A guide to moving into your new home with the minimum of fuss

One Month before the move 

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Finalise your moving date. By avoiding moving during peak times (for instance Bank Holidays or school holidays), it may be possible to negotiate discounts with many removal firms. 
Hire a reputable removal firm (try asking friends or relatives for recommendations), and a check whether they offer services such as insurance, storage etc. Otherwise use our directory. 
If storage is needed, arrange it now. 
Arrange transit insurance if required. 
Make sure your travel plans are in place for the moving day. If you are moving some distance it may be necessary to book an hotel. 
Send out change of address cards. 
Collect moving materials like boxes, tape & rope. Remembering padding and packing for fragile items like mirrors is especially important to ensure they don't break. 
Notify your landlord if you are moving out of rented accommodation. 
Telephone your telephone company to arrange for reconnection/installation of a new phone line. 
Inform your utility suppliers that you will be moving to a new property, and arrange for final meter readings to be taken. 
If necessary book time off from work 
Start sorting out your possessions and throw away, or donate to charity, any unwanted or surplus items. 

2 Weeks before
Arrange for bills to be paid. 
Cancel services such as newspapers, milkman, window cleaner etc. 
Confirm arrangements with utility companies. 
Make sure the removal company has directions for the new address 
Put important documents such as passports and driver's licences in a safe place. Be sure to keep all moving-related douments together 
Finish packing. 
Make sure all boxes are labelled with correct room. 
Notify neighbours of your departure. 
Remember to return videos/library books and pick up any outstanding dry cleaning. 
 

The week before
Notify your Local Authority of change of address. 
Arrange redirection of mail with the Post Office. 
Pack non-essential items and clothing but keep some clothes handy in case the weather changes suddenly. 
Make arrangements for children/pets to be looked after during the move. 
Ensure your pets have tags with your mobile or new phone number on them

The day before

Pack essentials to take along in the car if travelling a long distance plus a survival kit for the first hours in your new home. This should include tea or coffee, kettle, toilet paper, a torch, spare bulbs and basic cleaning materials. 
Walk through the house to make sure everything has been accounted for. 
Defrost fridge/freezer. 
Make sure the house is clean for the new owners. 


D-Day 

Strip the beds and keep this linen separate in a box that travels with you so you can use them the first night. 
Make sure you have the keys to your new home. 
Make sure the removers have your new address and a phone number where you can be contacted. 
Disconnect any remaining appliances. 
Have one last check. 
Close and lock all the doors and windows. 
In your new home


Check the electricity/gas/phone has been switched on. If not contact the relevant suppliers. (see list of utility suppliers) 
Start with the essentials such as cleaning and making the beds. 
Keep pets away from the hustle and bustle until you are moved in. 
Ensure you have a TV licence.