
As your moving date approaches, preparation is key. We’ve created a checklist to help make the process as smooth as possible. From who to tell when moving home to booking your removal company, here’s everything you need to know.
Prepare for moving day
Before moving day, gather essential packing supplies, like cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and tape. Start collecting boxes early from local shops or purchase them from moving supply companies. Sort your belongings by room and decide what to keep, donate or discard to reduce the amount you’ll be moving.
For more tips, explore our top 5 ways to organise yourself for moving house.
Hire a removal company
Once you have your moving date, contact several removal companies to compare quotes. Costs depend on the number of belongings, distance and staff required. For smaller moves, consider renting a van and moving yourself to save money.
Update your address
From utility suppliers to service providers, there are various companies you’ll need to notify when moving home. Find out who to tell when moving home in our handy guide.
Redirect your mail
Notify Royal Mail of your move so they can redirect your post. You can do this at your local post office or online.
Pack your personal belongings
Start packing non-essential items early. Label each box with its contents and what room it needs to go in. You should also highlight whether any boxes contain heavy, fragile or valuable items. For more advice, discover our simple packing tips for moving house.
Clean your home
Once you’ve packed, you’ll need to prepare your home for the new owners. Keep cleaning supplies to hand and focus on areas that are often overlooked, like behind furniture, inside appliances and high surfaces.
Moving day essentials
On moving day, here are a few things to remember:
• Keep valuables and important documents with you.
• Have your movers’ contact information readily available.
• Don’t forget to take final utility meter readings.
• Perform a final check of all rooms before leaving.
Managing stress and safety
Take regular breaks and stay hydrated throughout moving day. Lift boxes properly to avoid injury and clear pathways of trip hazards. Don’t forget to ask for help with heavy or difficult tasks. If you have children or pets, consider arranging for them to be looked after elsewhere to keep them safe and allow you to focus.
Security checks before you leave
When you’re leaving your home for the final time, you should:
• Check all windows and doors are securely locked.
• Turn off utilities as needed.
• Inspect each room thoroughly for forgotten items.
• Hand over all keys to the new residents or landlord.
Settling into your new home
After arriving at your new house, here are some jobs to tick off:
• Test your utilities and note down energy readings.
• Ensure you have keys for every door (internal and external).
• Locate important features like the fuse box and water shut-off valve.
Final tips for a smooth move
Pack an overnight bag with essentials for your first night. Keep important items like medications, phone chargers and basic toiletries easily accessible, and prepare some snacks and drinks for moving day to keep your energy up during this busy time.
Ready to become a homeowner? Explore our brand-new homes across the UK, with fantastic offers to help you move. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to move up the property ladder, we have a suitable option for you.
Call or visit our Sales Advisers to kickstart your homebuying journey.