📋 Quick Summary
Moving house in the UK requires careful planning and organization. This comprehensive 8-week checklist covers everything from initial planning to moving day, ensuring you don't miss any crucial tasks. Follow this timeline to make your house move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Moving house is often cited as one of life's most stressful experiences, but with proper planning and our comprehensive checklist, your UK house move can be surprisingly smooth. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced mover, this 8-week timeline ensures you won't miss any critical tasks.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
📅 Initial Planning & Research
✅ Essential Tasks:
- • Create a moving binder/folder - Keep all moving-related documents organized
- • Set your moving budget - Factor in removal costs, deposits, utility connections
- • Research removal companies - Get quotes from at least 3 different companies
- • Book time off work - Arrange leave for moving day and settling in
- • Start decluttering - Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or throw away
💡 Pro Tip
Start collecting free moving boxes from local supermarkets, off-licences, and online marketplaces. You'll need more boxes than you think!
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
🏠 Property & Legal Matters
✅ Key Actions:
- • Confirm your moving date - Ensure completion dates are finalized
- • Book your removal company - Secure your preferred date and service
- • Arrange building surveys - If required for your new property
- • Apply for time off school - If moving with children during term time
- • Research your new area - Local amenities, doctors, schools, etc.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
📋 Administrative Tasks
✅ Notify These Organizations:
🏛️ Government & Services:
- • HMRC (tax records)
- • DVLA (driving licence & vehicle registration)
- • Electoral roll
- • Council tax (old and new councils)
- • TV Licence
- • Passport office (if applicable)
🏦 Financial & Personal:
- • Banks and building societies
- • Credit card companies
- • Insurance companies
- • Pension providers
- • Employer/HR department
- • Subscription services
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
🔌 Utilities & Services
✅ Utility Arrangements:
- • Gas & Electricity - Arrange final readings and new supplier setup
- • Water - Contact water company for both properties
- • Internet & Phone - Arrange disconnection and installation dates
- • Home Security - Update alarm systems and monitoring services
- • Waste Collection - Register with new local council
⚠️ Important Note
Internet installation can take 2-4 weeks. Book early to avoid being without broadband in your new home.
1 Week Before Moving Day
📦 Final Preparations
✅ Last-Minute Tasks:
- • Confirm removal company details - Time, contact numbers, special requirements
- • Pack a survival kit - First night essentials for your new home
- • Arrange childcare/pet care - For moving day if needed
- • Pack essentials box - Kettle, tea, toiletries, medications, phone chargers
- • Withdraw cash - For tips, unexpected expenses, takeaway meals
Moving Day
🚛 The Big Day
✅ Moving Day Checklist:
- • Early start - Be ready before the removal team arrives
- • Walk-through - Check inventory with removal team leader
- • Take meter readings - Gas, electricity, and water at both properties
- • Keep important documents - Carry personally, don't pack in removal boxes
- • Final check - Ensure nothing is left behind in the old property
After Moving Day
🏡 Settling In
✅ First Week Tasks:
- • Register with local GP - Transfer medical records
- • Register with local dentist - Arrange NHS or private care
- • Find local schools - If moving with children
- • Update voter registration - Register at your new address
- • Explore your new area - Find local shops, services, and amenities
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning my house move?
We recommend starting your house move planning at least 8 weeks in advance. This gives you sufficient time to book removal companies, notify utilities, arrange time off work, and handle all the administrative tasks without rushing.
When should I start packing for my house move?
Begin packing non-essential items 6-8 weeks before your move. Start with items you rarely use like books, ornaments, and seasonal clothing. Pack essential items and daily necessities in the final week before moving day.
What utilities need to be notified when moving house in the UK?
You need to notify gas, electricity, water suppliers, broadband/internet providers, council tax, TV licence, and any subscription services. Contact your current providers to arrange disconnection and set up new accounts for your new address.
How much notice should I give my removal company?
Book your removal company 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving times (summer months and end/beginning of months). This ensures availability and better pricing options.
Need Help with Your House Move?
Our professional removal team can handle every aspect of your move, from packing to unpacking. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.