Planning your move

A timeline of what to do and when - so nothing important falls through the cracks. Most moving stress comes from leaving things too late. The more you can sort in advance, the calmer moving day will be. This isn't an exhaustive checklist - just the important stuff, roughly when you should be thinking about it.

6–8 weeks before

Get quotes from moving companies.

Don't leave this until the last minute, especially if you're moving during a busy period (summer, end of month, school holidays). Good companies book up.

Start decluttering.

Moving is a good excuse to get rid of things you don't need. Less stuff = faster move = lower cost. Sell it, donate it, bin it - just don't pay to move things you don't want.

Notify your landlord or start conveyancing.

If you're renting, check your notice period. If you're buying, get the legal stuff moving - it always takes longer than you think.

4–6 weeks before

Book your moving company.

Once you've got quotes and chosen someone, lock in the date. Get confirmation in writing.

Start collecting packing materials.

Boxes, tape, paper, markers. You can buy them online, or ask local shops for spare boxes. We would however be more than happy to supply everything you need. Start earlier than you think - you'll need more than you expect.

Notify important parties.

Bank, GP, dentist, employer, DVLA, electoral roll, subscriptions. Make a list and work through it. Some of these take time to process.

2–4 weeks before

Start packing non-essentials.

Things you won't need before the move: books, ornaments, out-of-season clothes, spare bedding. Label every box with contents and destination room.

Arrange utilities.

Gas, electric, water, broadband. Book disconnection at your old place and connection at your new one. Broadband especially can have lead times.

Confirm parking and access.

If you need a parking permit or bay suspension for the moving van, sort it now. Councils often need a couple of weeks' notice.

1 week before

Finish packing.

Everything except what you need for the final few days. Kitchen stuff you're still using can wait until the night before.

Confirm details with your moving company.

We'll usually check in with you, but it doesn't hurt to confirm: date, time, addresses, any last-minute changes.

Prepare a moving day bag.

Phone charger, toiletries, change of clothes, medication, important documents, kettle, mugs, tea bags. Stuff you'll want access to without digging through boxes.

Night before

Finish final packing.

Last bits from the kitchen, toiletries, bedding. Strip the beds last - bedding can go in bin bags if you've run out of boxes.

Defrost the fridge/freezer.

If you're taking it, it needs to be empty and defrosted. Put towels down to catch the water.

Charge your phone.

You'll need it tomorrow.

Get some sleep.

Easier said than done, but try.

Need help with your move?

Get a quote from us. We'll handle the logistics so you can focus on everything else.

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