Moving home checklist

6-8 weeks to go

• Do some further general research on the area you’re moving too.
• Appoint a solicitor who will handle much of the exchange and completion process for you.
• Find a surveyor if your solicitor doesn’t appoint one.
• Check the contents of attics, cupboards and garages and dispose of any unwanted items.
• Sort through your possessions and decide if there are any items you may wish to take to a charity shop or sell on eBay.
• Research local schools and arrange for your children’s records to be transferred to their new schools.

5 weeks to go

• Start to pack up non-essential items and label boxes with the details of their contents and which room they are intended for.

4 weeks to go

• Finalise your moving date.
• Book a removals company, and remember that they are usually more expensive at weekends.
• Check your home contents insurance to see if you are covered for removals. If you’re not, your removal company will probably provide this.
• Arrange for parking of the removal van outside your current and new addresses.

3 weeks to go

• Order your packing materials – boxes and bubble wrap etc and start packing in good time.
• Let your broadband supplier know you are moving as soon as possible, so you can avoid any penalty charges.
• Get change of address cards to send to friends and family.
• If you are moving to a new area, you will need to de-register with your doctor, dentist and optician and register with your new ones.

2 weeks to go

• Investigate the best prices for gas and electricity in your new home and area.
• Inform your credit cards, store cards and insurance companies of your change of address.
• Book any pets into kennels and cattery for your moving day.
• You may also want to arrange childcare for the day you move.
• Inform sky or virgin media of your moving date to either transfer the service or stop it.
• Inform the DVLA of your change of address.
• Review security at your new home and you may wish to arrange for a locksmith to change the locks on your moving date. This ensures you know exactly who has keys.

1 week to go

• Notify your local councils, both current and new of your change of address. You may actually be due a refund from on your council tax.
• Call your phone company to transfer your account, but arrange for disconnection at your current address for as late as possible on the day you move.
• Contact your bank with your change of address.
• Inform TV licencing of your change of address but keep hold of your current licence until you get your new one.
• Contact Royal Mail and arrange to have your mail forwarded.
• Inform your water company of your new address and close your existing account.
• Check with your solicitor or directly with the seller about when you will pick up keys for your new home.
• Pack a box of some helpful items and keep it in your car – include light bulbs, toilet rolls, screwdriver or tool kit, some cash, candles, matches and a list of important phone numbers.
• If applicable, empty and disconnect your washing machine and dishwasher.
• Empty your fridge and freezer of any unwanted food.

Moving day

• Take final meter readings for gas, electricity and water. You can usually email these to your supplier.
• Remove your bedding and pack it in a clearly labelled box.
• Tell your removers anything that is not to go to your new home.
• Once the removal van is loaded, do one last check of your home to ensure all items have been packed.

After moving

• Contact your gas and electricity providers to give them yur first meter readings.