Whether you’re moving home for the first time or the last time, it always seems to feel like there’s a never-ending list of things to do. But don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. Use our simple moving home checklist to avoid unnecessary moving day stress and tick off the key tasks. Here’s our breakdown of what to do before you move, after you move, and on moving day itself.
Before you move home
✅ Pack up your entire life
It’s never too early to start packing! Throw away, recycle or donate anything you’re not taking with you. Make a detailed list of everything you’re bringing and label your boxes by room, so that everything will be easier to find at the other end. Wrap any fragile items carefully!
✅ Organise removals for completion day
As soon as you’ve exchanged contracts and know your completion date, it’s time to book your removal van and insure your items for transit. If you’re moving yourself, work out if you can fit everything in one car or will need an extra pair of wheels. If you’re moving out of a home you own, you should plan to have left the property by around midday when completion takes place, because from that point it no longer belongs to you!
✅ Make sure you can park and unload
If you’re arriving with a large van and there’s not much parking space on your new road, you may need to apply for a parking suspension. Check your local authority website for information on the cost and application process.
✅ Build your moving day survival kit
No matter how prepared you are, it’s hard not to feel a little flustered on moving day. Get ahead by packing your first day essentials in an accessible bag, so you can quickly find them when you arrive at your new home. Think toilet rolls, bed linen, hand soap, basic cleaning products, chargers, snacks and a kettle – or bottle of champagne!
✅ Take final meter readings
On your last day, take photos of your gas, electricity and water meters (if you have them) to give to your suppliers, so your final bills are accurate.
✅ Clean up
Whether you hire a professional, or decide to clean the property yourself, it’s polite to leave it in a condition you’d want to find it in. If you’re leaving a rented property, take detailed photos once it’s been cleaned, ready for the check-out inventory.
✅ Return all the keys
Remember to give back all sets of keys to the estate agent or landlord, including any copies you’ve given to family members or cleaners.
✅ Leave helpful hints for the new owners
Moving into a new home and finding a personal note from the previous owner is a great feeling. So, if you’re leaving a property you own, pay it forward by telling the new owners where the stopcock and meters are located, or when the bins are collected. If you’re feeling generous, you could even leave them a small gift.
On moving day
✅ Collect your keys from the estate agent
Keep your phone nearby for the exciting call from your solicitor, letting you know that completion has happened! You can then go and pick up the keys from the estate agent or sellers.
✅ Check the fixtures and fittings
Take a look around when you arrive to check that everything is as stated on the fixtures and fittings form. If anything is missing, or there’s a glaring issue that wasn’t picked up in your survey, let your solicitor know as soon as possible.
✅ Clean your new home
It’s time to get the rubber gloves out, especially if the previous owners didn’t leave the property in a great state. Wipe down work surfaces and inside the cupboards, clean the toilets and run the hoover around before you start unpacking.
✅ Make the bed(s)
Get this task out of the way early, so you can relax with the peace of mind that even if you can’t face unpacking, you can sleep if you need to.
✅ Plug in larger appliances
Check that the washing machine, dishwasher and fridge are plugged in and turned on. This is a good time to find the boiler, run the taps and turn on the heating to make sure everything is working as it should.
✅ Sort out your first food shop
You probably won’t have the energy to do a big food shop on the day you move, so get organised by ordering a food delivery to arrive shortly after you do. That way, you can relax in your new home without needing to trek to Tesco for milk.
✅ Redirect your post
Make sure you don’t miss any important post by setting up a post redirection from your old address to your new one. Royal Mail offers a redirection service for 3, 6 or 12 months, which can be useful if you forget any suppliers from the list below, or other charities or companies you receive post from.
✅ Tell people you’re moving
The main parties you’ll need to contact about your move and change your address with are:
- Your employer (and company pension fund)
- Your bank(s)
- Any saving and investing providers, like Moneybox
- Credit card companies
- Government bodies
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
- Electoral roll
- TV licencing
- Your local council authority
- Your utility providers
- Water
- Gas/electricity
- Insurance
- Broadband/TV
- Mobile phone
- Your childrens’ schools
- Friends and family
After you move in
✅ Change the locks
Call a locksmith to change the locks, for peace of mind that you’re the only person with keys to your new home.
✅ Pay stamp duty (if applicable)
If you’re paying stamp duty on your new home, remember that this is due within 14 days of completion. Your solicitor will pay it on your behalf and you’ll need to reimburse them.
✅ Register with your local services
Prioritise registering with your local GP, dentist and optician, as well as any other health services you use.
✅ Meet the neighbours
Introduce yourself to the neighbours if you haven’t met them yet, as they’ll be the best people to give you the lowdown on the road and surrounding area.
✅ Explore the area
When things have calmed down, walk around your neighbourhood to get used to your new surroundings. Find the nearest takeaway, try out your commute, or just enjoy the scenery!
✅ Enjoy your new home and celebrate!
Last but not least, put your feet up and relax. Remember to organise a housewarming party to celebrate moving into your new home and show it off. Congratulations on moving in!