Moving home is often ranked among life’s most stressful events, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper planning and a clear moving house checklist, you can approach your move with confidence and calm. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upsizing with a growing family, or downsizing to something more manageable, following a structured timeline makes all the difference.

At Wild & Lye, we’ve been helping families and individuals move home since 1990. We’ve seen firsthand how a well-organised removals checklist transforms what could be a chaotic experience into a smooth transition. This guide breaks down your move into manageable stages, from eight weeks before moving day through to settling into your new home.

8+ Weeks Before Moving Day: Getting Organised

 

This is the time to lay solid foundations for your move. Start by creating a moving folder—either physical or digital—where you’ll keep quotes, contracts, receipts, and important documents.

Key tasks for this stage:

• Research and compare removal companies. Look for established, trustworthy professionals rather than rushing to book the cheapest option. Consider what questions to ask when hiring to ensure you choose the right team.
• Request quotes from at least three companies. Understanding how much house removals typically cost helps you budget accurately and spot unusually low quotes that might indicate substandard service.
• Book your chosen removal company. Popular dates fill quickly, particularly around month-ends and school holidays. Our guide on how early you should book explains the typical timeframes.
• Begin decluttering room by room. Moving is the perfect opportunity to sort through belongings you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items before you start packing—you’ll save time, effort, and potentially money on removal costs.
• Check if you need storage. If there’s a gap between moving dates or you’re downsizing, secure storage options early. Understanding proper packing and labelling for storage ensures your items remain in excellent condition.

4–6 Weeks Out: Packing Preparation and Admin

With your removal company booked, turn your attention to gathering packing materials and tackling essential administrative tasks.

Packing supplies to acquire:

Start collecting sturdy boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and permanent markers for labelling. Many removal companies offer packing materials, or you can find budget-friendly storage and packing solutions that won’t strain your budget. Consider eco-friendly options like reusable crates or recycled boxes.

Important administrative tasks:

• Notify your mortgage lender, landlord, or housing association of your moving date
• Inform your employer of your new address
• Contact utility providers (gas, electricity, water, broadband) to arrange final readings and new connections
• Notify your council tax office—you’re typically liable until you officially move out
• Update your TV licence details
• Redirect your post through Royal Mail (we recommend setting this up at least two weeks before moving)
• Register for electoral roll at your new address

Start packing items you rarely use: loft contents, seasonal decorations, spare bedding, and books. Our expert packing tips show you how to pack efficiently and protect your belongings properly.

2–3 Weeks Before: Deep Packing and Service Updates

Your packing timeline accelerates now. Most households should be packing daily at this stage, working through one room at a time.

Focus on non-essential items whilst keeping everyday necessities accessible. Create an inventory as you pack—photograph valuable items and note box contents in detail. This helps with insurance claims if needed and makes unpacking far more straightforward.

Services and subscriptions to update:

• Banks and building societies
• Insurance providers (home, car, life, pet)
• DVLA—by law, you must update your driving licence and vehicle registration within 14 days of moving
• GP, dentist, and optician (if moving to a new area)
• Schools and childcare providers
• Subscription services and memberships
• Vet records if you have pets

If you have large or awkward furniture, review our guidance on preparing large furniture for removal. Proper preparation protects both your furniture and your property from damage during the move.

Confirm your removal company booking and clarify any final details. At Wild & Lye, we contact customers ahead of moving day to confirm timings and answer any last-minute questions—this is the kind of professional communication you should expect from the best removal company.

One Week to Go: Final Preparations

The week before moving day requires focus and systematic preparation.

Pack everything except absolute essentials—clothing for the next few days, toiletries, phone chargers, important documents, and medication. Prepare a “first night box” with kettle, mugs, tea bags, toilet paper, hand soap, towels, basic tools, and bedding. You’ll be grateful for easy access to these items when you arrive exhausted at your new home.

Essential tasks:

• Defrost and clean your freezer (it needs at least 24 hours to defrost properly)
• Use up frozen food where possible or arrange to transport it in cool bags
• Run down your fridge contents to minimise waste
• Confirm parking arrangements at both properties—removal vehicles need clear access
• Take meter readings at your current property the day before you leave
• Pack a separate bag with valuables, important documents, and sentimental items to transport yourself

Check that children’s schools and nurseries have been informed of the move. If you have pets, arrange care for moving day—the open doors and activity can be stressful and unsafe for animals.

Moving Day: Staying Calm and Organised

Moving day itself can feel intense, but good preparation means you can approach it with confidence.

Morning checklist:

• Do a final walk-through of your property, checking every cupboard, drawer, loft space, and garden shed
• Take meter readings and photograph them
• Hand over keys as agreed with your buyer or landlord
• Keep your essentials box and valuables with you
• Stay available to your removal team for questions, but trust their expertise

Professional removal companies like Wild & Lye handle thousands of moves. Our fully trained team knows exactly how to pack vehicles efficiently, protect your belongings, and navigate the logistics smoothly. We do not use subcontractors, so you know exactly who is handling your possessions.

At your new property:

• Check the property condition and photograph any pre-existing damage
• Take meter readings immediately upon arrival
• Direct your removal team on where items should go—clear room labels on boxes make this straightforward
• Check off your inventory as items are unloaded
• Do a final check of the removal vehicle before the team leaves

After Moving Day: Settling In

Moving doesn’t end when the removal van drives away. Give yourself time to settle properly rather than trying to unpack everything immediately.

First week priorities:

• Register with a new GP if you’ve moved areas
• Update your address with any services you missed
• Familiarise yourself with bin collection days and recycling requirements
• Locate your stopcock, fuse box, and boiler controls
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Introduce yourself to neighbours

Unpack systematically, starting with essential rooms like the kitchen and bedrooms. Don’t rush—most people take several weeks to fully unpack and arrange their new home.

Update your online accounts, including shopping delivery addresses and social media profiles. Check your redirected mail regularly and update any senders still using your old address.

Special Considerations for Your Move

Moving with children: Involve them in age-appropriate tasks like packing their toys or choosing their new room layout. Maintain routines as much as possible and pack their favourite comfort items last, unpacking them first at the new house.

Moving with pets: Keep pets in a quiet room with familiar items on moving day, or arrange for them to stay with friends or in kennels/catteries. Update their microchip details with your new address promptly.

Accessibility needs: Discuss any mobility requirements with your removal company when booking. Professional teams can accommodate wheelchair access, stairlifts, and other considerations when given proper notice.

Eco-conscious moving: Choose reusable packing materials where possible, recycle boxes after unpacking, and donate unwanted items to charity rather than sending them to landfill. Many removal companies now offer sustainable options.

Your Moving House Checklist: Download and Print

We’ve created a comprehensive, printable moving house checklist that you can download and tick off as you progress through your move. This one-page resource consolidates all the key tasks from eight weeks out through to post-move admin, giving you a visual reminder of what needs doing when.

Moving home is a significant undertaking, but with systematic planning and the right support, it can be a positive experience. The removals checklist approach—breaking everything into weekly stages—prevents that overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start.

Ready to Make Your Move?

At Wild & Lye, we’ve been trusted with house removals across the UK since 1990. Our experienced, fully uniformed team handles every move with care, professionalism, and attention to detail. We maintain our own modern fleet and secure storage facilities, and we do not subcontract any aspect of your move.

Whether you need a full removal service, packing assistance, or secure storage solutions, our team provides straightforward advice tailored to your specific requirements. Get in touch with us to discuss your move and receive a transparent, detailed quote. We’re here to make your house removal as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Moving house doesn’t have to be chaotic. With this step-by-step moving timeline and the right removals company alongside you, you can approach moving day with confidence and calm.