Moving House Checklist: Everything You Need To Do When You Move
Moving house is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between packing, paperwork, change-of-address admin and getting your new home ready, there is a lot to keep track of.
To make things easier, we’ve created a free moving house checklist covering the key tasks before your move, on moving day and during your first couple of weeks in your new home. You can read the steps below and download the printable PDF to keep everything in one place.
What to do 8–12 weeks before moving house
The earlier you start, the smoother your move is likely to feel. This stage is all about getting organised, confirming the legal side and making practical decisions early.
Start by:
instructing a solicitor or licensed conveyancer
confirming your mortgage offer in writing
arranging buildings insurance for exchange
getting removal quotes
checking what is included in each quote
arranging storage if needed
starting to declutter what you no longer want to move
This early planning stage is also the perfect time to separate what you want to keep, donate, sell or recycle. The PDF checklist includes all of these tasks in one place
What to do 4–8 weeks before your move
Once your moving date is getting closer, the focus shifts to admin and essential services.
This is the time to:
set up Royal Mail redirect
update your address with HMRC, DVLA, your bank and your employer
notify your GP, dentist and optician
sort gas, electricity, broadband and water
update council tax details
arrange contents insurance for the new property if needed
These are the tasks that are easy to forget, but they can create unnecessary stress later if left too late. The checklist helps you stay on top of them.
What to do 1–4 weeks before moving day
This is the practical packing and logistics phase.
Use this time to:
collect boxes and packing materials
label every box clearly by contents and room
pack a first-night box with essentials
photograph electronics before disconnecting them
confirm completion date and removals timing
check parking and access at both properties
sort childcare or pet care for moving day if needed
confirm key handover arrangements
A little preparation here makes a big difference on the day itself. One of our favourite tips is to colour-code boxes by room so everything lands in the right place first time
Your moving day checklist
Moving day can feel hectic, so it helps to have a simple checklist to follow.
Before leaving your old home:
take final meter readings
photograph each room for your records
check cupboards, lofts and storage spaces
return keys as agreed
make sure windows and doors are secure
When you arrive at your new home:
take meter readings straight away
photograph any existing damage
find the stopcock, fuse box and boiler
test keys, locks and alarms
make a note of any urgent issues
The downloadable checklist also includes space for important contacts and meter readings, which is especially useful on the day.
What to do in the first two weeks after moving
Settling in takes time, so focus on the essentials first.
In the first couple of weeks:
test smoke alarms and CO detectors
register new appliances
locate your nearest GP if you have moved area
confirm bin collection days
submit final readings to old suppliers
chase any remaining address changes
store important completion documents safely
Try not to unpack everything at once. We always recommend prioritising the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom first so your new home starts to feel functional and calm straight away. The rest can follow.
Download the printable moving house checklist
Prefer a printable version? Download our free moving house checklist PDF and keep it handy while you plan your move.
A practical UK moving checklist covering what to do before you move, on moving day and once you are in your new home.
Need help unpacking and organising your new home?
A move does not end when the boxes arrive. If you want your home unpacked, organised and properly set up from day one, Settle in Style can help.
We support clients who want a calmer, more organised start in their new home, with thoughtful unpacking and home setup tailored to your space and lifestyle.