Ultimate Moving House Checklist for a Stress-Free Relocation

Moving house can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. With countless tasks and worries swirling in your mind, it’s easy to forget essential steps you need to take before moving day. To help alleviate some of that stress, We Buy Any House has created an extensive moving house checklist. Whether you’re looking to sell your house fast or just need guidance on what to do before moving, we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive guide is designed to ensure you don’t overlook anything during your move.

What You Need to Do 2 Months Before the Move: Starting early is the key to a stress-free move. Two months before moving day, here’s what you should begin with:

1. De-Clutter: Systematically go through each room and decide what to keep and what to discard or donate.

2. If You’re Renting: Confirm the moving date with your estate agent or landlord if you’re renting the property.

3. Research: Familiarize yourself with the area you’re moving to. Research local amenities and the best routes to work to prepare adequately.

4. Boxes: Begin collecting boxes from supermarkets, charity shops, and other sources.

5. Selling Your Property: If your current property is still on the market and moving day is approaching, consider quick sale options like We Buy Any House to expedite the sale.

6. Buy a File: Purchase a file to organize all documents related to the move, including paperwork, phone numbers, and lists.

What You Need to Do 1 Month Before the Move: This is when the reality of the move sets in, but don’t panic. There’s still time to get everything sorted. One month before moving day, here’s what you need to do:

1. Removals Company: Hunt down a reliable moving company and book their services.

2. Changing Details: Start transferring your details, including notifying HMRC and your new local council of your change of address. Check your new Council Tax Band.

3. Address Change: Contact friends, family, and relevant companies to inform them of your address change.

4. Mail Redirection: Set up mail redirection online to ensure you receive all your mail at your new address.

5. Inventory: Create an inventory of all belongings going to your new house.

6. What’s Going Where: Request a floor plan from your real estate agent and use it to plan where each item from your inventory will go in your new home.

7. Cleaning: Arrange for a cleaner to tidy up your old property after you’ve moved out and before the new owners move in.

8. The Route: Plan the best route for the moving van to reach your new property and check for any parking restrictions at your new location.

What You Need to Do 2 Weeks Before You Move: With just two weeks left, it’s time for the essential planning phase. Here’s your moving checklist:

1. Child & Pet Care: If you have children or pets, arrange for their care on moving day.

2. Perishables: Start using any perishable items such as frozen goods to avoid moving them.

3. Settle Bills: Clear any outstanding bills with local service providers, such as window cleaners or gardeners.

4. GP/Dentist: Unregister from your current GP and dentist and enroll with new ones near your new house.

5. School Records: Request your children’s school records from their current school and forward them to their new school.

6. Book a Storage Unit: If you have excess belongings or items you don’t want to bring to your new house, consider booking a storage unit.

What You Need to Do 1 Week Before Moving Day: With only one week to go, it’s time for final preparations. Here’s your moving house checklist for this critical phase:

1. Important Documents: Gather all essential documents, such as passports and driving licenses, into a folder for easy access on moving day.

2. Contact a Locksmith: Arrange for a locksmith to change the locks at your new property.

3. Begin Packing: Start packing items that won’t be needed before moving day. Dispose of plants you won’t take with you, and remember to handle any outdoor furniture.

4. Dismantle: If possible, dismantle furniture and remove wall hangings like shelves or pictures.

5. Key Handover: Schedule a time to hand over the keys for your current property and collect the keys for your new one.

6. Return Borrowed Items: Return any borrowed items to friends and family.

What to Do One Day Before Moving: With just 24 hours left, you’re almost ready for the big day. Here’s your final moving day checklist:

1. Defrost Fridge & Freezer: Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer before moving them.

2. Charge Your Phone: Ensure your phone is fully charged; you may need it for emergency calls on moving day.

3. Pack a Night Bag: Prepare a bag with essentials for the first night in your new home to avoid rummaging through boxes.

4. Final Packing: Complete any remaining packing systematically, room by room, to avoid leaving anything behind.

5. Fragile Items: Label boxes that require special care as “fragile” and assign all other boxes to specific rooms for easier unloading and unpacking.

6. Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Rest well; moving day is long and potentially stressful.

What to Do on Moving Day: Today’s the big day! You’ve packed, prepped the moving van, and arranged for childcare. Here’s your moving day checklist:

1. Clear the Bedding: Remove the bedding and pack it away.

2. One Last Tour: Go through each room to ensure nothing is left behind.

3. Secure Windows: Close and lock all windows. Switch off all utilities.

4. Leave Keys: Take all keys for your current property and leave them for the new homeowners or the estate agent.

5. Assist the Movers: Provide the movers with a copy of your inventory, a map to your new property, and emergency contact details.

What to Do Once You’ve Moved In: Congratulations, you’ve made it! Now that you’re in your new home, there are a few tasks to complete:

1. Make Your Bed: Set up your bed first, so you have a comfortable place to rest after a long day of unpacking.

2. Check the Boiler: Ensure the boiler is on and functional for hot water and heating.

3. Check the Removals Van:** Before saying goodbye to your movers, conduct a final check of the removals van to ensure nothing has been left behind.