Moving Home Checklist

1. Hire a removal company

Once you confirm your moving date, contact some local removal companies to compare quotes. The cost can vary depending on your belongings, the distance you’re moving and how many movers you’ll need to help. For smaller moves, consider renting a van and driving yourself to save money.

Book your removal company at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season, in the months around summer. Ask about insurance coverage for your belongings and what happens if there are delays on moving day.

2. Gather important documents and valuables

Create a secure folder for all essential paperwork you’ll need during and after your move. This should include property documents, contracts, identification and financial records. Keep these items with you rather than packing them with your other belongings.

3. 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. Postal redirection services typically last for 12 months, giving you time to update your address with all relevant organisations.

Set up mail redirection at least a week before you move to ensure no important post gets lost during the transition.

4. Update your address

Notifying the necessary organisations about your address change is one of the most important things to do before moving house. Start this process 4-6 weeks before your move to ensure everything is updated in time. Below, we’ve listed the places and services you’ll need to inform.

Essential services and utilities

Setting up utilities and essential services can help ensure a smooth transition into your new home. Contact service providers at least 2-3 weeks before moving to arrange disconnection at your old home and connection at your new property. Notify the following:

• Gas and electricity suppliers

• Water supplier

• Broadband provider

• Telephone company

• TV licencing

Insurance

To ensure your insurance policies maintain valid coverage at your new address, notify your providers as soon as you have a confirmed moving date. Contact your insurance companies for the following:

• Home

• Life

• Car

• Health

• Pet

Money

It’s important to manage your finances efficiently during your move. Contact these financial organisations at least 3-4 weeks in advance to avoid any disruption to your services:

• Banks and building societies

• Pension providers

• Investment or brokerage firms

• Credit card companies

• Loan providers

• HMRC

Healthcare

Register with a new GP surgery if you’re moving to a different area. Contact your dentist and optician to notify them of your new address, and don’t forget to update the address on your NHS records and any prescription delivery services.

Local authorities

Several government bodies and local authorities need to know about your change of address to keep your official records up to date. This includes:

• Electoral register

• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

• Local council

Work

Notify your employer of your new address for their records. Update your details on HR systems and any workplace benefits schemes. If you’re self-employed, update your business address on all official documentation and inform relevant clients.

Recreational

It’s easy to focus on utilities and banks when moving home, but you shouldn’t forget to inform recreational facilities, too. Notifying them ensures you don’t miss out on memberships, mailings or access. Contact the following:

• Gyms or fitness clubs

• Libraries

• Social clubs

5. Pack your belongings

Order quality packing materials early to avoid delays and begin packing as soon as you can. Start with non-essential belongings, seasonal items and decorations. Pack room by room to stay organised and create an essentials box for your first night in your new home, including toiletries, bedding, chargers and basic kitchen supplies.

Packing tips

Here are our top packing tips to help you stay organised:

• Declutter before packing to minimise the number of belongings you need to move

• Label boxes with their contents and destination room

• Wrap fragile items in soft items like towels or bedding

• Pack heavy items at the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top to prevent damage

• Don’t overpack boxes; keep them manageable to lift and carry

• Seal liquids securely by taping lids or placing products in zip-lock bags

• Disassemble large furniture to make it easier to move

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