Moving House Checklist
You've purchased your new home and it's almost time to begin an exciting next chapter. Moving home can be a stressful time, but if you think ahead and avoid leaving things
until the last minute, it doesn't have to cause you a headache.
Follow our step-by-step checklist for moving house and remove the stress out of the process.
Your Moving Home Checklist: Everything You Need to Do
1. Book a Removal Company
Hiring a professional company specialising in moving will take a lot of stress out of the process. Ask people you know for recommendations and get a few different quotes for comparison. Remember to ask key questions about what the quote includes, such as:
- Will they provide boxes or help with packing and unpacking?
- Is insurance included?
- Will they disconnect any white goods you plan on taking with you?
You can, of course, save money by doing the whole move yourself, but don't underestimate the size of the task at hand; this can be incredibly tiring and time-consuming.
Start packing in advance
Credit: Getty Images
2. Prepare for Your Move Early
Early preparation is key. By getting ahead, you’ll reduce the amount of work left to do closer to the completion date, thus reducing overall stress.
It's never too early to start packing away items you won't need. This includes clothes you won’t be wearing, as well as books, artwork and picture frames. You can also get one step ahead by dismantling any furniture that isn’t being used, such as guest beds and shelves.
Moving house is an ideal time to declutter. Unwanted items can be sold on platforms like eBay, Depop or local selling pages. Alternatively, Freecycle.org and charity shops are two other fantastic ways to give items you no longer need a new loving home.
Group items together by room
Credit: Getty Images
3. Pack Smart
As you begin packing, group items together by room. If there's anything you won't be able to unpack straight away, such as books that need shelves to be put up first, label these as low-priority. This will save you from opening every box in the first few days in your new home.
Another crucial tip is not to overfill boxes so they're too heavy to lift safely. Always use smaller boxes for heavy items or pack them with something lighter like cushions and sheets.
As you get closer to moving day, remember to pack a box of things you'll want straight away, such as the kettle, toaster, lightbulbs, batteries and toiletries.
Label Boxes Clearly
If your removal company is providing boxes, do not write directly onto the boxes as they'll likely want them back. Writing on paper in marker pens and then attaching it to the box is a clear and easy way to identify them. Alternatively, you could use colour-coded labels.
4. Check Insurance
Before purchasing additional insurance, contact your current home insurance provider and ask whether you're already covered for moving. While you're on the call, be sure to notify them of your new address too.
5. Let People Know Your New Address
Notifying people of a change of address is a key step in any moving house checklist–and yet it is often forgotten. Do your future self a favour and tick this chore off before you move.
Several service providers need to know your new address, including your doctor, DVLA, insurance companies, utility companies, banks and TV licensing. Websites such as I Am Moving can help with this. Don't forget to also let the Royal Mail know to forward your post to the new address.
6. Get Cover for Children, Pets and Parking
Moving day can be stressful enough without having to keep an eye on children or pets. Ask family or friends if they can help by looking after them for the day. It's also worth speaking to your current and new neighbours in advance if you're likely to have any parking issues for the removal van on either end.
7. Start Using Up Food
Some foods are easier to transport than others, so start using refrigerated and frozen foods and do smaller shops until moving day. Remember to defrost the freezer a few days before and give it a deep clean.
After moving, the fluids in your fridge and freezer will need time to settle. Once you arrive at your new home, wait at least two to four hours before switching them on. To find out exactly how long your appliances should be left for, check the manual or contact the manufacturer.
Seal your boxes securely
Credit: Getty Images
8. Cancel Any Deliveries
Deliveries such as newspapers, milk rounds, and subscription boxes will need to be cancelled in advance. If you use food subscription services like Gousto or HelloFresh, remember to update your address as soon as you've moved. This is important as they'll likely need a few days' notice before your next delivery is due.
9. Prepare The Day Before
Your moving date will come around quickly. To avoid any hassle on the big day, there are some things you can do in advance to help you focus solely on your house-moving checklist when the time comes.
- Contact your removal company to confirm timings
- Write down a final to-do list for the day that you can check off as you go
- Keep anything you don't want to be loaded onto the van aside
- Clean the house
- Unplug any electrical devices (you may need to get appliances like washing machines and dishwashers professionally disconnected)
- Finish packing any final items, leaving just a change of clothes and toiletries out
- Buy something quick and easy for breakfast that doesn't require any kitchenware
If you’re moving into one of Berkeley Group’s new homes and developments, be sure to confirm with your Berkeley Customer Relations team when you will have access to your new home. This will typically be in the afternoon on the day of completion to allow funds to clear.
10. Final Things to Do on Moving Day
Moving day is finally here! Embrace the excitement and prepare yourself for success with six final things to tick off on your moving house checklist:
- Remove the sheets from your bed and pack them away
- Turn off any electrical appliances and central heating
- Take a photo of your utility metre readings
- Double-check each room for anything you've left behind
- Lock all of the windows and doors
- Hand your keys over to the estate agent before leaving to pick up your new ones
Find the Right Home for You With Berkeley Group
Moving home is an exciting opportunity to start the next chapter of your life. Although it can feel daunting, Berkeley Group is here to help you every step of the way—from finding a new home to calculating mortgage payments and more.
We offer a wide range of new properties for sale, including luxurious new apartments in London and family homes in nearby counties.
If you’d like to find out more about Berkeley Group, don’t hesitate to get in touch.