Moving home is statistically one of the most stressful things you can do in life. We understand moving home can be a stressful and trying time. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive moving home checklist.

2 Months Before You Move

• Obtain a floor plan of your new home and create an inventory. Having a floor plan of your new home which details room dimensions will enable you to decide what items of furniture and personal belongings are to go where in the property and whether the furniture will fit. The inventory is useful information to provide your removal company with.
• Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts. A by-product of moving home is paperwork. Expect lots of it and have a filing system in place which makes it easy to store and fine those important documents.

One Month Before You Move

• Choose a removal company and pencil in the expected date of completion for your move. The expected date of completion will be advised by your solicitor. During the conveyancing process, dates are subject to change. The British Association of Removers is a great place to search for reliable movers. The database has details of many removal companies around the UK including their insurance cover and references from previous customers.
• Speak to your employer about potential time off work and the required notice you must give. You may want a few days off work either side of your moving date to get everything ready for the move and to get settled into your new home.
• Start to think about running down your food cupboards and frozen food.
• Order and start collecting boxes, labels, tape, bubble wrap and any other materials you’ll need to pack up your house. When packing, organise and label the boxes, marking what rooms you intend them to go in. If using a removal company, they may be able to supply you with packing supplies.
• Request the fixture and Fittings Form from your solicitor filled out by the seller so you can see what is being left at the property.
• Start packing non-essential items and least used rooms.
• Notify the relevant companies and organisations of your expected moving date and new address. Here’s a handy list of who to contact:
• Gas company
• Electricity supplier
• Water provider
• Telephone and internet provider
• Council Tax office
• Insurance companies
• DVLA
• TV licensing
• Schools and employers
• Banks and building societies
• Credit card companies
• Doctor and dentist surgeries
• Newspaper and magazines subscriptions

2 Weeks Before You Move

• Finalise arrangements with your removal company. Confirm arrival times and work out a route for your moving day. Consider the route for the removals truck and if there are any low bridges or weight restricted areas.
• If you have children or pets, arrange for someone to look after them during the move.
• Notify friends and family that you are moving to.
• Visit the Post Office and arrange for your post to be forwarded (you will be charged a fee for this service).

1 Week Before You Move

• Empty and defrost the freezer
• Cancel local services you receive and settle outstanding bills. e.g. newspapers, gardeners, cleaners, window cleaner
• Put important items and documents in a plain, sturdy box for safe keeping. e.g. passports, driving licenses, house deeds, wills, insurance papers, jewellery and cash.
• Finish as much of your packing as possible so you have everything ready to go. Make sure you do this methodically and do not forget about belongings in the loft, shed and garage. Cross-reference boxes to rooms.
• Gather together keys for your current property

1 Day Before You Move

• Walk around your house for a final, thorough check – take your time doing this to ensure you leave nothing.
• Pack a bag of essentials for yourself and family members so you have your toothbrush, pyjamas, washbag and towels handy. Also put together a bag of food essentials to get you through the first day.
• Put together a mini-toolkit including a sharp knife for opening boxes on arrival.

Moving Day

• Record all utility meter readings for water, electricity and gas. Record meter readings in your old property and your new property when you arrive. We recommend taking a photo of the meters with your mobile phone
• Leave details for your buyers about rubbish collections, recycling schemes, milk deliveries and if you can, instruction manuals for any appliances and heating systems that you are leaving behind.
• When you leave, ensure all windows and doors are locked.
• Account for each item on your inventory – check for any damaged and missing items only sign the documentation from the removal company once you are happy
• Place moving and other important documents in a safe place where they won’t get disturbed – in the bath is quite a useful place!
• On arrival at the new property do a walk around and re-familiarize yourself with your new home. Turn on the heating and run the hot water – ensure you know how to use it.

After You Have Moved In

• Re-arrange local services you would like to receive. e.g. newspapers, gardeners, cleaners, window cleaner.
• Leave feedback reviews for your solicitor! It is lovely when our team’s hard work is recognised. Your feedback helps others to know we are here and gives them confidence in our services.

Moving to a new house is exciting but it can also be challenging, and we know there’s a lot to think about! We hope this checklist has mapped out the sort of things you should consider in the countdown to you moving home. If you want to print off this checklist, you can view or download it by using the button below. Happy moving! A copy of the moving home checklist is here.

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The purpose of this blog is to provide information and discussion. Nothing on this blog should be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice from a qualified solicitor regarding any actual legal issue or dispute. Nothing on this website should be construed as legal advice or perceived as creating a solicitor-client relationship. Please note that we cannot give advice on individual’s situations or problems on this blog.