calculated on a daily basis so you could be due a refund.
  • Call your home phone company to transfer your account. Remember to have your account number to hand when you call.
  • Contact your bank/building society with your change of address.
  • Inform TV licensing of your change of address. Keep hold of your current licence as you will not be issued a new one until the existing one expires.
  • Contact your mobile phone network to let them know your change of address. The simplest way is to call them from your phone as they do not charge for the call.
  • Arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address with the Royal Mail redirection service.
  • Shut down and set up your water accounts.
  • Settle all outstanding accounts with your milkman and newsagent and cancel subscriptions.
  • Check with the agent when the keys to your new home will be available on the day of your move and what you should do with your own keys. Spare keys should be labelled and left in a secure place in the house.
  • Arrange a locksmith to meet you at the new address and change your locks – it’s the only way to be sure who has a set of keys to your house.
  • Collect any remaining items from your dry cleaners.
  • Pack a box for use on moving day in the new home to include kettle, milk, tea bags/coffee, light bulbs, toilet rolls, candles, screwdriver, matches, cash and a list of important telephone numbers.
  • Empty, disconnect and drain the pipes of your dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. Remember to secure the drum with travel brackets.

Moving day:

  • Take final meter readings for gas, electricity and water. You can e-mail these to your suppliers.
  • Keep refreshments flowing as moving is physically demanding work.
  • Remove all bedding and clearly label the box for immediate unpacking for the first night at your new home.
  • Identify to the removers anything that is not to go to the new home.
  • Once the van is loaded, check the house to ensure all items have been packed.

Day one in your new home:

  • Contact your old gas and electricity companies to give them your first meter readings.
  • Surrender any parking permits from your old address and apply for a new one if applicable.
  • Consider fitting a new alarm in your new home. You can get alarm quotes online from reputable suppliers.