Moving house consistently ranks as one of life’s most stressful events, but it doesn’t have to be. The secret is starting early, working through tasks methodically, and not leaving everything to the final week. This guide gives you a clear 8-week plan so nothing gets forgotten.
8 weeks before: Start the big tasks
This is the time to research removal companies and get at least three quotes. Prices vary significantly and popular firms book up fast, especially for weekend moves. Also begin decluttering seriously. Every item you don’t move saves time, money and stress. Consider selling, donating, or disposing of anything you haven’t used in a year.
6 weeks before: Book and notify
Confirm your removal company. Notify your children’s school and arrange transfer records. Contact your employer with your new address. Begin gathering boxes, supermarkets often give these away free. Start packing non-essential items: books, seasonal clothing, decorative items. Label every box clearly with the destination room.
4 weeks before: Utilities and admin
Contact all utility providers (gas, electricity, water, broadband) with your moving date to arrange transfers or new connections. Set up a Royal Mail redirect, this costs from £45.00 for three months and is invaluable. Notify your bank, insurance providers, DVLA, HMRC and GP. If you have a TV licence, update your address online.
💡 Money saver: Use your moving date as a trigger to switch energy suppliers. You’re under no obligation to continue with the seller’s provider, and switching at the point of moving often nets the best deals.
2 weeks before: The final push
Pack everything except daily essentials. Confirm your completion date and move-in time with your solicitor. Arrange parking permits if needed for the removal lorry. Return any library books, rented equipment, or borrowed items. Defrost the freezer. Take meter readings at your current property the day before you leave.
Moving day
Be ready for the removal team early. Do a final walkthrough of every room, including loft, garage and outbuildings. Take meter readings at both properties with photos and timestamps. Photograph the condition of the new property before you move anything in, this protects you for any deposit disputes if you’re renting, or from any pre-existing damage claims. Change the locks on your new home, you have no way of knowing how many keys exist for the property.
Moving day essentials box
Pack one box or bag that travels in your car (not the removal lorry) containing:
- Kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, milk
- Phone chargers and power banks
- Important documents (passports, deeds, insurance)
- Cash and payment cards
- Medication and first aid
- Toilet roll and hand soap
- A change of clothes for each person
- Children’s comfort items and snacks
1 week after: Settling in
Register with a local GP and dentist. Update your electoral roll address at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Introduce yourself to neighbours. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Locate the stop cock, fuse box and boiler, and make sure everyone in the household knows where they are.
Ready to take the next step?
Speak to the Bettermove team for free, personalised advice. No obligation, no pressure.