Moving essentials · Movesmith guide
Moving house checklist: the UK step-by-step plan
Your moving home checklist, in order: an 8-week countdown, who to inform, things to do, bills, packing, storage, stamp duty and costs.
Last reviewed October 2026 · 10 min read
Need a moving checklist? Start about 8 weeks out. Book your removals first, then work through this moving home checklist: 8 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 weeks, 1 week, moving day and after you move. Short on time? Start at the stage you are at and carry on from there.
The short version
- Start 8 weeks out. Book removals first; dates fill fast.
- Tell everyone once. Use the who-to-tell list below.
- Move less. Declutter before you pack.
- Check stamp duty on GOV.UK. Rates change.
- Lock your removals price. Get a fixed price before you book.
8 weeks before you move
Start here. Early choices save money and stress.
- Get a fixed-price removals quote and book your mover.
- Confirm your move date with everyone in the chain.
- Renting? Give your landlord written notice.
- Declutter room by room: sell, donate, bin.
- Check your new home: parking, access, lift, stairs.
4 weeks before you move
- Book time off work for moving day.
- Order packing materials, or add packing to your booking.
- Book broadband at the new home. Install slots go fast.
- Tell your council, bank, GP, dentist, DVLA and employer.
- Set up a Royal Mail redirect.
- Get an inventory started: what is moving, what is not.
2 weeks before you move
- Pack the rooms you use least.
- Label every box by room and contents.
- Run down the freezer and food cupboards.
- Confirm parking and access at both ends.
- Pack a first-night box: kettle, chargers, toiletries, medication, bedding.
1 week before you move
- Finish packing everything except essentials.
- Defrost the fridge and freezer if they are coming with you.
- Share access notes with your mover: parking, gate codes, stairs.
- Keep valuables and documents with you, not on the van.
- Photograph meter readings at the old home.
Moving day checklist
- Be ready before the crew arrives.
- Walk the crew through fragile and awkward items.
- Take final meter readings. Sweep cupboards and the loft.
- Hand over keys as agreed.
- At the new home, check for damage before the van leaves.
After you move
- Take meter readings straight away.
- Find the stopcock and fuse box.
- Test smoke alarms.
- Set up beds and the bathroom first.
- Check the bin and recycling days.
- Change the locks if you have bought.
Who to inform when moving house
Nobody updates your address for you. Tell these first:
- Your old and new council.
- Energy and water suppliers.
- Broadband and phone providers.
- Bank, building society and credit cards.
- GP, dentist and other medical services.
- DVLA: driving licence and V5C logbook.
- Employer, HMRC and pension providers.
- Home, car and life insurers.
- TV Licence and the electoral roll.
- Royal Mail redirect, as a safety net.
Things to do when moving house
The easy-to-forget jobs:
- Cancel or move subscriptions, memberships and deliveries.
- Check parking permits and visitor parking at both ends.
- Return keys, fobs and library books.
- Clear the loft, shed and garage early.
- Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day.
- Pack a bag of tools and spare bulbs for day one.
Utilities and council tax
- Give suppliers your move date and meter readings at both ends.
- Tell the old council you are leaving; tell the new one you are arriving.
- Ask about single-person or student discounts at the new address.
- Keep your final bills until they are settled.
Packing for a house move
- Declutter first. Do not pack what you will bin.
- Pack one room at a time.
- Heavy items in small boxes.
- Label each box with its room.
- Keep documents, keys and medication with you.
Storage between homes
Completion dates do not always line up. If you need a gap, book a storage unit and we move your belongings to and from it. Movesmith does not provide storage.
Stamp duty when buying
Buying? Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) applies in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland charges Land and Buildings Transaction Tax. Wales charges Land Transaction Tax.
Your rate depends on the price. It also changes if you are a first-time buyer, already own a property or are not a UK resident.
A return and payment are due within 14 days of completion. Solicitors and conveyancers usually file it for you and add it to their fees.
Rates and thresholds change, so check today's figures and use the official calculator. Source: GOV.UK.
Cost of moving house in the UK
Moving house is several costs. Removals is one of them.
- Removals: a fixed price for your inventory, route and access.
- Packing: optional.
- Buying: conveyancing, survey, mortgage fees, stamp duty.
- Renting: deposit and first rent.
Fix the one you control
Your removals price can be fixed before you book. See from-prices, then enter your own details for an exact fixed price.
How Movesmith fits in
Movesmith gives you a fixed price before you book and matches you with a verified moving operator, from a single item to a full house.
Supported moves price online; moves needing further planning receive a tailored review. You can book straight away. Your booking receipt is separate from operator acceptance: assignment is confirmed when an operator accepts the job. Changes to the agreed scope require approval before a revised price applies.
Planning your move? See your booking options.
Movesmith plans home moves across the UK. Enter your belongings, route and access details for a fixed quote. Supported moves price online; moves needing further planning receive a tailored review. Book the fixed price straight away; if no mover accepts in time, you pay nothing.
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