Moving Day Checklist

Tip: Get at least 3 quotes. Book well in advance — especially for end-of-month or Friday moves. Check they have goods-in-transit insurance.

• —Confirm dates, times, and access arrangements in writing
• —Ask about parking restrictions and whether a permit is needed
• —Arrange cover for pets, children, or elderly relatives on the day

Tip: Redirect post from your old address for at least 6 months. You can do this online at royalmail.com — costs start from around £35.

Tip: Take final meter readings at your old property and opening readings at your new one. Photograph the meters.

Tip: Broadband installation can take 2–4 weeks, so book early. Check what is available at your new address on comparison sites.

• —Pack a separate 'first night' box with essentials (see below)
• —Use colour-coded labels or tape for each room
• —Wrap fragile items individually and mark boxes clearly
• —Disassemble large furniture and bag up screws and fittings

Tip: You will be exhausted on moving day. Having essentials to hand saves rummaging through dozens of boxes.

• —Kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, milk, and snacks
• —Phone chargers and extension lead
• —Toilet roll, hand soap, and towels
• —Bedding and pillows
• —Basic cleaning supplies
• —Torch and batteries
• —Important documents and keys
• —Medication and first aid kit

Tip: Buildings insurance should be active from exchange of contracts. Contents insurance should start on moving day.

Tip: Defrost at least 24 hours before. Use up perishable food or give it away.

Tip: Contact the local council well in advance. A removal van needs clear access and may require a parking bay suspension.

Tip: Record gas, electricity, and water readings. Send these to your suppliers on the same day.

Tip: It is surprisingly easy to leave things behind — check on top of wardrobes, inside drawers, and in the loft.

Tip: Your solicitor will call to confirm completion. Keys are usually collected from the estate agent.

Tip: Photograph the gas, electricity, and water meters before unpacking anything.

• —All agreed fixtures and fittings are present
• —No new damage since your last visit
• —The property has been left clean and cleared

Tip: Stay at the new property to direct. If possible, have someone you trust at the old property to oversee loading.

Tip: Locate the stopcock, gas shut-off valve, and fuse board/consumer unit on arrival.

Tip: Prioritise bedrooms and the kitchen. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.

Tip: You do not know how many previous key copies exist. A locksmith can rekey or replace locks for £60–£150 per door.

Tip: Replace batteries or install new detectors. Place them on every floor and near bedrooms.

Tip: Contact your new local authority directly. You may be eligible for a single person discount (25% off).

• —Bank and building society accounts
• —DVLA — driving licence and vehicle registration (V5C)
• —HMRC
• —Employer and pension providers
• —Insurance policies (car, life, health, etc.)
• —Electoral roll registration
• —Subscriptions, online shopping, and delivery accounts

Tip: You need a licence at tvlicensing.co.uk if you watch live broadcasts on any device or use BBC iPlayer.

• —Boiler controls and thermostat — read the manual
• —Stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink)
• —Fuse board/consumer unit
• —Gas shut-off valve (usually near the meter)
• —Any burglar alarm codes and manuals

Tip: Good relationships with neighbours make life easier and they can be a valuable source of local information.

Tip: Annual boiler servicing keeps your warranty valid and ensures safe operation. A Gas Safe registered engineer is required by law.

Tip: Keep all manuals, warranties, certificates, and receipts together. Digital copies in cloud storage work well as a backup.