Moving House Checklist UK 2026: Free Printable Guide
Your step-by-step moving house checklist organised by timeline – from 8 weeks before moving day to settling into your new home
How to Use This Moving House Checklist
Moving house involves dozens of tasks across several weeks. This comprehensive checklist ensures you don't miss anything important. We've organised everything by timeline so you know exactly what to do and when.
The average house move in the UK takes 8-12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. Use this timeline as a flexible guide – some tasks can be done earlier or later depending on your circumstances.
Quick Timeline Overview
- 8 weeks before: Instruct solicitor, book survey, start planning
- 6 weeks before: Arrange mortgage, get removal quotes
- 4 weeks before: Start packing, notify important parties
- 2 weeks before: Confirm completion date, finalise arrangements
- 1 week before: Final packing, meter readings, keys
- Moving day: Final checks, handover, move in
- After moving: Unpack, register, settle in
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
Key Focus: Legal Process & Initial Planning
Once your offer is accepted, the legal and financial processes begin. This phase sets the foundation for a smooth move.
Choose a solicitor and provide them with all required documents. They'll handle contracts, searches, and the legal transfer.
If you haven't already, get your mortgage approved. The lender will conduct a valuation of the property.
Arrange a homebuyer survey or full structural survey to identify any potential issues with the property.
Calculate all costs including legal fees, stamp duty, removal costs, and new home expenses. See our complete cost breakdown.
Set up a physical or digital folder for all moving-related documents, quotes, and correspondence.
Measure rooms and doorways to plan furniture placement and identify what will fit.
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Key Focus: Arrangements & Decluttering
Start organising practical arrangements and reducing what you need to move.
Compare at least three removal companies. Ask about insurance, packing services, and storage if needed.
Sort through belongings room by room. Sell, donate, or dispose of items you don't need. Less to move means lower costs.
Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and markers. Many removal companies provide these.
Inform your employer of your moving date and request time off if needed.
If you have children, research schools in your new area and start the application process.
Check if you need parking permits or suspension of parking bays at either property.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Key Focus: Notifications & Serious Packing
Begin notifying organisations and start packing non-essential items.
Book your chosen removal company and confirm all details in writing.
Begin notifying organisations of your move. Use our complete change of address checklist.
Set up buildings and contents insurance for your new home to start from completion day.
Confirm time off for moving day and ideally a day either side for packing and unpacking.
Pack seasonal items, decorations, books, and things you won't need before the move. Label boxes clearly with room and contents.
Contact electricity, gas, water, and internet providers. Arrange disconnection and connection dates.
Plan care for children and pets on moving day to keep them safe and reduce stress.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Key Focus: Finalising Arrangements
Confirm all arrangements and complete most of your packing.
Your solicitor will confirm the completion date. Coordinate this with your removal company.
Set up mail redirection with Royal Mail (recommended for 6-12 months).
Update delivery addresses for regular deliveries, subscriptions, and memberships.
Aim to have 80% of your belongings packed by now. Keep one box of essentials for each room.
If moving the freezer, start defrosting it at least 48 hours before the move.
Arrange professional cleaning for your old property after you move out if required by your sale contract.
Inform both old and new local councils of your moving date.
1 Week Before Moving Day
Key Focus: Final Preparations
Complete packing and handle last-minute arrangements.
Reconfirm arrival time, address, and any special requirements.
Prepare a box with toiletries, phone chargers, kettle, tea/coffee, basic tools, toilet paper, and first-night essentials.
Check all storage spaces are completely empty. Check sheds, garages, and outdoor storage.
Safely dispose of paint, chemicals, gas bottles, and other items removal companies won't transport.
If driving a long distance, check your car is roadworthy and fuelled up.
Gather instruction manuals for appliances you're leaving behind and any information the buyer requested.
Moving Day
Key Focus: Execution & Handover
The big day! Stay organised and methodical.
Photograph all meter readings (gas, electricity, water) in both properties. Note the date and time.
Check every room, cupboard, loft, and outdoor space. Ensure nothing is left behind.
Be present while removers load your belongings. Check items are handled carefully.
Give the property a final clean or ensure cleaners have completed their work.
Pick up keys from your solicitor or estate agent once completion is confirmed (usually around noon).
Give all keys, alarm codes, garage remotes, and instruction manuals to the buyer or their agent.
Do a walkthrough of your new property before unloading. Check for any unexpected issues.
Guide removers on where to place furniture and boxes in each room.
After Moving In
Key Focus: Settling In
Take your time settling in – unpacking doesn't need to happen overnight.
Test heating, hot water, electricity, and gas. Report any issues immediately.
Register your family with a local GP surgery and dentist.
Update your electoral roll registration at your new address.
Say hello to neighbours and start building relationships in your new community.
Within the first few days, check all fixtures, fittings, and appliances work as expected.
Notify DVLA of your address change and update your car insurance.
Find your water stop cock, fuse box, and boiler. Know where these are in case of emergency.
Unpack room by room, starting with essentials. Don't rush – take a few weeks if needed.
Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Make These Mistakes
- Not booking removers early enough – Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season (May-September)
- Underestimating packing time – Start packing non-essentials 4-6 weeks before moving day
- Forgetting to defrost the freezer – Do this at least 48 hours before the move to avoid water damage
- Not labelling boxes properly – Label each box with room and contents to make unpacking easier
- Forgetting meter readings – Take photos of all meter readings to avoid disputes over bills
- Not checking the property first – Do a final check before loading furniture into your new home
- Moving without insurance – Ensure removal insurance covers your belongings' full value
Printable Moving House Checklist
Want a simple printable version? Here's a quick-reference checklist you can print and tick off:
Quick Checklist
8 weeks before: Solicitor ☐ Survey ☐ Mortgage ☐ Budget ☐
6 weeks before: Removers ☐ Declutter ☐ Packing materials ☐
4 weeks before: Notifications ☐ Insurance ☐ Start packing ☐
2 weeks before: Completion date ☐ Mail redirect ☐ 80% packed ☐
1 week before: Essentials box ☐ Final packing ☐ Confirm removers ☐
Moving day: Meter readings ☐ Keys ☐ Final check ☐
After: Register GP ☐ Update licence ☐ Meet neighbours ☐
Moving House Costs: Budget Checklist
A successful move requires budgeting as well as planning. Here are the key costs to factor in alongside your moving checklist:
Essential Costs for First-Time Buyers (2026)
- Solicitor/conveyancer fees: £800-£1,500 plus VAT and disbursements
- Property survey: £300-£1,500 depending on type (HomeBuyer Report most common)
- Stamp duty: £0 on the first £300,000 for first-time buyers
- Mortgage arrangement fee: £0-£2,000 (some lenders charge nothing)
- Removal company: £400-£1,200 for a 2-3 bedroom property
- Buildings insurance: £200-£500 per year (required from exchange)
- Mail redirection: £33-£66 for 3-12 months via Royal Mail
Typical total (excluding deposit): £3,000-£8,000 for a £250,000 property
See our full Moving House Costs Breakdown for detailed figures and money-saving tips.
