How far in advance should I start planning my house move?

Start planning four to six weeks before moving day so you can confirm dates, book a mover, gather supplies, and handle the admin calmly.

When should I book a man and van for my move?

Book your man and van as soon as your dates are confirmed. Four to six weeks' notice gives you the best choice of drivers and pricing, especially around month-end or summer.

Who should I notify when changing address in the UK?

Update banks, credit cards, DVLA, HMRC, GP, dentist, phone provider, and subscriptions. Set up Royal Mail redirection to catch any missed post.

What should I pack in an essentials box for the first night?

Pack a kettle, cups, tea or coffee, toiletries, chargers, bedding, clothing, documents, and snacks so you can settle in without unpacking every box.

How can I reduce stress on moving day?

Confirm bookings a week ahead, organise childcare or pet care, keep documents handy, and start early with a prepared checklist to keep stress down.

How can I stay organised during a move?

Use a dedicated planner and follow a stage-by-stage checklist. Combine that with the right van choice using a calculator so everything stays on track.

The Ultimate Moving House Checklist – UK Edition

Moving house is one of the most stressful life events you'll ever experience — but it doesn’t have to be. Follow our step-by-step guide for a smoother move.

You’ve probably heard it already — and it’s true. Between solicitor calls, survey chasing, and endless logistics, moving home can be chaotic. But with a clear plan, it’s entirely manageable.

40% of movers dread the hidden and unforeseen costs of moving while 37% simply cannot face the packing and unboxing.⁽¹⁾

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, this ultimate moving checklist keeps you on track — from the first box you pack to the final key you hand over.

From the practicalities of postal redirects and utility switching, to finding the right man and van to move you swiftly (and reliably) into your new home. These house move tips will save your sanity.

A new home is exciting. So let’s get into managing your move.

A miniature cardboard house sat on top of a clipboard with the ultimate housemoving checklist UK printed and attached.

Pro Tip: Get yourself a designated planner. Whether that’s a physical calendar, a digital checklist or reminders on your phone. Seeing your to-do list get ticked off - is going to help take the stress out of moving.

At a Glance: Your UK Moving Checklist

Plan your move early: Confirm dates, book your mover, and set timelines.
Sort the admin: Redirect mail, update your utility providers, and notify banks, HMRC, electoral register, phone provider and the DVLA of your change of address.
Declutter and pack: Reduce what you’re taking, gather supplies, and pack room by room.
Prepare the week before: Confirm your removal van booking, defrost appliances, and organise childcare or pet care.
Moving day essentials: Meter readings, key handover, and overseeing the loading.
Settle in smoothly: Prioritise essentials and get to know your new area.

This moving house checklist keeps everything in one place. And with the right man and van support, you’ll get from A to B with far less stress.

4-6 Weeks Before: Plan Your House Move

Young couple sitting on the floor of their home with planning documents spread out in front of them

Getting organised early is one of the best house move tips you’ll hear. Ideally, as soon as your offer is accepted, start preparing your list.

To do this, the best place to start is getting your dates in order.

Confirming Key Dates

Before you confirm your moving date, you’ll need to check a few things.

If you’re renting, check your notice period with your landlord and serve notice in good time before confirming a moving date.

For homeowners, exchange and completion dates will be handled through your solicitor or estate agent. Having these dates fixed gives you a reliable framework for the rest of your moving plan.

Create a Moving Timeline

Start by mapping out the weeks leading up to your move. At this stage, you don’t need the full checklist, just the skeleton of your plan. Note down:

Your confirmed moving date
Schedule your man and van booking
When utilities need switching
When you’ll start packing

Having these big milestones in place gives you a clear framework to build the rest of your plan around.

Research Removal Options

If you’re part of the 37% who simply cannot face the packing, there are removal companies who’ll do all of that for you.

If you prefer to oversee the packing yourself, you’ll want a reliable local company to get you from A-B.

The average distance moved by homebuyers in 2024 was 12 miles.⁽²⁾

So finding a local, reliable removal company who knows your area inside out is a top priority.

The last thing you want on moving day is delays. A local man and van service means they’ll be there on time, know peak traffic, and get you to your new home ASAP.

One key decision is what size van you’ll need. Too small and you’ll make multiple trips; too big and you’re paying for wasted space. Not sure? Our Van Size Guide breaks it down simply.

Budget is another factor. Moving costs vary depending on load, distance, and time. Check the Man and Van Cost Guide or our budget moving tips.

Booking through Compare The Man and Van gives you flexible, cost-effective options from drivers who know your area well.

Pro Tip: Use our Van Size Calculator to find your perfect fit and avoid wasted space or extra journeys.

Declutter Before You Pack

Go room by room and separate belongings into “keep, donate, sell, or recycle.” Fewer boxes = less stress. You might even make extra cash selling items you no longer need.

Order Your Packing Supplies

Stock up on sturdy boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. You’ll always need more than you think. Supermarkets often give away spare boxes, which keeps costs down.

By tackling these jobs 4–6 weeks before moving day, you’ll avoid last-minute chaos.

3-4 Weeks Before: The Admin Checklist

A big part of any moving house checklist is tackling the admin. Sorting it early will save you from chasing paperwork or losing access to important services after you move.

Set Up Royal Mail Redirection

Royal Mail's redirection service will automatically forward post from your old address to your new one. You can choose 3, 6, or 12 months. A smart way to make sure you don’t miss bills, bank statements, or anything official.

The sound choice is the 12 month plan.

It’s well worth the peace of mind. Not only do you know your personal mail won’t end up in the wrong hands, but it’s a safety net for those long forgotten memberships, credit cards, and aunties’ birthday cards that turn up once a year.

Notify Key Organisations

Make a change of address move list and work through it systematically:

Banks & credit cards – update online or via their apps.
DVLA – for your driving licence and vehicle logbook.
HMRC – to keep your tax records accurate.
GP, dentist, optician – especially if you’ll be registering somewhere new.
Subscriptions & deliveries – from streaming services to meal kits. Check your online bank statement to make sure you’ve notified them all.

Review Insurance Policies

Check your home and contents insurance. You’ll need cover from the day you move in, not just after. If you have car insurance, make sure it matches your new address.

Update Utility Providers Before Moving

Contact your gas, electric, water, and broadband providers. Arrange final utility meter readings and confirm when to switch services on at your new property. You don’t want to be paying for someone else’s usage.

Inform Schools or Childcare Providers

If you have children, notify their school or childcare about your move. This gives them time to prepare records or help with the transition if you’re moving to a new area.

Locking that door for the final time means no going back. So taking care of these details early, is a big tick on the to-do list and keeps life running smoothly once you’re in your new home.

2-3 Weeks Before: Packing Like A Pro

A room with a sofa and packed cardboard boxes ready to move

3 weeks prior to moving is the sweet spot to start packing.

If you have a garage or outbuildings, consider starting 4-5 weeks prior to your move date.

Pro Tip: This is the time to say ‘No’ to those weekend invites. If you’re packing up an entire house, it can take longer than you think.

Pack Room by Room

Work systematically through your home, one room at a time.

Start with spaces you use the least (like spare rooms or lofts). Pack the things that are seasonal and non-essential first and leave everyday essentials until last. This avoids the chaos of living out of boxes too early.

Label Everything Clearly

Write the room name and contents on each box. Clearly marking anything that’s fragile.

If packing and sorting gets too stressful, stop sorting, and just pack.

Agonising over whether every little item belongs in the ‘keep, donate, or bin’ pile, will slow you down. If you have a load of bits and bobs in your bottom drawer, just label them as that. ‘Bedroom, bottom drawer' is sufficient. Being able to visualise where items came from, will help when unpacking at the other end.

Create an Essentials Box

Pack a separate moving day essentials box or suitcase. These are the items you’ll need on your first night: kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, toiletries, bedding, chargers, and a change of clothes. Having these close at hand saves rummaging through dozens of boxes after a long day.

Protect Fragile Items & Furniture

Use bubble wrap, towels, or clothing to cushion fragile items. If you can, dismantle larger furniture in advance. It's easier to move and reduces the risk of damage. Keep screws and fittings in labelled bags taped to each item.

Don’t Forget Professional Help

If the thought of packing delicate or bulky items feels daunting, this is where hiring a man and van service makes life easier. Experienced movers know how to load and secure everything safely, giving you peace of mind.

Pro Tip: Our detailed Packing Guide will have you packing like a pro in no time.

1 Week Before: Moving Week Prep

OK. Things are getting serious now. This is the time to tie up loose ends and make sure you’re fully prepared for the big day. These house move tips are going to ease the stress, now the countdown is on.

Confirm Your Booking

Double-check your arrangements with your chosen removal service. If you’ve booked a man and van provider, confirm the date, time, and addresses. A quick call or email avoids last-minute surprises.

Defrost and Clear the Freezer

Defrost your fridge-freezer at least 24 hours before moving day. Use up frozen foods or donate them to neighbours to prevent waste. Moving a defrosted appliance is far easier and avoids messy leaks in the van.

Keep Important Documents Separate

Locate the following and keep them safe:

Passports
House deeds
Tenancy agreements
Insurance paperwork

Pack them in a secure folder and carry it with you on moving day. These are the things you don’t want lost in the back of a van.

Arrange Childcare and Pet Care

If possible, ask family, friends, or a sitter to look after children and pets on moving day. It makes the process calmer and safer for everyone, giving you space to focus on logistics.

Plan Parking and Access

Check if you need a permit for the moving van. In busy cities like London, reserving a parking bay is essential. Clear driveways and hallways so movers can get in and out quickly. Consider the time of day you’ll be moving. Avoiding peak times will mean more available parking space.

If possible, reach out to your new neighbours and give them the heads up. They may be able to temporarily move cars to accommodate the removal van. Plus, it’s a nice touch to show courtesy and start things off on the right foot.

Getting these jobs done a week before keeps the moving day itself running smoothly.

Moving Day Checklist

At last the big day is here. With some savvy planning, everything is going to go smoothly. And you’ll end the day with your belongings, and your sanity intact.

Here’s how to make sure nothing gets missed.

Start Early

Give yourself plenty of time to do a final walk-through of the property. Open cupboards, lofts, and sheds to check nothing has been left behind.

Take Final Meter Readings

Record gas, electricity, and water meter readings before you leave. Keep them handy for your final utility bills. Snapping a photo on your phone is an easy way to avoid disputes later.

Switch Off and Lock Up

Final check: Turn off the boiler, appliances, and lights before handing over the keys. Double-check all windows and doors are locked for security.

Oversee Loading

If you’ve hired a man and van service, be present to direct movers and check items off your list as they’re loaded. Keep fragile and essentials boxes separate so you know where they are when you arrive.

Handover Keys

If you’re renting, return keys to your landlord or letting agent as agreed. Homeowners will usually hand keys to the estate agent for the new buyers.

Arrival at Your New Home

Before unloading, do a quick inspection of your new property.

Note down any existing damage and check utilities are working. Then direct movers as boxes come in. Labelling your boxes is going to make this step far easier.

For a more detailed guide to handling moving day, check our Moving Day Essentials guide.

Settling Into Your New Home

You’ve made it. The boxes are in, the keys are yours, and it’s time to start turning a house into a home.

The first week is all about prioritising what makes daily life comfortable while tying up any loose ends.

Unpack the Essentials First

Focus on the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom. Getting the basics set up means you can eat, sleep, and wash without stress. Even if the rest of the house is still in boxes.

Register and Update Details

Make sure you’re registered on the electoral roll at your new address. If you’ve moved areas, register with a new GP, dentist, or optician. These are small but crucial jobs that keep your records up to date.

Why a Man and Van Makes All the Difference

Every move is different.

But almost all benefit from professional support. A man and van service combines convenience, flexibility, and value — especially for short-distance moves.

Flexible: Ideal for local moves or smaller households.
Affordable: More budget-friendly than a full removals company.
Knowledgeable: Local drivers know the roads, traffic patterns, and parking rules in your area.
Reliable: Professional movers know how to handle bulky or fragile items safely.

Choose the Level of Help You Need

With Compare the Man and Van, you can decide how hands-on you want to be:

Customer Loading Service: The driver brings the van, equipment (trolley, straps, blankets), and guidance, while you and your friends or family do the lifting. It’s the most cost-effective option.
Driver Loading Service: If you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the professionals, the driver will help load and unload at both ends.

Booking through Compare the Man and Van gives you transparent pricing, access to trusted local drivers, and the reassurance that your move is in safe hands.

Ready to book your move?

Compare Man And Van Prices

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Moving House FAQs

Begin planning 4–6 weeks before moving day. That gives you time to confirm dates, book a trusted man and van, order packing supplies, and work through the admin without last-minute stress.

Book your movers as soon as your dates are confirmed. Four to six weeks ahead is ideal, especially for busy periods like month-end or summer. Early booking secures availability and keeps prices down.

Update essentials like your banks, credit cards, DVLA, HMRC, GP, dentist, phone provider, and subscriptions. Setting up a 12-month Royal Mail redirect catches anything you miss.

Include kettle, mugs, tea or coffee, toiletries, phone chargers, bedding, a change of clothes, and any medication or important documents. Our Moving Day Essentials guide has a full checklist.

Confirm your booking a week ahead, arrange childcare or pet care, and pack an essentials box so you are not scrambling. Start early, take final meter readings, and keep key paperwork with you. Need extra reassurance? Chat with support before the big day.

Use a planner to break your move into stages and tick them off as you go. Combine that with the right van choice using our Van Size Calculator, and you will stay on schedule without surprises.