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Moving House Checklist: Top Tips for a Stress Free Move

Written by Martha Lott Reviewed by Dave Sayce

8th Feb 2022 (Last updated on 31st Oct 2023) 5 minute read

Whether you're a seasoned mover or a first-time buyer, there are still many factors to consider when moving house, so it's important to be organised.

By following a moving checklist, you can break the process down into manageable steps and ensure all tasks are completed efficiently, helping you beat the stress of moving house.

1. Arrange a Conveyancer
2. Arrange a Home Survey
3. Arrange a Removal Company
4. Exchange Contracts
5. Packing and Preparing
6. View Storage Options
7. Confirm Completion Date
8. Final Preparations
9. Moving Day
10. Update Your Address

1. Arrange a Conveyancer

Before completing the transaction, ‌compare conveyancers to help you find the most experienced and verified professionals for the job. Your chosen solicitor can then help you through the conveyancing process and ensure the right documentation is arranged.

Decide on your budget
Research what a conveyancer does
Compare conveyancers
Supply them with all mortgage documentation
Review the results of all conveyancing searches
Await exchange and completion documents

2. Arrange a Home Survey

To ensure the new property is a worthy investment, it’s vital you arrange a home survey to assess its condition. Don’t forget to compare surveyors and research which type of home survey would be most beneficial for you.

Research what type of survey you need
Decide on your budget
Compare surveyors
Arrange a time to conduct the property survey
Await house survey documentation
Read the survey report and discuss any issues
Decide if you still want to purchase the property
If there are issues, renegotiate the offer or pull out of the sale
Supply all survey reports to your mortgage lender
Await confirmation that they are happy to lend

3. Arrange a Removal Company

With the transaction nearing completion, it’s time to compare removal companies. Calculate your potential removal costs and decide which fixtures and fittings you will take or leave behind. Your removal costs will vary depending on a variety of factors. For example, long-distance moves and office relocation services will cost more than a residential house move.

Consider whether you require additional services, such as packing or self-storage, to help you budget accordingly.

Decide what you will take with you
Decide on your budget
Collect and compare removal company quotes
Choose a removal company
Arrange a home removal survey
Decide whether you require additional services
Confirm price
Choose and confirm a date for your move
Gather packing materials

4. Exchange Contracts

The exchanging of contracts is one of the last steps in the conveyancing process. Your conveyancer will take care of the legal work on your behalf and will inform you when a completion date has been agreed upon.

Contact your conveyancer about exchanging contracts
Arrange your deposit
Sign contract of sale
Arrange buildings insurance for the property
Agree on the completion date

5. Packing and Preparing

Now is the time to start packing and preparing your old property for the sale. Start cleaning and decluttering to reduce the volume of items that need to be moved, thus reducing your removal costs. You can either purchase packing supplies from your chosen removal company or you may find free moving boxes from local shops.

Declutter your home and clear out any unwanted items before moving
Remove fittings and fixtures
Start packing
Create an inventory - there are many moving house apps to assist with this
Pack room-by-room
Label moving boxes
Confirm the date for collecting the keys
Confirm details with your removal company
Cancel local services and subscriptions
Follow our 20 packing tips for moving house

6. View Storage Options

If you’re still struggling to pack at this stage, ‌consider comparing storage providers to lessen the load before you move. This will ensure you have enough space whilst also protecting your belongings.

Research storage costs
Decide which type of self-storage you need
Compare storage providers
Decide which items will go into storage
Pack chosen items
Separate the storage boxes from your moving boxes

7. Confirm Completion Date

Confirm all the vital details that will finalise the transaction with your conveyancer and estate agent. Whilst the completion date is not always the same as your moving day, they can occur simultaneously, so it’s important you’re organised before this stage.

Redirect your post
Send final legal documents
Confirm finances
Confirm the completion date with your solicitor
Transfer your deposit
Arrange payment of legal fees

8. Final Preparations

Your moving date should be just around the corner. It’s time to complete your to-do list and finish the last tasks for the packing process. Gather all essential items and create a handy moving day bag to ensure nothing is missing when you arrive at the new home.

Finish packing and dismantling furniture
Perform a final deep clean - consider hiring an end of tenancy cleaning company
Pay final bills
Check the council tax band
Check your home insurance
Pack an essentials box for your moving day
Arrange care for children or pets
Order a food shop online for the new home
Do a final check around the house

9. Moving Day

Congratulations, it’s your moving day! It’s time to direct your chosen movers and start loading the removal van. Ask your estate agent for updates regarding the keys and keep important contact details close at hand in case there are unexpected delays.

Greet the movers
Submit final meter readings
Leave a note for the new homeowners
Collect your keys
Instruct the movers
Inspect the new property
Perform a final inventory check
Wipe down furniture as you unpack
Turn on utilities and central heating at the new home

10. Update Your Address

Whilst unpacking and settling into the new property, you can introduce yourself to your new neighbours and explore the local area. You will also need to contact relevant companies, subscription services and facilities to inform them of your change of address. Don't forget to contact:

Friends and family
Place of work or education
Health services (GP surgery, optician, dentist or private facilities)
Utility providers (water, gas, electricity)
Financial services (e.g. your bank, pension services, credit card companies, savings account providers etc)
Insurance companies (e.g. life insurance, car insurance, pet insurance etc)
Government bodies (e.g. the electoral roll, local authority, DVLA, HMRC etc)
Subscription services (e.g. Netflix, local gym, Amazon Prime etc)