Published: 8 November 2024
As well as the excitement that comes with moving house, people say it can be one of the most stressful life events. This is because you're leaving your current home, moving things from A to B and sorting a lot of things like utilities, insurance and mortgage payments - all in a short space of time.
But if you prepare what you can for moving day in advance, it can make moving feel like a doddle ! We've listed some helpful hints to help you prepare for moving day…
How to pack and move house
Plan ahead
You'll want to have a sturdy plan in place when moving to a new place. So we've made a moving home checklist that you can then tick off as you go!
Declutter first
Moving home is the perfect excuse to have a clear out. There's no reason to take that broken lamp with you that you've never repaired, is there? And packing's much easier when you know what items you're definitely keeping!
Pack lightly
Place your items in different boxes so they're lighter to carry. Overfilling boxes can make moving less efficient and less enjoyable if you're lugging heavy boxes to and from your car/removal van.
Yes, you'll end up with more boxes, but at least they'll feel easier (and safer) to move!
Buy plenty of packing supplies
You can't start packing without your supplies, so make sure you stock up early. Buy lots of large cardboard boxes for packing away ornaments, books and small furniture.
You'll also need to buy lots of old newspaper and bubble wrap to protect fragile items like kitchen glasses or ornaments. You could even pop to your local supermarket and ask to take some of their spare boxes.
Pack top to bottom
Pack in an orderly fashion - from the top to the bottom of your property (like your loft to your kitchen). This can help you prioritise what you're packing and create an order for when you unpack as well.
Your moving house checklist
To make sure moving into your first home goes smoothly, we've created a week-by-week preparation checklist for you to follow!
Things to do as soon as possible
- If you're renting, check how much notice your landlord requires. If you're on a fixed term contract you might have to wait until the end of the fixed period before you can officially move out
- Arrange to visit your new home with a tape measure to make sure your furniture will fit.
- Use your move as an opportunity to declutter and clear out any unused belongings - why carry things to your new home if you no longer use them?
- Start collecting boxes, as well as lots of newspaper and bubble-wrap, for packing - the more the better.
Four weeks to go
- Start packing non-essentials now. Items like out-of-season clothes, books and rarely used kitchenware can all be packed now to save stress in coming weeks.
- Research removal firms. It's a good idea to get quotes from at least 3 companies.
- Make a list of the key contacts and places you'll need to notify about your change of address. This could include bank and building societies, mobile phone providers, insurance companies and your employer.
Two weeks to go
- If you have children or pets, help keep them away from the stress of the day and arrange for someone to look after them for you.
- Dismantle any non-essential furniture.
- Let your neighbours know when you'll be moving. This is particularly important if you require extra access to the property for any removal vans.
- If you're worried about your post going to your old address, use Royal Mail's redirection service.
One week to go
- Contact your utility providers and let them know you're moving into the property.
- Contact the local council, water supplier and TV Licensing to let them know you're the new owner.
- If people are moving into your current house, make a note of key things they should know about the property. Don't forget to include alarm codes, how the boiler works and the location of the fuse box and gas or electric meters.
- If you're moving to a new area, find local doctor's surgeries and dentists to register with.
Your moving day checklist
As well preparing for your move in the weeks leading up to your move, you'll want a specific moving day checklist to keep everything nice and organised during the final moments at your current property.
- Create a survival pack for the day of the move. Make sure you know exactly where the essentials are by putting them all together. The kettle, snacks, loo roll, sheets to pin at bare windows, soap and toothbrush.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged and that you have enough cash to cover any moving day costs.
- Take readings from your water, electric and gas meters from the property you are moving from and your new home.
- Before you hand the keys over, do a final check of the property to make sure you've packed everything.
Can you set up bills before moving in?
Yes, you can set up bills before you've moved out of your current property. Just contact your gas, electricity and internet providers so they're aware you're moving house. Give them the details of your new home address so they can send your final bill over to you once you're moved in. If you're moving providers, you'll need to let your current one(s) know you're cancelling in enough time. Just check your terms and conditions or give them a call to check. Also, don't forget to update your home insurance with your new address!
How to cancel council tax when moving house
When moving house, you'll need to contact your local council to tell them you're moving to a new address. When you do, they'll be able to help with any questions about when you cancel your existing council tax etc.
Good luck! We hope your move goes well and you love your new home.
This article is intended as a summary only. Please don’t use this guide as advice, you’ll need to make your own decisions. If you have any further questions or queries, we recommend seeking legal and/or financial advice.
Your property could be repossessed if you don't keep up your mortgage repayments.
