Moving House Checklist

3 – 2 months before your move

• Book time off work for before and after your move
• Ask your employer if they offer relocation assistance
• Look for a new school and transfer your children’s records
• Conduct research on removal companies – obtain quotes from at least 3 companies
• 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.
• Check your life and home insurance policies to make sure you are covered

5 – 6 weeks before your move

• Decide on a removal company
• Arrange for a home survey
• Gather packing materials from the removal company or from 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 – include instructions for appliances, contact information for utility companies, rubbish collection schedule, etc.

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 to make sure all appliances are switched off
• Give your movers emergency contact information and make sure they know the location of your new home

Once you are in your new home

• When the movers unload your valuables, check for damage
• Open up your moving tool box and essentials box
• Start unpacking your belongings, starting with items you immediately need
• Reference your inventory list to assess any damage 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
• Check that the hot water and heating in your new home is working – it’s incredibly important to have a hot shower after your busy day
• Introduce your children and pets to their new home

Days after you have moved in

• Replace the locks
• If you notice any damage or faults that did not previously exist or was 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!

Take the next step and contact companies

Equipped with our moving house checklist, you will be able to stay organised while moving. The next step is to reach out to removal companies in your area and compare prices. By comparing up to 5 quotes at a time, you will easily identify the right movers to help you. Not to mention you could save up to 40% on moving costs!