Your comprehensive guide to a stress-free move - from 8 weeks before to moving day
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Check off items as you complete them to track your progress
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page and check off items as you complete them. Moving can be overwhelming, but staying organized makes all the difference. Consider setting reminders for critical deadlines.
8 Weeks Before Moving
8 Weeks Before
Initial Planning & Research
Create a moving binder or digital folder
Research moving companies and get at least 3 quotes
Begin decluttering - sort items into keep, donate, sell, discard
Notify your current landlord (if applicable) High Priority
Take inventory of valuable items for insurance
Start using up frozen food and perishables
6 Weeks Before
Administrative Tasks
Book your moving company or van rental
Start packing non-essential items (out of season clothes, books)
Arrange time off work for moving day
Measure furniture and new property doorways
Research new area amenities and services
Create a floor plan for new home furniture placement
Notify schools about student transfers if applicable
4 Weeks Before Moving
4 Weeks Before
Notification & Service Arrangements
Notify utility companies of your move-out date:
Gas
Electricity
Water
Internet/TV provider
Arrange for new utilities to be connected at new address
Update your address with:
Banks and financial institutions
Employer and HR department
Insurance providers (home, car, health)
Subscription services
Doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers
Start using up frozen food and perishables
Arrange mail forwarding with Royal Mail
2 Weeks Before
Final Preparations
Confirm arrangements with moving company
Pack most of your belongings (leave essentials for last week)
Create an "essentials" box for moving day (see below)
Arrange for cleaning of old and new property
Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator
Return borrowed items and library books
Pick up dry cleaning
Make arrangements for pets and children on moving day
Moving Week
1 Week Before
Last-Minute Arrangements
Pack remaining items except absolute essentials
Confirm moving day schedule with all parties
Prepare payment for movers (cash or bank transfer ready)
Clean empty rooms as you pack
Take meter readings at old property
Pack a suitcase with clothes and toiletries for first few days
Dispose of hazardous materials (paint, chemicals) properly
Moving Day
Moving Day Essentials Critical
Keep important documents with you (passports, contracts)
Have cash available for unexpected expenses
Pack a first-day box with:
Toiletries and medications
Phone chargers and power banks
Basic cleaning supplies
Snacks and drinks
Change of clothes
Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer)
Light bulbs
Toilet paper
Take final meter readings
Do a final walk-through of empty property
Ensure all windows are closed and doors locked
Hand over keys to landlord/agent
Your First-Day Essentials Box
Pack these items separately and keep them with you during the move. This box should contain everything you'll need for the first 24 hours without having to unpack everything.
Kitchen & Food
Kettle, mugs, tea, coffee
Paper plates, cups, and cutlery
Snacks and easy-to-prepare food
Bottle opener, can opener
Dish soap and sponge
Bathroom & Personal
Toilet paper
Towels
Shower curtain and rings
Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush)
Medications
First aid kit
Bedroom
Bed linens and pillows
Pajamas and change of clothes
Alarm clock
Tools & Miscellaneous
Basic toolkit
Light bulbs
Torch with batteries
Phone chargers
Cleaning supplies
Bin bags
Packing Tips & Tricks
Label Everything Clearly
Label boxes with room destination and contents. Use color-coded stickers for different rooms. Mark fragile items clearly.
Pack an Essentials Box
Keep a separate box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival - toiletries, medications, chargers, basic tools, and cleaning supplies.
Protect Fragile Items
Use clothing, towels, and bedding to wrap fragile items. Pack plates vertically in boxes. Use plenty of bubble wrap for electronics.
Photograph Electronics
Take photos of electronic setups before disconnecting to make reassembly easier. Keep cables together in labeled bags.
Address Change Checklist
Don't forget to update your address with these important contacts:
Financial
Bank and building society
Credit card companies
Loan providers
Pension companies
Insurance providers
Government & Services
DVLA (driving license, vehicle registration)
HMRC
Electoral roll
Council (for council tax)
Royal Mail (redirection service)
Personal & Subscriptions
Employer
Doctors, dentists, opticians
Magazine/newspaper subscriptions
Online shopping accounts
Loyalty cards
Emergency Contacts & Information
Keep these numbers handy during your move:
Moving Company: [Your booked company]
Estate Agent: [Contact details]
Emergency Utilities:
Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999
Electricity Emergency: 105
Water Emergency: [Check local provider]
Local Council: [New area council contact]
Emergency Services: 999
Download Your Moving Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist to take with you