Moving House Checklist UK — Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide A week-by-week timeline used by thousands of UK movers — with a free printable PDF
Moving house is one of life's biggest events — and one of the most stressful if you're not properly prepared. Whether you're moving locally in Plymouth or relocating across the UK, this comprehensive moving house checklist covers everything you need to do, from eight weeks before your move right through to settling into your new home. We've helped thousands of families move and this guide distils everything we've learned into a clear, practical timeline you can follow. Download the free printable PDF below so you can tick off each step as you go.
Why This Checklist Helps Most people only move house a handful of times in their lives, and it's easy to forget important steps until it's too late. This checklist is built from real-world experience — after completing thousands of house moves across Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall, we know exactly what trips people up. Every task is ordered by priority and grouped by week so you can work through it at a manageable pace. Whether you're a first-time mover or a seasoned homeowner, having a written plan keeps you organised, reduces stress, and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day Start by getting removal quotes. Contact at least three companies, check their reviews, and confirm they're fully insured. A company with hundreds of verified Google reviews is far more reliable than one with none. Begin decluttering room by room — donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer need. If you're selling, list items on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Gumtree early to allow time for sales. Notify your landlord if you're renting, and start researching schools, GPs, and local services if you're moving to a new area. This is also the time to start collecting packing materials — boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and marker pens. If you're in Plymouth, we can supply professional-grade packing materials at cost.
6 Weeks Before Moving Day Book your removal company and confirm the date. Arrange a survey if required — reputable companies will visit (or video call) to assess the move and provide a fixed-price quote. At Two Man Removals, our surveys are free and carry no obligation. Start packing non-essential items: books, ornaments, seasonal clothing, and items in storage. Label every box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of contents. Begin notifying organisations of your address change: banks, insurance companies, DVLA, HMRC, and subscription services. Our packing guide covers the best techniques for each room.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day Contact utility providers to arrange final meter readings and set up services at your new address. This includes gas, electricity, water, broadband, and council tax. Redirect your post through Royal Mail (you can do this online for around £35). If you have children, arrange school transfers. Book time off work for moving day and the day after if possible — you'll be glad of the extra time to unpack. Continue packing, working through rooms systematically. If you haven't already, check access at your new property: measure doorways, check for parking restrictions, and note any narrow staircases or low ceilings.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day Confirm arrangements with your removal company — date, time, and any special requirements. Pack the majority of your belongings, leaving only daily essentials. Defrost your freezer if it's being moved. Arrange for pets to be looked after on moving day — the front door will be open all day and it's safer for them to be elsewhere. Prepare a 'first night' box with essentials: kettle, mugs, tea bags, toilet roll, phone chargers, basic tools, a change of clothes, and bedding. Cancel or transfer any local deliveries (milk, newspapers, etc.). Take photographs of the back of your TV, router, and any complex wiring so you can reconnect everything easily.
Moving Day Strip beds and pack final items first thing. Take meter readings at your current property and photograph them. Do a final walk-through checking every cupboard, the loft, the shed, and the garden. Keep important documents, valuables, and your first night box with you (not on the van). Be available to direct the removal team — let them know which items are fragile or need special care. At your new home, show the team where each room is so boxes go to the right places. Check everything has arrived and inspect for any damage before the team leaves.
After Moving Day Take meter readings at your new property and contact utility providers with the readings. Unpack essentials first — kitchen and bedrooms. Check everything has arrived and inspect for any damage (report immediately if insured). Update your address with remaining organisations. Register with a new GP and dentist if you've moved area. Locate your stopcock, fuse box, and gas shut-off valve. Introduce yourself to neighbours. And most importantly — make yourself a cup of tea and relax. If your removal team did a great job, a Google review makes a huge difference to small local businesses.
How to Choose the Best Removal Company for Your Move Choosing the right removal company is one of the most important decisions during your move. Start with reviews — not just the star rating, but the number of reviews and how recent they are. A company with 220+ Google reviews and a 5.0-star average is far more trustworthy than one with 10 reviews and a perfect score. Check that they're fully insured with both goods-in-transit and public liability cover. Ask whether quotes are fixed or estimated — a reputable company will survey your move and provide a fixed price with no hidden extras. Local knowledge matters too: a team that knows Plymouth's narrow streets, permit parking zones, and tricky access points will handle your move more efficiently. Finally, look for professionalism throughout the process — from the initial phone call to the way they handle your belongings on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions How far in advance should I book removals? We recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during summer or at the end of the month — these are the busiest periods. For flexible dates, 2-3 weeks' notice is usually sufficient. During peak season (June-September), the best crews get booked up quickly.
What should I pack in my essentials box? Pack a kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, snacks, toilet roll, phone chargers, basic cleaning supplies, a change of clothes, bedding, towels, basic tools (screwdriver, Allen keys), any medications you need, and important documents. This box should travel with you, not on the van.
Do I need to empty drawers before the move? It depends on the furniture. Lightweight drawers with clothes can usually stay in — this saves time and boxes. Heavy items like books should be removed to make furniture lighter and safer to carry. Your removal team will advise on the day.
Should I be at the property on moving day? Yes, it's best to be at both properties if possible. You'll need to direct the team, complete a final check of your old property, lock up, hand over keys, and be available to receive items at the new one. If you can't be at both, have someone you trust at each end.
How long does a house move take? A typical two to three-bedroom house move in Plymouth takes 4-6 hours. Larger properties, long-distance moves, or properties with difficult access may take a full day. We'll give you an estimated timeframe with your quote so you can plan your day.
How much does it cost to hire a removal company? Costs vary depending on property size, distance, access, and services required. A local Plymouth house move typically ranges from £350 to £1,200. We provide free, fixed-price quotes after a survey so there are no surprises. See our removals cost guide for detailed breakdowns.
What can't removal companies transport? Most removal companies cannot transport hazardous materials including paint, aerosols, gas canisters, fireworks, or flammable liquids. Perishable food, plants, and pets also need to travel with you. Your removal team will advise on any restricted items.
Do I need removal insurance? A reputable removal company will have goods-in-transit insurance and public liability insurance as standard. At Two Man Removals, all our moves are fully insured. Check your own home contents insurance too — some policies cover belongings during transit.
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