Moving Home Checklist: Make Sure You Don’t Forget These Important Tasks!

Preparedness is key to every successful house move. Therefore, it is vital that you do everything you can to reduce the stress and hassle of moving by having a checklist ready. However, this is much easier said than done, especially since there are so many things to remember!

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive moving house checklist. It will help ensure that you don’t forget anything important when it comes time to move.

You may want to bookmark this page or print it out to have a handy moving house checklist as you move.

Your Moving House Checklist

Here are all of the things you need to do before, during and after your move.

To ensure a smooth transition, consider preparing a moving day survival kit. This kit typically includes essential items such as food, beverages, toiletries, and basic kitchenware to help you manage comfortably in your new home until everything is fully set up.

Part 1: Making The Necessary Preparations

The first thing you must do is plan out your move. You need to do this even before you start packing. Here are some things you will need to accomplish during this phase:

1. Review your moving budget. Know how much money you have to spend and make sure that it covers all of the costs associated with moving, from packing supplies, hiring a mover if you choose to do so, reserving a transport vehicle (if necessary), as well as other related expenses. According to the team from Mr Mover, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of your budget to avoid any unexpected costs during the moving process. Looking for ways to save money while moving house? Here are tips on How To Save Money On Moving Day.
2. Set a moving date. Once you’ve determined your budget for the move, you can now set your moving date. You must also ensure that this exact date coincides with the availability of professional movers or rental truck companies so that they can assist in helping make it happen smoothly.
3. Get information about your new city or neighbourhood. Check out what’s nearby, and make sure to research your new community before moving. Moreover, be sure to find out about the schools in the area and other essential amenities.
4. Research about your man and van or removals company. If you don’t want to do the move yourself, it is important that you research movers online and then call them up to get a quote on costs associated with your move so that they are within budget; this includes things like packing materials used during transportation as well as labour which might include taxes or other fees charged by the moving service provider itself. Contacting a removal company early ensures you get accurate quotes and can secure the proper insurance and services needed for a smooth relocation. If you are planning on conducting a DIY move, make sure to recruit friends and family members who can help with the move itself.  You may consider hiring a removal company or a man with a van to help you with this process.
5. Research packing supplies. This includes boxes, bubble wrap, labels, and other necessary materials used during transportation so they don’t break while being loaded into a truck or moved around your home by movers (if you choose to use them). You’ll need to make sure your boxes are sturdy enough, so they don’t fall apart during transportation or get wet, which could damage any items inside them. And if you’re packing fragile items such as glassware or picture frames, then consider double-boxing these things before putting them into another box with other less delicate possessions like clothes and books.
6. Consider renting self storage unit. If you want to keep some of your items in storage while moving, then make sure that the company is reputable and has good reviews. You should also check if they offer insurance on items stored with them just in case something happens during transportation or while being packed away at the warehouse location itself.
7. Confirm all moving details with your estate agent to ensure a smooth transition, including finalising key collection times, reviewing any outstanding paperwork, and verifying that all payments have been processed. This is especially crucial if you are moving to a newly purchased home. Make sure everything on the legal side of things has been finalised with the previous owners to avoid any last-minute complications. Additionally, confirm that utilities such as water, electricity, and gas will be transferred or set up in your name on the moving day. It’s also a good idea to arrange a final walkthrough of the property before you exchange contracts to ensure everything is in order before you move in. If possible, this walkthrough should include final meter readings, and and a turnover of all the keys associated with the property. As the new owner, you also reserve the right to request that any agreed-upon repairs or maintenance be completed prior to your move-in date. Make sure to check that appliances, fixtures, and any items included in the sale are still in good working condition. Additionally, it’s a good idea to confirm the location of important features like the fuse box, stopcock, and heating system controls, as well as any warranties or manuals left by the previous owner. Taking these steps will help ensure that your move is as stress-free as possible.
8. Give notice to your landlord. If you are renting your home, be sure to give your landlord notice that you will be moving. This ranges from 30 to 90 days before the move, depending on your lease agreement, so that they can start advertising for a new tenant and/or begin the process of returning your security deposit.
9. Find out what type of paperwork you will need for the move and start securing them. This includes things like tax forms as well as insurance claims for any stolen/damaged items during transportation which will be helpful if something happens while moving from one location to another.
10. Make sure your personal documents are updated and in order. This includes updating your driver’s license, passport, social insurance number, and all your important documents like birth certificates which will come in handy when you need to change them over to your new city/community.
11. Change your address. Your change of address must be done in a timely manner. This means updating your utilities, tv licence, cable/phone companies, credit card statements and other important records for both work as well as personal use so that they know where you have moved to and can continue providing service at the new location. Also, inform your utility providers of your relocation date and document meter readings at both locations to ensure a smooth transition of services. Consider having your address changed at the post office so that your mail, including important letters and subscription boxes, will be redirected to your new property.
12. Update your insurance policies (if necessary). If there are any changes to your personal or home insurance policy (e.g., your new address), be sure to update them with your insurance providers before moving day. This is important because some policies only cover certain areas; therefore, it would not make sense if you moved from one state or province and then found out that the coverage no longer applied to where you are now living in another jurisdiction. Additionally, consider arranging contents insurance for your belongings during the move, as many standard policies don’t cover items in transit. This will provide peace of mind in case of any loss or damage while your possessions are being transported to your new home.
13. Secure buildings insurance. It is crucial to secure building insurance before moving, especially when purchasing a property and exchanging contracts. This insurance protects you financially against significant damages, such as fire or structural issues, ensuring your new home is covered from the moment you take ownership.

Part 2: Packing

1. Declutter your home. This means going through all of your belongings and deciding what you want to keep, sell, or donate. Focus on identifying non-essential items that are not necessary for immediate use. These can be packed away or put into storage, streamlining the moving process and making it more efficient. It also helps if you make a list of everything that needs packing so you can know how much time it will take before moving day arrives. Consider donating your discarded belongings to a charity shop or giving them to friends or family who might find them useful. Selling unwanted items through online platforms or local yard sales can also help you earn extra cash for the move. By decluttering early, you not only reduce the amount you need to transport but also save on moving costs, especially if you’re paying by weight or volume. Additionally, it creates more space in your new home, allowing you to start fresh without unnecessary clutter.
2. Make an inventory of the items you wish to move to your new house. This is important because it helps you keep track of all your personal belongings, as well as what needs packing in boxes and what can be left behind, without worrying about forgetting something on moving day itself!
3. Start packing early. You should start with items that are not often used, such as off-season clothing or linens, and then move on to things like books or DVDs, which can be packed away first so that when it comes time for moving day, these items will already have been boxed up and ready to go!
4. Follow an efficient packing method. There are many different ways to pack a box, but one efficient way is to start with the heaviest items on the bottom and then work your way up so that the box is not too heavy to carry. You will also want to pack up your old home one room at a time so that you don’t forget anything in another room of the house.
5. Have a box or bag for essential items. This includes your passport, driver’s license, credit cards, social insurance card, and other important documents you will need with you on moving day. It could also include items like snacks, water, toiletries, a first-aid kit and any other essentials that you may need in the event that something goes wrong while moving from one location to another. Remember to pack this last, preferably just before leaving your old address.
6. Do not pack liquids. This includes cooking oils, cleaners, paints, etcetera, as they may leak during the transportation of boxes from one place to another. Here is a closer look on what to do with items your moving company cannot move.
7. Label boxes clearly and make sure everything is labelled for its destination. This will help ensure nothing gets lost or misplaced during transportation from one location to another.

Part 3: Moving with a Man and Van or Removal Company

1. Make sure your kids/pets are ready for the move. This includes having a plan in place for them during the move itself, as well as when you finally arrive at your new home. It is also crucial to help them prepare for the changes about to come their way. Also, figure out if you will need child or pet care services on moving day itself so that all of your hands are free for packing and loading things into vehicles. Need more tips for moving house with pets? Check out this Ultimate Guide to Pets Moving in the UK
2. Make sure utilities at the new house are up and running before you move. This includes notifying utility suppliers and turning on water, gas, and electricity at least a few days in advance so that everything is ready when you arrive there after moving day itself.
3. Take meter readings on moving day. Recording meter readings for water, gas, and electricity ensures accurate billing, helps avoid disputes, and facilitates the closure of accounts with utility providers.
4. Arrange temporary living arrangements if necessary. This could be anything from staying with family and friends to renting a furnished apartment for the time being.
5. Pack your vehicles appropriately. This includes making sure there is enough room in each vehicle for all of your belongings and packing things securely so that they do not get damaged during transportation.
6. Plan for traffic on moving day. If possible, avoid moving during peak hours when traffic is heaviest as it will only cause delays and stress on an already busy day.
7. Ensure you have cash on hand for small fees like tolls, parking, and other unexpected expenses that may come up on moving day.
8. Stay positive! Moving can be a very stressful event, but if you take things one step at a time and stay organized, you’ll get through it without any major issues.
9. Make sure to arrange for property turnover. Whether you are leaving a rental home or selling your house to new owners, arrange for someone to be there on moving day to take care of any final details. You will also want to be clear about when you will be receiving the keys to your new place.
10. Arrange for end of tenancy cleaning. If you are leaving a rental home, make sure to arrange for end of tenancy cleaning so that the property is in good condition when you leave. This may include deep-cleaning the carpets, scrubbing down bathrooms and kitchens, and more. Doing this will also ensure that you receive your security deposit back in full.
11. Make sure appliances are disconnected, and furniture pieces are disassembled. Remember to disconnect the washing machine, fridge, dishwasher, etc., from their respective power sources before you begin packing them up. It will also be helpful if any large furniture pieces have already been disassembled prior to moving day itself for easier transport between locations.
12. Double-check your moving house checklist. Now that you’ve completed all of the items on your checklist, go through them and make sure everything is covered before moving day.

Part 4: After Moving to Your New Address

1. Explore your new neighbourhood. This is a great opportunity to get to know the area you will be living in and make some new friends.
2. Unpack your belongings and put them away at your own pace. Try not to stress out about the unpacking part because it can be very overwhelming at first. Remember, you don’t have to do everything all at once!
3. Say goodbye to your old house. Before leaving, ensure everything is cleared out and cleaned thoroughly. This not only helps with the logistics of moving but also allows you to appreciate the sentimental value and memories associated with your old home.
4. Try to make new friends. This can be anything from joining social media groups for your neighbourhood to attending events at the local community centre. Such people can help you feel more at home in your new surroundings.
5. Get to know your neighbours. This can be as simple as saying hello when you see them outside or waving as you drive by. Not only will it make you feel more connected to the neighbourhood, but they may also be able to help out with recommendations for local businesses and services.
6. Treat yourself for a job well done! You deserve some time off after taking care of this big task in your life, so go ahead and reward yourself with dinner out or something else special.

Here are some After Moving Insights you might find useful.

Part 5: Final Checks

As you approach the end of your moving process, it’s essential to conduct a series of final checks to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. This section of your comprehensive moving house checklist will guide you through the necessary steps to complete before handing over the keys to your old property.

Final Thoughts

Moving day can be stressful for everyone involved, but following these steps will make things much easier.