Moving House Checklist
A practical timeline for the weeks before your move, the final 24 hours and the first night in your new home.
Turn one big move into smaller decisions.Work backwards from the moving date.4–6 weeks before moving
1–2 weeks before
- Confirm the date, addresses and contact number.
- Arrange parking permission or a loading bay where needed.
- Finish most packing and label boxes by room.
- Measure bulky furniture and tight entrances.
- List items requiring dismantling.
- Prepare utility and address changes.
The day before
- Charge your phone.
- Set aside keys, documents, medication and chargers.
- Defrost and dry appliances where appropriate.
- Keep cleaning supplies and a basic toolkit accessible.
- Do a final inventory check.
Moving morning
At the new property
Walk the unloading route before the van is opened. Confirm room destinations, lift access and any flooring protection, then keep the route clear while larger items are brought in.
Related guides
Keep planning your move
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When should I book removals?
As soon as the date is reasonably firm, especially for weekends and month-end.
What should I keep with me?
Keys, documents, medication, chargers and a first-night bag.
Should boxes be labelled?
Yes. Room labels speed unloading and unpacking.
A more detailed timeline
What to do when the move gets closer
The checklist becomes more useful when it changes from broad planning to very specific access, packing and handover tasks.
Seven days before
- Confirm the inventory and tell the mover about any new large items.
- Check the weather forecast so you can plan floor protection and suitable clothing.
- Confirm parking, bay suspensions, concierge access and lift reservations.
- Pack everything not needed during the final week.
- Identify furniture that must be dismantled before it can leave the room.
48 hours before
- Charge tools, phones and power banks.
- Prepare labels for rooms in the new property.
- Empty and dry appliances where appropriate.
- Photograph cable layouts, valuable furniture and fragile electronics before disconnection.
- Keep keys and important documents together.
On moving morning
Open access gates, move cars if the van needs the space, clear the carrying route and make sure somebody can answer the phone. If the driver cannot find the correct entrance, a simple call should solve it immediately.
Before leaving the old property
Check cupboards, lofts, garages, sheds, meter cupboards and behind doors. Photograph meter readings if relevant and confirm that every key set has been accounted for.
Before the moving team leaves the new property
Check that large items are in the correct rooms before the van is fully unloaded. Moving a wardrobe across the house after assembly is much harder than directing it correctly during unloading.
Checklist companions
Use these guides as the date approaches
Ready to plan your move?
Send both postcodes, your inventory or photos and access details for a clear quotation.