Moving House Checklist

Moving day goes more smoothly the earlier you start planning. This checklist covers the essentials from a few weeks out to moving day itself.

4-6 weeks before

• Get quotes and book your removal date, especially if you're moving on a weekend or at the end of the month, when demand is highest.
• Start using up food from the freezer and cupboards rather than moving it.
• Begin decluttering room by room — anything you're not taking can be sold, donated, or booked in for house clearance or waste clearance ahead of the move.
• If you're renting, confirm your notice period and moving-out date in writing with your landlord or agent.

2-3 weeks before

• Start collecting boxes and packing materials, or confirm packing support if you've booked it.
• Notify your bank, doctor's surgery, dentist, schools and any subscriptions of your change of address.
• Arrange to redirect your post with Royal Mail.
• Book time off work for moving day if needed.

1 week before

• Confirm your move time and any access details (parking, lift, floor) with your removal team.
• Start packing non-essential rooms first, leaving daily essentials until last.
• Label boxes clearly by room, and keep an "open first" box of essentials (kettle, chargers, toiletries, basic tools) separate from the rest.
• Check parking arrangements at both addresses — see our Lewisham parking and access guide if either address is in a controlled parking zone.

Moving day

• Do a final walk-through of every room, cupboard, loft and garden before locking up.
• Take final meter readings at the property you're leaving.
• Keep important documents, medication and valuables with you rather than in the van.
• Confirm keys are handed over correctly at both ends, and check utilities and internet are set up (or ready to be) at the new address.