Moving Home Checklist
Planning a house move can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy and checklist, it becomes manageable and even exciting. This in-depth, step-by-step moving guide will walk you through everything you need to do — before, during, and after your move — to ensure a seamless transition. Whether you’re moving across London or relocating to a new city, this comprehensive checklist has you covered.
Table of Contents
🗓️ Pre-Move Checklist (4–8 Weeks Before Moving Day)
The pre-move phase is all about preparation. From confirming your moving date to booking a removal company and organising essential paperwork, these early steps help set the tone for a successful move. With thorough planning and smart scheduling, you’ll minimise stress and avoid costly last-minute surprises.
1. Confirm Your Moving Date
✔️ Coordinate with your landlord, solicitor, or estate agent.
✔️ Try to avoid weekends, bank holidays, or end-of-month rushes.
✔️ Lock in your date early to book removal services and cleaners.
2. Book a Reliable Removals Company
✔️ Hire a trusted moving company like Dan Removals London.
✔️ Request a home survey to get a precise quote.
✔️ Ask about insurance, packing options, furniture disassembly, and storage.
3. Declutter and Streamline Belongings
✔️ Walk through your home and sort items into: keep, donate, sell, recycle.
✔️ Host a garage sale or sell online.
✔️ Donate useful items to charities or shelters.
4. Start Packing Non-Essentials
✔️ Begin with seasonal clothes, books, and décor.
✔️ Use sturdy boxes, protective wrap, and strong tape.
✔️ Label each box clearly with its contents and destination room.
5. Notify Key Organisations
✔️ Update your address with: DVLA, HMRC, Electoral Register, Banks and building societies, Insurance companies (home, pet, life, travel), Utilities, mobile, broadband
✔️ Set up Royal Mail mail redirection (ideally for 12 months).
6. Organise School Transfers
✔️ Notify your child’s current school and inform your local authority.
✔️ Apply for the new school in your catchment area.
✔️ Order any required uniforms or supplies.
7. Schedule End of Tenancy Cleaning
✔️ Hire professional cleaners for a deep clean of your current property.
✔️ Increases your chances of getting your full deposit back.
✔️ Book early and confirm the checklist with your landlord or agent.
8. Book a Home Survey
✔️ Let removal experts assess your home to plan logistics.
✔️ Identify potential parking issues, stair access, or furniture concerns.
✔️ Receive an accurate, personalised quote.
9. Plan Utility Transfers
✔️ Notify energy, water, and broadband providers.
✔️ Set final meter readings and keep photographic evidence.
✔️ Arrange activation of utilities at your new address.
10. Prepare a Moving Folder
✔️ Store contracts, receipts, warranties, and checklists.
✔️ Back up digital copies to a USB or cloud storage.
✔️ Include emergency contacts and details about your moving day.
Hire Dan Removals Wembley to plan and move your belongings.
🚛 Moving Day Checklist
Moving day has arrived! Preparation will now pay off. This section ensures you stay calm and collected as the movers arrive. With a few smart steps, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and stay on top of the day’s tasks.
1. Start the Day Early
✔️ Get a good night’s sleep and eat a solid breakfast.
✔️ Dress comfortably and keep your phone fully charged.
✔️ Pack an overnight bag with essentials.
2. Pack a Moving Day Essentials Kit
✔️ Include:
- Toiletries, snacks, and bottled water
- Medications, chargers, power bank
- Documents, cash, IDs
- Child or pet supplies, if needed
✔️ Keep it easily accessible in your car or with you.
3. Guide the Moving Team
✔️ Walk through your home and highlight:
- Fragile boxes
- Valuable or awkward items
- Items not to load (keep with you)
✔️ Stay available for questions or last-minute decisions.
4. Final Property Check
✔️ Empty cupboards, drawers, and lofts.
✔️ Turn off appliances and heating.
✔️ Take final meter readings and photograph them.
5. Handover Keys
✔️ Ensure all sets of keys are returned to the appropriate person.
✔️ Leave a note for the new owner with tips if helpful.
6. Keep Kids & Pets Safe
✔️ Arrange childcare or pet sitting.
✔️ Alternatively, keep them in a quiet, secure room with familiar toys.
🏠 Post-Move Checklist (First Week After Moving)
1. Inspect the New Property
✔️ Check for any visible damage, leaks, or appliance issues.
✔️ Test heating, water, gas, and broadband.
✔️ Report any issues to your landlord or agent immediately.
2. Unpack the Essentials First
✔️ Prioritise:
- Bedding and toiletries
- Kitchen essentials
- Baby or pet needs
✔️ Use labelled boxes to unpack room by room.
3. Update Local Services
✔️ Register with:
- Local GP and dentist
- Council tax
- Waste and recycling collection
✔️ Update your voter registration.
4. Meet the Neighbours
✔️ Knock on doors to introduce yourself.
✔️ Ask about bin days, security, and local services.
✔️ Join community apps or Facebook groups.
5. Explore Your Area
✔️ Visit local shops, parks, cafés, and gyms.
✔️ Check out public transport options.
✔️ Plan routes for your work commute or school run.
6. Leave Feedback
✔️ Review the removals company, estate agent, and cleaners.
✔️ Positive reviews support businesses and help future movers.
7. Plan Future Projects
✔️ Set goals for DIY or decoration.
✔️ Organise your new space for storage and functionality.
✔️ Host a small housewarming to celebrate!
Check also: Moving Day Survival Kit Ideas
🚚 Let Dan Removals Take the Stress Out of Your Move
At Dan Removals, we provide professional moving services across London and beyond. Whether you need packing help, furniture assembly, storage or full house removals — we’ve got you covered.
📞 Call us on 020 3811 8664 or get your free quote online. Let’s make moving easy!