As soon as you have a moving date
Start early with the jobs that take the longest to arrange.
- Book your move and choose the vehicle size you need
- Tell your landlord or agree completion dates with your solicitor
- Check parking at both addresses and apply for permits if needed
- Start clearing out items you don't want to take
- Collect boxes, tape, marker pens and protective wrap
Two to three weeks before
Begin packing rooms you use least, such as lofts, spare rooms and garages. Label each box with its room and a short description of what's inside. Keep a simple list of boxes so you can check nothing goes missing.
- Tell utility suppliers, your council and your bank your new address
- Arrange post redirection
- Update your address with your GP, dentist and employer
- Plan how pets and children will be looked after on the day
The week before
Pack most of your belongings, leaving only daily essentials. Dismantle furniture that won't fit through doors and keep screws in labelled bags taped to the furniture. Defrost the freezer if it's moving with you.
- Confirm the time and addresses with your driver in the app
- Check access notes are up to date
- Pack an essentials box: kettle, mugs, toiletries, chargers, medicines, bedding
- Keep important documents and valuables with you, not in the van
The day before
Finish packing and make sure every box is sealed and labelled. Clear a path through the house so items can be carried out easily. If you need to reserve a parking space, check it's in place. Charge your phone so you can follow your driver live on the day.
On moving day
Be ready for the driver to arrive and show them what's going and what's staying. Point out fragile items and heavy boxes. Before the van leaves, walk through every room, cupboard, loft and garden shed to check nothing is left behind.
- Take meter readings at the old property
- Lock windows and doors and hand back keys
- Follow your driver on the map and meet them at the new address
- Direct boxes to the right rooms as they come in
Once you've moved in
Take meter readings at the new property and check the heating, hot water and smoke alarms work. Unpack the essentials box first and make up beds early so you can rest. Check items for damage as you unpack and raise anything straight away.
Booking the right move
For a small flat or a few items, a man and van is often enough. For a whole house, choose a larger van or lorry and say how many people you need. You can get an instant price, post a Bid Job to receive quotes from approved drivers, or set your own price with a Fixed Price Job.
Moving with children and pets
Moving day can be busy and noisy. If you can, arrange for young children and pets to be looked after elsewhere, or set aside one quiet room with their things. Pack a separate bag with snacks, toys, food, leads and bedding so you don't have to search through boxes at the end of a long day.
Rooms that need extra attention
Kitchens, garages and lofts often take longest. Start the loft and garage early, as they're easy to forget. In the kitchen, use up frozen food, clean out the fridge and pack heavy items in small boxes. Keep a set of plates, cutlery and a kettle for the last day.
Useful things to have on the day
A few small items make moving day easier: a roll of tape, scissors, a marker pen, bin bags, cleaning cloths, a basic toolkit, light bulbs, phone chargers and plenty of water and snacks. Keep them together in a clearly labelled bag or box that travels with you, not in the van.
Common mistakes to avoid
Leaving packing until the last day is the most common problem, followed by forgetting to check parking at the new address. Other mistakes include packing keys, documents or chargers in the van, not measuring large furniture against new doorways, and forgetting the loft, shed or garage. Working through this checklist a little at a time helps you avoid all of them.
In summary
Book early, clear out, pack room by room and keep essentials with you. Confirm details with your driver, check access at both ends and follow your driver live on the day.