The Ultimate Moving House Checklist

Congratulations! You've found "the one," sealed the deal, and now it’s time to move into your new castle. The contracts are signed, the keys are almost in hand, and you’re about to embark on the adventure of moving house. But where do you even start? Moving is as exciting as a rollercoaster ride—with just as many twists and turns. But don’t worry, First Choice Movers is here to keep things on track, with a checklist that’s almost as good as having a magic wand.

6+ Weeks Before the Big Move

1. Declutter: Channel your inner Marie Kondo

Step one on your moving journey is to declutter like your life depends on it. Whether you’re upgrading to a sprawling mansion or cozying up in a smaller space, it's time to part ways with those things you’ve convinced yourself you "might need one day" but haven’t touched in years. Start early—think of it as a pre-move purge that gives you an excuse to be ruthlessly efficient. Plus, your future self will thank you when you’re not wrestling with boxes of old magazines and clothes that haven't seen daylight since 2010.

We all accumulate a lot of "stuff" over the years, and it’s amazing how much of it you don’t actually need. Remember, fewer items mean a faster, cheaper move. And hey, if you find that long-lost remote control from 2005, consider it a bonus!

2. Take an inventory: The adult version of a scavenger hunt

Next up, it’s time to channel your inner detective and take inventory. Go room by room, listing everything you own—yes, even that questionable collection of novelty mugs. Not only will this make sure nothing is left behind, but it’ll also give you the satisfaction of feeling organized.

Pro tip: Take breaks. Nobody expects you to catalog your entire life in one go. And don’t forget to snap some photos of any expensive items, or anything that looks like it might be a jigsaw puzzle in disguise. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re staring at a pile of screws wondering which way the bookshelf was supposed to go.

3. Storage solutions: Because sometimes, less is more

Sometimes, moving into a new place is like playing a game of Tetris—you need to figure out where everything fits, and sometimes, the pieces just don’t align right away. This is where storage comes in handy. Whether you’re redecorating, downsizing, or just trying to avoid being buried under a mountain of boxes, putting some items in storage can be a lifesaver. It’s like pressing "pause" on clutter until you’re ready to deal with it.

At First Choice Movers, we’ve got storage options that are as easy on your wallet as they are on your peace of mind. Because let’s face it—moving is stressful enough without tripping over furniture that hasn’t found its new home yet.

4. Book a moving company: Avoid the last-minute scramble

Moving companies are like the best coffee shops—everyone wants a piece of them. So, book yours early—like two months in advance early. This gives you time to shop around for the best deal and avoid the dreaded "Sorry, we’re fully booked" conversation. When you’re making those calls, have the following info ready:

• Date of the move: Aim for an early morning slot; you’ll thank yourself later.
• Addresses: They need to know the distance to give you an accurate quote.
• Estimation of items: The more precise you are, the better they can plan.
• Special items: Let them know about anything fragile or expensive, so they can take extra care (or charge you more for it).
• Extra services: Need help unloading or assembling furniture? Some companies offer these extras, which can be a real time-saver.

If you’re more of a DIY mover, or just don’t have much to haul, consider renting a van or enlisting the help of friends and family. And remember, First Choice Movers has your back with exclusive deals on storage services to make your life easier.

5. Check your contents insurance: Prepare for the unexpected

Moving day can be a bit like an obstacle course, with plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong. Make sure your belongings are covered by checking your contents insurance. Some policies include moving coverage, but if you’re going the DIY route, you might need to take out additional coverage. And don’t forget to ask your moving company about their liability insurance—better safe than sorry!

6. Schedule repairs and home improvements: Get your home in tip-top shape

Nobody wants to move into—or out of—a fixer-upper. If there are any major repairs or improvements needed, whether in your current home or your new one, schedule them well in advance. Think of it as giving your homes a little TLC before the big transition.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving

7. Book annual leave: Don’t get stuck at the office

Picture this: You’ve got everything ready for the big move, and then your boss says you can’t have time off because the team’s understaffed. Avoid the stress by booking your leave well ahead of time. Trust us, you’ll need the energy to focus on the move, and the last thing you want is to be juggling work and boxes.

8. Stock up on packing materials: Let the box hunt begin!

When it’s time to pack, you want to get straight to it. Running back and forth for more boxes, tape, or bubble wrap is a hassle you can avoid by stocking up early. Whether you’re a cardboard box connoisseur or a bubble wrap enthusiast, First Choice Movers has all the packing supplies you’ll need. We’ve got everything from boxes and bubble wrap to furniture covers and marker pens—your one-stop shop for moving materials!

2-4 Weeks Before Moving

9. Start packing and labeling belongings: The sooner, the better

As tempting as it might be to leave packing until the last minute, you’ll regret it when you’re surrounded by a sea of boxes with only 24 hours to go. Start packing non-essential items early and be diligent about labeling. Keeping boxes organized by room and labeling them clearly will make unpacking much less of a headache.

10. Move non-essential items into storage: Make room for the chaos

With packing in full swing, now’s a good time to move non-essential items into storage. This clears space for the inevitable mess of packing materials and boxes that will soon overtake your home. If you’re storing furniture, especially anything valuable like leather or wood, be sure to pack it properly to avoid damage. Think of it as sending your furniture on a little vacation until you’re ready for it in your new place.

1-2 Weeks Before Moving

11. Make small repairs: Fix it before you forget it

By now, major repairs should be nearly complete, but don’t forget about those small DIY jobs—filling in nail holes, touching up paint, or fixing that squeaky door. Get these out of the way early, because the week before moving will be chaotic enough without adding last-minute repairs to your to-do list.

12. Set aside essentials: Your first night survival kit

Let’s be real—you’re not going to unpack everything on day one, or even day two. Pack a box or bag with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and some snacks. This way, you won’t be rummaging through boxes when you’re too tired to deal with anything more complicated than finding the remote.

1 Week Before Moving

13. Do laundry: The last hurrah for your washer and dryer

Two reasons to get your laundry done before moving: laundry baskets are bulky and a pain to pack, and you really don’t want to add laundry to your to-do list after a long day of moving. Make a night of it—get everything washed, dried, and folded so it’s ready to go.

14. Throw away food: Avoid the moving day smorgasbord

The last week before your move might not be gourmet, but it’s necessary. Start eating through your perishables and avoid buying more. The goal is to have an empty fridge by moving day, so you’re not scrambling to pack or toss food at the last minute.

15. Defrost the fridge-freezer: No one likes a puddle

About 24 hours before you move, it’s time to defrost the fridge-freezer. Lay some towels down to catch the water, unplug the unit, and give the shelves and drawers a good clean. The last thing you want is a pool of water sloshing around in the moving van, causing more mess (and possibly damage) than necessary.

16. Deep clean: One last goodbye

With most of your belongings packed up, spend the day before the move giving your old place a good scrub. A deep clean is especially important if you’re renting, as it could be the difference between getting your deposit back or not. Plus, it’s just nice to leave things tidy for the next person.

Moving Day!

Moving day has finally arrived! Whether you’re rolling with the pros or getting a helping hand from friends and family, here are a few last-minute things to check off your list.

17. Clean the property: One last sweep

While the movers are loading up the van, grab a vacuum and do a final sweep of the place. Give the bathroom and kitchen a quick once-over so everything’s sparkling for the next occupant.

18. Check the house is empty: The final walkthrough

Before you shut the door for the last time, do one final walkthrough. Check all the rooms, cupboards, and even under the bed frames to make sure nothing gets left behind. Once you leave, coming back for forgotten items might not be an option, and nobody wants to gift the new tenants your favorite sweater.

19. Take meter readings: Don’t pay for someone else’s energy

Take a meter reading on moving day to avoid any disputes with your energy provider. An accurate reading ensures you won’t be overcharged based on an estimate. Snap a quick photo of the meter for your records, just in case.

20. Document the property’s condition: Photos, photos, photos!

Especially for renters, it’s a good idea to document the condition of the property before you leave. Take photos or a video to avoid any disputes with the landlord about damages. This simple step can help ensure you get your deposit back without any unnecessary hassle.

21. Return your keys

Ah, the final hurdle—returning your keys. This part is surprisingly easy, and there’s a certain satisfaction in the symbolic gesture of handing them back (or just leaving them on the kitchen counter if your estate agent says that’s fine). Some estate agents might ask you to drop them off at their office, while others will allow you to leave them in a safe place at the property. Just make sure you don’t accidentally take them with you and only realize it three hours down the motorway!

Things to consider

Moving isn’t just about boxing up your life and finding out who in your circle of friends is a master at packing a moving van like a Tetris game. You’ve got other outgoings and accounts that need attention too. Trust us, you don’t want to be wondering why your favorite magazine is still being sent to your old address—or worse, paying for services you can’t even use anymore.

Other outgoings

We all have our guilty pleasures—streaming services, gym memberships, or perhaps a subscription box that delivers exotic snacks right to your door. It’s time to update those details, so you don’t miss out on the next season of your favorite show or, heaven forbid, your snack box. Here’s a quick list to jog your memory:

• Landline phone
• Mobile phone
• Internet
• Cable television
• Streaming services
• Gym membership
• Subscription boxes
• Magazine or newspaper subscriptions

Insurance providers

You’ve packed up your worldly goods, and they’re all ready for the big move. But have you thought about what happens if something goes wrong en route? Check whether your current insurance covers your stuff while it’s in transit. If not, it might be worth looking into additional coverage. Don’t forget to notify your insurance providers about your new address:

• Car insurance
• Breakdown provider
• Home insurance
• Health and dental insurance
• Phone insurance
• Pet insurance
• Life insurance

Government services

It’s easy to forget about updating your address with the government when you’re in the throes of moving house. But it’s important, especially if you want to avoid the dreaded red tape. Make sure to update your details with:

• HM Revenue and Customs
• DVLA (Pro tip: if you’re hiring a moving vehicle, update your license after the move)
• TV Licensing
• Electoral roll
• Department for Work and Pensions

Banks and lenders

Let’s face it, the last thing you want is for your bank statements to end up in the wrong hands. Fraud is no joke, and keeping your financial institutions in the loop is crucial. Here’s who to contact:

• Credit card providers
• Any bank you have a card and account with, including savings accounts
• Mortgage provider
• Work and Education
• Moving house is stressful enough without forgetting to inform your workplace or educational institutions. If you’ve got kids, their school will need to know where to send those ever-so-exciting report cards. Don’t forget to update:
• Your workplace
• Your children’s school
• Any educational facility you currently attend
• Your alumni network if you’re a graduate

Do I need a redirection service?

With everything going on, you might find it overwhelming to update your address with every single service all at once. Enter the Royal Mail redirection service—a lifesaver that ensures anything addressed to your old home magically appears at your new one. It’s not a free service, but it’s a great way to buy yourself some time while you get settled and update your details at a less frantic pace. Prioritize your service and utility providers first, but know that redirection is there to catch anything that slips through the cracks.

Moving doesn’t have to be a horror movie. With a bit of planning (and maybe a little humour), you can make the experience as smooth as possible. Stay tuned for more tips from First Choice Movers, your partners in moving and keeping your sanity intact!