Moving house is one of life’s most stressful events — but with proper planning, it does not need to be chaotic. This week-by-week checklist covers everything from 8 weeks before to settling into your new home.
8 Weeks Before
If Buying or Selling
- Accept offer / have offer accepted
- Instruct a conveyancer/solicitor
- Apply for your mortgage (if buying)
- Commission a survey (if buying)
- Start decluttering — sell, donate, or bin items you do not need
If Renting
- Give notice to current landlord (check notice period — usually 1 month)
- Review your new tenancy agreement carefully
- Take photos of your current property for deposit evidence
- Sign new tenancy agreement and pay deposit
6 Weeks Before
- Get removal quotes — at least 3 quotes from different companies
- Research removal companies (check reviews, insurance, accreditation)
- Start packing non-essential items (books, seasonal clothes, decorations)
- Begin collecting boxes — ask local shops, buy from removal companies, or use box rental services
- Arrange parking for removal van at both properties (check if you need a council permit)
Removal Company Costs
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Man with a van (local, small move) | £200–£500 |
| Full removal service (2-bed) | £500–£1,000 |
| Full removal service (3-bed) | £800–£1,500 |
| Full removal service (4-bed) | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Packing service (add-on) | £200–£500 |
| Storage (per week) | £20–£50 |
4 Weeks Before
Notify These Organisations
| Organisation | How to Notify |
|---|---|
| Royal Mail | Set up post redirection (£50 for 3 months, £70 for 6, £170 for 12) |
| Council tax | Notify old and new councils |
| Electoral register | Register at new address (gov.uk) |
| GP surgery | Register with a new surgery near your new home |
| Dentist | Find and register with a new practice |
| Schools | Notify existing school; apply to new school if changing |
| Employer / HR | Update payroll address |
| DVLA | Update driving licence and V5C (free online) |
Also Notify
- Bank(s) and credit card companies
- Insurance providers (car, home, life, pet)
- Pension providers
- HMRC (for tax records)
- Premium Bonds / NS&I
- TV Licensing
- Amazon, online shopping accounts
- Subscriptions (streaming, gym, magazines)
- Professional bodies and memberships
2 Weeks Before
- Confirm removal date and time with your removal company
- Pack systematically — label boxes by room (Kitchen, Bedroom 1, etc.)
- Book time off work if needed for moving day (and the day after)
- Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day
- Arrange cleaning — book cleaners for old property or plan to clean yourself
- Transfer utilities — notify gas, electricity, and water companies of move date
- Set up broadband at new address (can take 2 weeks to activate)
- Take photos of current property (for deposit return if renting)
1 Week Before
- Pack remaining items except essentials
- Prepare an essentials box — kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, toilet roll, phone charger, torch, basic tools, snacks, change of clothes, toiletries, medications
- Defrost freezer (24–48 hours before)
- Disassemble furniture that needs it
- Confirm final details with removal company
- Get cash for tips and small expenses on moving day
Moving Day: Old Property
- Take final meter readings (gas, electric, water) — photograph them
- Check every room — cupboards, loft, shed, garden
- Clean the property (or have cleaners in)
- Hand over keys to new owners/landlord/agent
- Cancel any standing orders for old property bills
Moving Day: New Property
- Collect keys from agent/seller’s solicitor
- Take meter readings — photograph them
- Check utilities — gas, electric, water all working
- Check heating and hot water
- Check for any issues — note anything different from viewing
- Guide removal team on where to put boxes (room labels help)
- Secure the property — check all locks work, change locks if buying
First Week in New Home
- Unpack essentials first — bedding, kitchen basics, bathroom
- Register with new GP, dentist, optician
- Introduce yourself to neighbours
- Locate stopcock, fuse box, and boiler controls
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Set up broadband and WiFi
- Update your address on remaining accounts
- Explore the local area — shops, transport, parks
Budget for Moving
| Cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Removal company | £_____ |
| Cleaning old property | £_____ |
| Post redirection | £_____ |
| New locks | £_____ |
| Essential supplies | £_____ |
| Takeaways on moving day | £_____ |
| Total | £_____ |
If you are also buying, add: | Stamp duty | £_____ | | Conveyancing | £_____ | | Survey | £_____ | | Mortgage fees | £_____ |
Plan your move budget as part of your overall financial planning to avoid surprises.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. PocketWise provides information and guidance — we do not offer financial advice. Seek independent mortgage advice before making decisions about borrowing.