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Moving House Checklist

With a checklist, you will make sure that you are fully prepared for before and after your moving day—you will be able go through every necessary task efficiently and chronologically. Read on to l find a moving house checklist that will help you stay organised and make your move run smoothly.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Moving House Checklist

#1. Moving House Checklist: To-Do List Before Moving

2 to 3 Months Before Your Move:

  • Book time off work before and after your move
  • Ask your employer if they offer relocation assistance
  • Look for a new school and transfer your children’s records
  • Research removal companies –

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What’s the Point of Hiring a Removal Company?

Hiring a removal company can take the weight off your shoulders, helping you move your stuff smoothly and stress-free. They can take charge of packing, reassembly and more for you, so everything from your favourite tea mug to your comfiest sofa arrives safe, sound, and on time. Leave the heavy lifting to professionals and free your focus and time for settling into your new home!

  • Start decluttering – go through each room one by one and identify items to sell, donate, or throw away.
  • Create a folder with important documents – company quotations, contact information, contracts, significant dates, etc.
  • Verify if your life and home insurance policies ensure coverage during your move. Alternatively, consider opting for moving insurance, which many removal firms offer.

5 to 6 Weeks Before Your Move:

  • Decide on a removal company
  • Arrange for a home survey
  • Gather packing materials from the removal company or alternative sources
  • Make a complete inventory of your belongings
  • Begin packing, working room by room – start with items that are not immediately necessary
  • Check for parking restrictions in the area of your current home and new home. Apply for parking permits, suspensions, or dispensations
  • If you are renting, inform your landlord of your moving date

1 Month Before Your Move:

  • Make arrangements for childcare and pet care during your moving day
  • Start emptying your fridge, freezer, and pantry strategically – create a meal plan
  • Confirm the moving day with your removal company
  • Inform people such, as utility companies, banks, friends, and family, of your move
  • Register to vote and pay council tax in your new area
  • Clean your home or book professional cleaners

2 Weeks Before Your Move:

  • Cut off certain services such as television, telephone, and internet to avoid extra charges
  • Look at potential new utility providers at your new home for better deals
  • Pay outstanding bills and cancel or relocate your subscriptions: newspapers, magazines, etc.
  • Redirect your post
  • Continue packing as much as possible – don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help
  • Return any items you have borrowed

1 Week Before Your Move:

  • Confirm the final details of the moving day with your movers
  • Create a list of boxes corresponding with rooms – match via colour labelling your boxes
  • Clean and defrost your fridge and freezer
  • Do as much laundry as possible
  • Arrange a time to collect the keys to your new home with your estate agent
  • Pack your most important documents in a safe, accessible place – This includes passports, driving licenses, birth certificates, and insurance papers
  • Pack an essentials box for your first few days at your new home

1 Day Before Your Move:

  • Take a thorough walk around your house – take your time and check all areas
  • Pack a few lunchboxes for when you get hungry during your moving day
  • Pack a box with tools you need to unpack such as box cutters, scissors, and pens
  • Make sure your phone is fully charged
  • Get a good night’s sleep to be in the best shape for your big day
  • Create an information packet for the new owners – including appliance instructions, contact information for utility companies, rubbish collection schedule, etc.
Family after completing their Moving House Checklist

#2. Moving House Checklist: On Your Moving Day

  • Strip your beds and pack your linen in clearly marked boxes
  • Record your meter readings to ensure that you are not charged for usage that is not yours
  • Be present when the movers arrive
  • Take one last look around your house for forgotten items and make sure all appliances are switched off
  • Give your movers emergency contact information and make sure they know the location of your new home

#3. Moving House Checklist: What’s Left to Do After Moving

Once You Are in Your New Home:

  • When the movers unload your valuables, check for damage
  • Open up your moving toolbox and essentials box
  • Start unpacking your belongings, starting with items you immediately need
  • Reference your inventory list to assess any damaged and missing items
  • Take note of the utility meter readings in your new home
  • Make sure all keys to your property work properly
  • Plug in all appliances and electronics
  • Make your beds so that you can quickly go to sleep on your first night
  • Ensure the hot water and heating are operational in your new home; a hot shower is really lovely to have after a long, busy moving day.
  • Introduce your children and pets to their new home

Within a Couple of Days After Settling in:

  • Replace the locks
  • If you notice any damage or faults that did not previously exist or were missed, contact your removal company or surveyor immediately
  • Involve your children in organising their rooms
  • Meet the neighbours
  • Take your time unpacking
  • Explore your new area
  • Relax and enjoy your new home!

Armed with our comprehensive moving house checklist, staying organised during your move becomes a great deal easier. So, what’s next? Consider requesting quotes from removal companies in your local area – and easily compare their services to secure the best fit for your needs!

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What if You’re Moving House Abroad?

Moving abroad is different from domestic removals in many aspects. International removals require a specialised company that will manage all aspects of your move to a new country; including coordinating sea or air freight, working with partner companies at your destination, and sorting out customs and regulations.

International Moving Checklists

A good international remover will guide you closely, from getting international relocation quotes to ensuring your items complete the long trip so that you can have peace of mind during this exciting moment of your life. Take a look at our dedicated international moving pages for more information about moving abroad:

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