Moving House Checklist: Things to Do When You Move House

Once you’ve found your new home and exchanged contracts, it’s time to start preparing for your move. As well as packing, moving home comes with a long list of things to do.  

In our moving house checklist, we break down everything you need to do before, during and after your move, to help make the move easier.

 

Things to do Before Moving House

There are several things to do ahead of moving day to help you prepare. 

 

4-6 Weeks Before Moving House

 

• Declutter: Get rid of items you no longer need to reduce how much you have to pack. 

• Book a removals company or van hire: Give yourself time to compare quotes and secure a service ahead of your move. 

• Order packing supplies: Consider what you’ll need, including cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, tape, bags and more. If you have chosen to use a removals company, they may provide packing materials for you. 

 

2-3 Weeks Before

 

• Start packing: It’s never too early to start packing. Begin with the non-essential items that you won’t need until after the move.  

• Notify utility providers: Letting them know your moving date now will save you time later.  These include: Broadband and TV services, gas and electricity, water, and council tax.

• Arrange new utility accounts: Set them up in advance and get appointments in the diary for any necessary installations so there are no delays once you move. 

• Redirect your post: Royal Mail offers a redirection service to ensure you receive mail sent to your previous home. 

• Arrange insurance for your new home: Compare and purchase buildings and contents insurance for your new home. 

 

One Week Before

 

• Pack an essentials box: During the chaos of moving day, you’ll need to keep a few essential items handy. This includes chargers, toiletries, important documents, and tea, coffee and snacks.   

• Arrange pet or childcare: Moving can become more stressful when there are children and pets around. If possible, arrange alternative care for them during moving day. Find out how to keep pets relaxed during a busy move with our checklist for moving house with a cat. 

 

Moving Day Checklist

On the day itself, there are a few key checks you can do that will keep things running smoothly: 

 

• Take meter readings at your old house and new one, with photos for proof 

• Check that fixtures and fittings listed in the TA10 form are present 

• Do a final sweep of your old home, including cupboards, loft spaces and sheds 

• Change the locks at your new property for peace of mind 

 

Things to Do After Moving House

Once you’ve moved in, there are a few final tasks to complete: 

 

• Confirm your utilities (or set them up if you haven’t already) 

• Register for local healthcare services, including the GP and dentist 

• Update your address on other accounts and services  

• Unpack, starting with essentials first – including kitchen and bathroom items  

 

Moving House Checklist: Who to Notify When you Move

There are many services and companies you’ll need to contact when moving house to let them know about your change of address. Use this checklist to ensure you’ve told everyone you need to:

 

• Utility providers – some may be able to move your current service to your new address, but some may need to be closed.  

• Local council – register on the electoral roll at your new address and update your council tax information 

• DVLA – change the address on your driving licence   

• Work & pension provider – update your employer and the companies that manage your pension to ensure you continue receiving communications 

• Banks and building societies – update your address across all accounts 

• Insurance – update all policies, including home, pet, car, travel, life, and health policies 

• TV Licensing – make sure you have a licence associated with your new address 

• GP, dentist and optician – if you stay registered with the same ones, make sure you let them know you have a new address 

• Children’s schools and nurseries – one that’s easy to forget but important to update 

• Vet and pet microchip database – make sure they’re registered to your current address 

• Subscription or delivery services – update all services to avoid items being sent to your old address   

 

Moving House: Fees Checklist

Alongside the fees you’ve already paid when purchasing your new home, there are several additional expenses to consider and budget for when moving house. 

 

Fees associated with buying:

 

• Deposit  

• Mortgage fees  

• Stamp Duty Land Tax  

• Legal and conveyancing fees  

• Survey costs  

• Estate agent fees, if applicable 

 

Fees associated with moving:

 

• Removals company and packing materials  

• Cleaning services, if using professionals 

• Mail redirection service  

• Utility transfers and new installations (e.g. broadband) 

 

Moving House with Davidsons

Moving into a new house marks the start of an exciting new chapter. With the right preparation, and a handy checklist to refer to, the process can feel much more straightforward. 

At Davidsons Homes, we’re here to support you every step of the way, from helping you find your perfect new build home to making sure your move is as smooth as possible. With thoughtfully designed homes in carefully selected locations, you can settle in with confidence and start enjoying your new surroundings from day one. 

Explore our latest developments and discover a place you can’t wait to move into.