Moving House Checklist: What to Do Before Moving Day

By Sokhov Transport & Removals · 20 October 2026 · 5 min read

A move goes smoothly when most of the work is done before the van arrives. This checklist breaks the job into stages so nothing is left to the last minute, whether you're moving a one-bed flat or a family house.

Six to four weeks before

• Decide how you'll move. A man and van suits a flat or a small home, while a larger house usually needs a bigger team. Ask two or three local firms for quotes and compare what each one includes.
• Book your date early. Fridays, Saturdays and the end of the month tend to fill up first.
• Start decluttering. Everything you don't take is something you don't have to pack, carry or pay to move.
• Think about parking at both addresses. If the van can't stop near the door, you may need a parking permit or a bay suspension from your local council, which can take a week or two to arrange.
• If you rent, check your notice period and how your deposit will be returned.

Three to two weeks before

• Tell the people who need your new address: your bank, employer, doctor, dentist, insurers and any subscriptions.
• Update the address on your driving licence with the DVLA. This is a legal requirement when you move.
• Contact your local council about council tax and the electoral register for both addresses.
• Arrange gas, electricity, water and broadband at the new home, and give final meter readings at the old one.
• Consider Royal Mail's redirection service so post keeps reaching you. It's a paid service.
• Start packing things you won't need before the move, such as books, out-of-season clothes, spare bedding and ornaments.

Packing tips that save time

• Use small boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for light ones like cushions, so no box is too heavy to lift safely.
• Label every box with its room and a short note of what's inside. Mark fragile boxes clearly.
• Wrap breakable items individually and fill gaps so nothing can move around inside the box.
• Pack an essentials box for the first night: kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, toiletries, chargers, a few tools and a change of clothes.

The week before

• Confirm the details with your mover: both addresses, floors, parking, and anything large or awkward, such as a wardrobe, piano or garden furniture.
• Arrange care for children and pets on moving day if you can.
• Empty, defrost and dry your fridge-freezer the day before. Disconnect and drain the washing machine and dishwasher. Movers can't normally disconnect plumbing, gas or electrical appliances, so arrange this yourself or with a qualified person.
• Dismantle what you can, or tell your mover in advance which items need taking apart.

Moving day

1. Keep your phone charged and a small bag with documents, medication, keys, cash and valuables with you rather than on the van.
2. Take photos of your meter readings at both properties.
3. Walk through each room, the loft, garage and cupboards before the van leaves, so nothing is left behind.
4. Show the team where to park and which items are fragile, and agree where everything goes at the new home.
5. Leave the keys as agreed and lock up.

After you move

• Check your belongings against your plan and tell your mover straight away about anything damaged, ideally with photos.
• Register with a local doctor and dentist, and update any remaining addresses.
• Unpack the essentials first, then one room at a time.

If you'd like a hand with the move itself, tell us your postcodes, the date and what's moving, and we'll send you a clear quote.