Once you have accepted an offer on your property it is time to plan and prepare your move. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you along the way.

One month to go

  • Book a removal firm or hire van and organise time off work.
  • Think about the day & time of your move. Mid-week and off-peak times can prove to be less stressful.
  • Remember moving is mostly in the afternoon as completion usually occurs after midday.
  • Purchase or hire removal boxes or tea chests.
  • If needed inform your children’s schools, nurseries and clubs etc.
  • If possible organise somebody to look after children and pets. Ensure pets have identity tags with their new address on.
  • Inform the post office of change of address for each person in your house. Royal Mail: 0845 774 0740 or use a change of address form.
  • Arrange for you telephone number to be transferred to you new home and confirm final bill.
  • Lighten the load by donating to charity what you don’t need. Some removal firms support Oxfam with an OXBOXX scheme or why not a boot sale?
  • If the move is over more than one day, think about accommodation.
  • Check that your possessions are insured during the move. If you are moving items yourself ensure they’re covered whilst in transit.

Three weeks to go

  • Where will your furniture be going in your new property? Sketch out a floor plan to decide where furniture will go, this aids packing and help your removal firm.
  • Think about how you are going to move your plants.
  • Make a list of everything that needs to be moved.
  • Arrange for disconnection of all utilities after your departure i.e. gas, telephone, electricity.
  • Contact utilities for connection at your new property.
  • Do you need to register with a new GP? Obtain copies of repeat prescriptions. Do you need to change Dentists?
  • Confirm moving in date, once exchange has taken place.

Two weeks to go

  • Go through lofts, sheds and garages and plan what you are taking with you. Can it be thrown away, donated to charity or go to the boot sale?
  • Go over the ‘route’ you will take when driving to the new property.
  • Arrange for satellite, cable and broadband etc to be connected at the new property.
  • Plan to use all frozen food.
  • Arrange for parking at both your new and old address if making numerous trips on the day.

One week to go

  • Retrieve all spare keys from neighbours, friends and family.
  • Cancel milk, newspapers and window cleaners etc.
  • Empty loft, sheds or garages.
  • Take all the rubbish down to the tip.
  • Think about arranging a cleaner after you’ve moved into your new home.
  • Put together a file of all instruction booklets for the new owner. Include boilers, cookers and appliances along with useful telephone numbers, when the rubbish is collected, recycling schemes etc.

The day before

  • If the move is going to last more than one day, pack an overnight bag.
  • Make your moving survival kit - you might include: - kettle, tea bags, coffee, and milk, disposable plates, cups, knife & forks, tin opener, kitchen & toilet roll, screwdriver and light bulbs maybe a bright idea!
  • Have a list of key telephone numbers to hand.
  • Disconnect large appliances and defrost the fridge freezer. Prepare any fixtures and fittings you are taking with you.
  • Take down all pictures and mirrors and place together.
  • Try to get good nights sleep!

Moving day

  • Note all meter readings, gas, water and electricity. Turn off if required.
  • Check that all plants have drained of water before moving.
  • Drop off children and pets if pre-arranged.
  • Turn off all switches, lock windows and doors.
  • Make one final tour of the property making sure nothing is overlooked.
  • Ensure you know completion has taken place before handing over the keys

You have arrived

  • Possibly change the locks?
  • Ensure all fixtures and fittings are included as per contract.
  • Read all meters, electric, gas and water.
  • Check central heating, telephone, and security & smoke alarms etc.
  • Check that all fixtures and fittings are in the house as per agreement.
  • Finally…put your feet up and order a takeaway!

Tricks of the trade

  • Building insurance should be arranged from the day you exchange. Make sure your possessions are covered during transit.
  • Pack items you use least…first!
  • Pack CD’s, DVD’s and books in small boxes. Large one’s will be too heavy.
  • Table and chair legs can get scratched…so wrap them up.
  • Will you need to remove doors to move large pieces of furniture? If so be prepared and give yourself time to put them back!
  • Wait until you’ve exchanged before confirming change of address.
  • Think about what is going where in your new house and label accordingly. Perhaps use a colour code.

Stress free moving?


Moving can never be entirely stress free, but to help make it easier why not consider using a removal company.

Things to consider 

  • Obtain three estimates and remember the cheapest isn’t always the best!
  • When comparing estimates, compare like for like i.e. is VAT included, cartons, crates and packing materials etc.
  • Don’t leave it too late. Make initial contact for estimates when you have accepted an offer.
  • Ensure you receive written estimates that include all costs i.e. packing, loading and unloading any special handling or other special requests.
  • Make sure your possessions are insured during the move.
  • A few weeks before the move, arrange for the firm to meet and run through the logistics of the move. Discuss any potential issues in moving large furniture. What items need special care i.e. computers, pictures etc?
  • Ensure the removal firm is clear on your new address…print a map!
  • Try to arrange parking space for the lorry outside your new property on the day.

Using storage facilities

  • Think about what you are putting into storage. Storage firms will accept most items as long as they’re not perishable, alive or illegal.
  • Make a clear list of all items you place in storage.
  • Arrange insurance through the storage company or your household insurance.