8 Weeks Before Before 0/4 done Book your removal company The best companies fill up fast, especially for Friday and end-of-month moves. Book as soon as your completion date is confirmed. Arrange a home survey A reputable removal company will survey your home before quoting. This ensures an accurate, fixed-price quote with no surprises. Notify your children's school Give as much notice as possible. Begin researching schools in your new area if you need to change. Start decluttering The less you move, the less you pay. Begin a systematic room-by-room declutter — sell, donate, or dispose of anything you no longer need.
6 Weeks Before Before 0/4 done Order packing materials If you are packing yourself, order double-walled removal boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape. Your removal company can supply these. Begin packing non-essentials Start with items you will not need before the move: books, out-of-season clothing, decorative items, and items in storage. Notify your employer Update your employer's HR records with your new address. Check whether your commute will change significantly. Research your new area Identify your nearest GP, dentist, supermarket, and other services. If you have children, visit the new school and local parks.
4 Weeks Before Before 0/5 done Notify HMRC and DVLA Update your address with HMRC for tax and benefits, and with DVLA for your driving licence and vehicle registration. Contact utility providers Notify gas, electricity, water, broadband, and telephone providers. Arrange final meter readings and transfer or new accounts. Set up mail redirection Royal Mail's mail redirection service takes up to 5 working days to set up. Do this now to avoid missing important post. Notify bank and financial institutions Update your address with your bank, building society, pension providers, and any investment accounts. Apply for parking suspension If you need to suspend parking outside your old or new property, apply to the local council now — it typically takes 2 weeks.
2 Weeks Before Before 0/4 done Confirm all details with your removal company Confirm start time, access arrangements, any specialist items, and what is and is not included in your quote. Pack your first night box Set aside a clearly labelled box with everything you will need on the first night: kettle, mugs, tea, bedding, towels, toiletries, phone chargers. Defrost your fridge and freezer Begin using up frozen food. Defrost your fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before moving day. Dismantle flat-pack furniture Dismantle any large flat-pack furniture in advance. Keep all screws and fittings in labelled zip-lock bags taped to the item.
Be ready when the crew arrives Have everything packed and ready to go. The crew cannot begin loading until all items are boxed. Do a final walk-through Check every room, cupboard, loft, garage, and garden. Do not forget items in the shed, greenhouse, or under the stairs. Take meter readings Photograph gas, electricity, and water meters at both properties. Send readings to your utility providers the same day. Collect all keys and codes Collect all keys, fobs, alarm codes, and gate codes from the vendor. Check that all windows and doors are locked at your old property. Check delivery at the new property Direct the crew to place boxes in the correct rooms. Check items against your inventory before the crew leaves. Report any damage immediately.
First Week After After 0/5 done Register with a new GP and dentist Do this as soon as possible — waiting lists can be long. Bring your NHS number and medical card. Update your driving licence You are legally required to update your driving licence address within 7 days of moving. Do this online at GOV.UK. Check your home insurance Notify your home insurance provider of your new address. Your existing policy may not cover your new property. Introduce yourself to neighbours A friendly introduction goes a long way. Your neighbours are a valuable source of local knowledge and can look out for your property. Check all appliances and utilities Test all appliances, heating, hot water, and electrics. Report any issues to the vendor or your solicitor promptly.
First Month After After 0/4 done Update the electoral register Register to vote at your new address online at GOV.UK. This also affects your credit score, so do it promptly. Update subscriptions and memberships Update your address with Amazon, streaming services, gym memberships, loyalty cards, and any other subscriptions. Check your council tax band Confirm your council tax band with the local authority. If you believe it is incorrect, you can appeal. Settle in and enjoy your new home The hard work is done. Take time to explore your new neighbourhood, meet your neighbours, and make your new house a home.
