The Ultimate Moving House Checklist
Moving house involves much more than packing boxes.
There are addresses to update, utilities to organise, furniture to prepare and countless small jobs that are easy to forget.
This checklist is designed to help you stay organised from the moment you decide to move until you're comfortably settled into your new home.
You don't need to do everything at once—simply work through the list step by step.
Four Weeks Before Moving
Now is the time to start planning.
✔ Book your removal company.
✔ Arrange storage if required.
✔ Begin decluttering unwanted items.
✔ Order moving boxes and packing materials.
✔ Notify your landlord if you're renting.
✔ Arrange time off work if needed.
✔ Start using up food in your freezer.
✔ Create a folder for important moving documents.
Two to Three Weeks Before Moving
Packing should now be underway.
✔ Pack items you don't use every day.
✔ Clearly label every box.
✔ Arrange childcare or pet care if needed.
✔ Notify schools of your new address.
✔ Update your GP, dentist and optician.
✔ Inform your employer of your new address.
✔ Redirect your post.
✔ Measure large furniture if access may be restricted.
One Week Before Moving
You're nearly there.
✔ Confirm your moving date.
✔ Confirm key collection arrangements.
✔ Finish packing most rooms.
✔ Defrost the freezer if required.
✔ Separate important documents.
✔ Pack an essentials box.
✔ Return borrowed items.
✔ Dispose of hazardous materials that cannot be transported.
The Day Before Moving
A little preparation now makes tomorrow much easier.
✔ Charge all mobile phones.
✔ Charge laptops and tablets.
✔ Disconnect appliances.
✔ Empty bins.
✔ Pack bedding separately.
✔ Keep house keys somewhere safe.
✔ Make sure everyone knows the plan for moving day.
✔ Get an early night's sleep if possible.
Moving Day
Today's the big day.
Before leaving your old home:
✔ Check every room.
✔ Check cupboards, loft spaces and sheds.
✔ Take final meter readings.
✔ Lock all windows and doors.
✔ Turn off lights.
✔ Leave any agreed keys behind.
✔ Do one final walkthrough of the property.
At your new home:
✔ Take photographs of your meter readings.
✔ Direct the removal team to each room.
✔ Check furniture placement before the team leaves.
✔ Assemble beds first if possible.
✔ Make sure heating, lighting and water are working.
✔ Test smoke alarms.
✔ Introduce yourself to your new neighbours if you get the chance.
After You've Moved In
The move may be complete, but there are still a few jobs left.
✔ Update your driving licence.
✔ Update your vehicle registration (V5C).
✔ Register to vote.
✔ Update your bank if required.
✔ Register with a local GP if you've moved area.
✔ Update your home and contents insurance.
✔ Recycle or store your moving boxes.
✔ Leave reviews for companies that helped with your move.
Common Things People Forget
After helping hundreds of customers move, these are some of the things most commonly forgotten.
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Phone chargers.
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Wi-Fi router.
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TV remote controls.
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Garden sheds.
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Loft storage.
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Garage shelving.
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Outdoor furniture.
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Passports and important paperwork.
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Medicine cabinets.
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Pet food and bowls.
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Children's favourite toys.
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Bin collection day for your new address.
Taking five minutes to check these can save hours of frustration later.
Why Use a Moving Checklist?
Moving house is one of the biggest events in most people's lives, and it's surprisingly easy to overlook small but important tasks.
A simple checklist helps you stay organised, reduces last-minute stress and gives you confidence that everything is under control.
Remember, every move is different. You may not need every item on this checklist, but using it as a guide can help ensure nothing important gets forgotten.
We recommend saving this page and referring back to it as your moving day gets closer, ticking off each task as you complete it.
A little planning today can make moving day far less stressful tomorrow.
Need Help with Your Move?
If you're planning a move and would like professional advice or a free, no-obligation quotation, we're always happy to help.
Whether you're moving from a city-centre flat, a traditional Glasgow tenement or a large family home, The Removal Kings® are here to make your moving day as smooth and stress-free as possible.