The Ultimate Moving House Checklist (UK)

• Book your removal company. Get quotes from reputable companies and secure your preferred date as early as possible. Book Roadwise Removals on 07458 314305 – we're open 24/7.
• Give notice to your landlord if you're renting. Check your tenancy agreement for the required notice period – typically one to two months.
• Inform your solicitor or conveyancer of your planned moving date so they can work towards it.
• Start decluttering. Go through every room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or dispose of. Fewer items means a cheaper, quicker move.
• Order packing materials. Stock up on sturdy boxes in various sizes, bubble wrap, packing tape, tissue paper, and markers for labelling.
• Arrange storage if needed. If there will be a gap between leaving your old property and accessing your new one, consider short-term storage options.

• Start packing non-essential items – out-of-season clothes, books, decorative items, spare bedding, and anything you won't need in the next month.
• Notify utility providers. Contact your gas, electricity, water, and broadband suppliers to arrange final readings and transfer or cancel your accounts.
• Notify your bank and financial institutions of your new address. This includes credit cards, loans, savings accounts, and any direct debits.
• Inform the DVLA of your new address so your driving licence and vehicle registration records are updated.
• Register with a new GP and dentist in your new area if you're moving to a different town or city.
• Notify your employer of your new address for payroll purposes and update your contact details in any HR systems.
• Set up a Royal Mail redirect. The Royal Mail offers a redirection service that will forward post from your old address to your new one for up to 12 months. This is especially useful for picking up any notifications you might miss.
• Notify your children's school if applicable, and begin researching schools in your new area if required.
• Consider a professional packing service. If you're time-poor or have high-value items, Roadwise offers a full packing service to take the stress away.

• Confirm your booking with your removal company and double-check all the details including date, times, and addresses.
• Pack more items – work through each room methodically, leaving only the essentials you need for daily life.
• Label every box clearly. Write the destination room and a brief description of the contents on the top and at least one side of each box. Mark fragile boxes prominently.
• Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day itself. Having children and pets out of the way makes the move safer and quicker for everyone.
• Check parking restrictions at both properties and arrange a parking suspension from your local council if necessary. Give as much notice as possible – councils typically need several working days.
• Start using up perishable food to reduce the amount you need to transport or dispose of on moving day.

• Defrost your fridge and freezer. This needs to be done at least 24–48 hours before moving to allow time for the appliances to dry out properly.
• Pack almost everything remaining – leave out only a small selection of essentials for the final few days.
• Confirm key collection arrangements with your solicitor, estate agent, or landlord for moving day.
• Dismantle beds and large furniture if possible. This saves time on moving day and reduces the risk of damage in transit. Ask your removal team if they offer this service.
• Pack an essentials bag for moving day: phone charger, laptop, wallet, important documents, a change of clothes, kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, toilet roll, snacks, and anything else you'll need on the day and overnight.

• Be ready early. Removal teams typically start early – often 8am or 9am. Being well-prepared will make the day run more smoothly.
• Collect your keys as soon as possible so the team can begin unloading at the new property without delay.
• Direct the removal team on arrival – show them around, identify fragile items, and point out anything requiring special care.
• Do a final walkthrough of every room before the team departs, including the loft, garage, shed, and garden. Check cupboards, drawers, and built-in storage.
• Take meter readings at both properties. Photograph the readings as evidence in case of any future disputes with utility companies.
• Return all keys to your old property and hand them over to the estate agent, landlord, or new owner as agreed.

• Unpack your essentials box first so you have everything you need before tackling the rest.
• Check all your items have arrived safely and report any damage to your removal company as soon as possible. Take photographs of any issues.
• Update your address with any organisations you haven't already notified: electoral roll, HMRC, pension providers, insurance policies, subscriptions, and online accounts.
• Register to vote at your new address via gov.uk.
• Introduce yourself to your neighbours – making a good impression early goes a long way.
• Explore your new area and enjoy the exciting next chapter ahead of you!

Need help with your move?

Call Roadwise Removals on 07458 314305 – open 24/7. We offer everything from man and van to full house removals and packing services across Coventry and the UK.