The complete moving house checklist: eight weeks to moving day

Most moving day problems are not really moving day problems. They are decisions that were left too late. A written checklist spreads the work across eight weeks so nothing lands on you the night before.

Eight to six weeks before

• Get quotes from two or three removal firms and book the one you trust
• Confirm whether you want a full packing service or you are packing yourself
• Start decluttering room by room and book charity collections
• Check whether your new street needs a parking suspension or permit
• Order packing materials so you can start early

If your move involves a piano, a safe, a garden building or anything unusual, say so at survey stage. Special items change the crew size and the equipment we bring.

Four weeks before

• Begin packing non essential rooms such as the loft, spare room and garage
• Arrange redirection of post with Royal Mail
• Book time off work for moving day and the day after
• Tell schools and nurseries about the change of address
• Arrange storage if your sale and purchase dates do not line up

Two weeks before

• Notify utilities, broadband, council tax, your bank, the DVLA and your GP
• Run down freezer and fridge contents
• Service or drain anything that needs it, including washing machines
• Confirm the final removals plan, timings and access details

The final week

Pack everything except daily essentials. Label boxes with the destination room at the new house rather than the room they came from. Keep documents, jewellery, medication and chargers with you.

Moving day

• Take meter readings and photograph them
• Walk every room and cupboard before the lorry leaves
• Keep the kettle, mugs and teabags out until last
• Hand over keys, alarm codes and any manuals to the new owners