# Moving house checklist (UK)

From MortgageExplained.co.uk. Free to print and share. This is information, not advice.

## 8+ weeks before

- [ ] Confirm your likely completion date with your solicitor or conveyancer
- [ ] If renting, check your notice period and plan when to serve notice
- [ ] Get at least 3 removals quotes (or plan a van hire for a DIY move)
- [ ] Start decluttering: sell, donate or bin what you will not take
- [ ] If moving area with children, contact the new local authority about school places
- [ ] Start a change-of-address list (every account, subscription and service you use)
- [ ] Gather important documents in one folder (ID, mortgage offer, insurance, warranties)

## 6 weeks before

- [ ] Book your removals firm (confirm insurance cover and what they will not move)
- [ ] Arrange buildings insurance so cover can start from exchange of contracts (for a purchase)
- [ ] Order packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, marker pens)
- [ ] Plan the Royal Mail post redirection: it can be set up in advance, apply early
- [ ] Check broadband availability at the new address and compare providers (installation can take weeks)
- [ ] Use up freezer food and open jars

## 4 weeks before

- [ ] Tell your gas, electricity and water suppliers you are moving
- [ ] Tell your CURRENT council (council tax) your moving date
- [ ] Tell your NEW council you are moving in (council tax registration)
- [ ] Book time off work for moving day (and ideally the day after)
- [ ] Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day
- [ ] Book a broadband installation date at the new home
- [ ] Start packing rooms you rarely use, label every box with room + contents

## 2 weeks before

- [ ] Confirm the removals booking, arrival time and parking at both ends
- [ ] Confirm the completion date and key arrangements with your solicitor
- [ ] Activate the Royal Mail redirection from your moving date
- [ ] Update your address with your bank, credit cards, pension and insurers
- [ ] Update your driving licence and vehicle log book (V5C) address with the DVLA
- [ ] Update your TV Licence to the new address
- [ ] Register on the electoral roll at the new address (also helps your credit file)
- [ ] Tell your GP and dentist; register with new ones if moving area
- [ ] Update HMRC, DWP or child benefit records if they apply to you
- [ ] Tell your employer, and update any subscriptions and deliveries

## 1 week before

- [ ] Pack an essentials box (kettle, mugs, tea, toilet roll, chargers, tools, bulbs, first-aid, snacks)
- [ ] Pack a documents bag to keep with you (ID, keys, mortgage and insurance papers, cash)
- [ ] Defrost and dry the freezer
- [ ] Dismantle furniture that will not fit through doors
- [ ] Confirm where and when you collect the new keys
- [ ] Charge phones and power banks; keep parking permits or cash handy for the crew

## Moving day

- [ ] Take meter readings (gas, electricity, water) at the OLD home, with photos
- [ ] Take meter readings at the NEW home the moment you get in, with photos
- [ ] Do a final walk-through of the old home: every cupboard, loft, garden, shed
- [ ] Leave keys, alarm codes, appliance manuals and any agreed items for the buyer
- [ ] Check the removals inventory before the van leaves
- [ ] Locate the stopcock, fuse box and boiler at the new home

## After you move in

- [ ] Send both sets of meter readings to your energy and water suppliers
- [ ] Confirm council tax is set up at the new address
- [ ] Confirm your post redirection is working
- [ ] Confirm the electoral roll registration went through
- [ ] Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; fit new ones if missing
- [ ] Check buildings and contents insurance are both live at the new address
- [ ] Register with a local GP and dentist if you have not already
- [ ] Update your address anywhere left on your change-of-address list
- [ ] Keep completion paperwork and meter photos somewhere safe

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The admin most lists miss: post redirection, council tax (both councils), the electoral roll, meter readings with photos, and the TV Licence. Tick them off and the boring problems never happen.

MortgageExplained.co.uk · Owned and operated by Muswell Rose Ltd. This is information, not advice.