Our complete UK moving house checklist 2023

This is the latest version of our complete UK moving house checklist, newly updated for 2023!

We help thousands of movers every year save time, money and effort setting up their new home. Use the moving house checklist below to cross essential tasks off your to-do list to be sure you don’t miss anything. Or, make things even simpler and book a free call with Please Connect Me to get all your utilities set up for free.

We’ve ordered our checklist by when, roughly, you should try and cross each task off. Look for tasks with *stars* for everything that Please Connect Me can help you with.

You’ve found your new home – now what?

1. Get your essential utilities sorted *Sign up to Please Connect Me – our team of experts will handle all of your essential utility registrations and help set up great deals for broadband, TV, energy, mobile, insurance and more.

 

 One Month Before

 

1. Choose your moving dateWill there be any overlap between properties? Will you need to store anything temporarily? The most popular day of the week to move is Friday as people try to take advantage of the weekend to unpack. However, this can make it more difficult and expensive to book a moving van on a Friday. Sunday is the least popular day of the week, so if you can you may have more luck getting a good deal on removals then.
2. Book a van and moving teamGet quotes from several companies if possible. Make an accurate inventory of your home to avoid nasty surprises later – you don’t want to find out the van is too small at the last minute!
3. Find a broadband package*Setting up the internet can take up to four weeks in some properties, so make sure to leave enough time!
4. Start declutteringDon’t waste time and money moving with things you don’t want or need!
5. Update your insurance *Contact your provider to make sure you’re covered from the day you move, and make sure to add on new items and remove the things you’re getting rid of. Not got insurance? Please Connect ME can help you find a great value policy to protect the things you care about most.

Two Weeks Before

Check your tenancy agreement or contract before you move out – you might be required to book a professional clean.

 

1. Get ready to packBuy, borrow or rent the boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape you’ll need. A moving supplies calculator can help you accurately estimate what you’ll need for your move.
2. Start packing your least-used itemsSeasonal clothes and decorations are a good place to start! A set of vacuum storage bags like these will keep clothes ultra-compact during the move. Use them for out-of-season clothes and the bags can go straight into storage until you’re ready for them.
3. Tell your current energy supplier you’re moving out *They’ll close your account on the day you leave and send a final bill to your new address.
4. Notify your new suppliers of your move-in *Find the energy company currently supplying your new address and let them know you’re moving in -your gas and electricity will be connected when you first move in. You’re responsible for finding the current supplier and letting them know about the move.
5. Find a great value gas and electricity tariff and switch suppliers *You’ll need to register with the current supplier first but then you’re free to switch to a more reliable fixed-rate tariff or a provider with better service.
6. Register with your new water supplier *Your supplier is determined by the area you live in. If you’re moving locally you might have the same supplier, but for moves over a longer distance, you’ll need to find your new provider and register.
7. Register with your new Council *Again, depending on how far you’re moving you might just have to update your account. If you’re changing local authorities however you must let both your old and new Council know.
8. Book a deep clean *If you’re not deep cleaning the property yourself, now is the time to book a professional.

  

One Week Before

 

1. Make a schedule for moving dayWhich rooms will be loaded up first? When do you plan to leave and arrive? Unexpected things will happen, but having a plan will help you get back on track when they do.
2. Pack everything you don’t use every dayBooks, hobby items, sports gear, baking equipment – now is the time to get it into boxes.
3. Start clearing your cupboards, fridge and freezerEat through the food now so you don’t end up binning it on your moving day. If there’s food left over list it on a neighbourhood-sharing app like Olio to stop it from going to waste.
4. Tell everyone your new addressThat goes for family and friends, but also your job, bank, doctor, kid’s school and any subscriptions you might have. No one wants their weekly grocery box being delivered hundreds of miles away. Check out our guide on everyone to contact when you move so you don’t miss anyone! If you’re concerned about missing post sent to your old address then you can set up a mail redirection with Royal Mail. They’ll forward any post addressed to you to your new address.

  

 

The Day Before

 

1. Pack a ‘First Day’ bagThis should include a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, chargers, tea bags and other day-one essentials. This is one of our top tips from our guide on how to cut down on stress when you move – read the full guide here!
2. Withdraw cashMany moving companies will expect you to pay – or tip – in cash, so make sure you have some handy.
3. Get a good night’s sleepYou’ll need your energy tomorrow!

Moving Day!

 

1. Gather your essentialsPack the final essentials you used that morning. Put aside a box or bag for these to go in.
2. Load the moving vanWe’ll let you decide whether you want to let the movers handle it or lend a hand.
3. Cleaning * Deep clean your old home or let the professionals in While you can do it before, it’s easiest to clean properly once all the furniture has been removed.
4. Settling inArrive at your new home and unpack your ‘First Day’ bags
5. Take your meter readings *Without opening readings, you might be charged for some of the previous residents’ use. You can find our guide on how to take meter readings here.

  

The First Week

Make sure to book your internet activation early so you’re not left waiting to get connected.

 

1. UnpackOkay, this one might be easier said than done! Unpacking can be pretty overwhelming, but you also won’t be able to settle in while you’re surrounded by boxes. Start with the kitchen to avoid spending your first week living on takeaways. Then, work systematically room by room. Make a plan for each room before you start opening boxes so that you can quickly unpack and put everything away – don’t waste time considering each item as you come across it.
2. Have your broadband installed *If you need an engineer to connect your property then book an appointment as close as possible to your moving day.Stuck without internet? If there’s a delay with your installation a 4G or 5G router is an instant internet solution to get you online while you wait.
3. Explore your new neighbourhood!Now is the chance to get to know your new area! Moving to London? These are the 8 essential things to do in your first week!

The First Month

Remember to work out a regular place to park your car – and make sure you have permission to park there!

 

1. Receive your opening bills *Once you register with your suppliers, details of your account and your first bills will come by post in the first four to six weeks after your move.
2. Sort out your parking *If your new neighbourhood has controlled parking you’ll need to register with your new local council to get a permit. On the other hand, if your new home has a driveway or parking space you could earn up to £4000 a year renting it to other drivers.
3. Register with a GPUse the NHS website to find a GP that’s local to you and get registered.

 

Anything we’ve missed? Reach out to us with the links below and let us know what we should include next time we update the moving house checklist.

 

More on moving house in the UK:

• 9 ways to cut down on home move stress
• LGBT-friendly moving companies and property services
• 7 unexpected bills that add to the cost of moving
• Relocating with pets? Here’s what you need to know