Moving Home Made Easy: The Ultimate Checklist
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Right before moving home, the chaos begins. You’re busy packing boxes, sorting out final bills, and arranging removal vans. But is there more you need to plan for? Our moving home checklist has got you covered. It includes essential moving day tips and clever ways to cut costs on your new household bills. To keep things simple, we’ve divided the checklist into three sections:
- Part 1: Before moving day
- Part 2: On moving day
- Part 3: After moving day
Part 1: Before moving day
Our moving home checklist starts with everything you need to know BEFORE you start the process. We offer complete guidance to help you get ready for the big day, covering everything from making sure you have food in your new kitchen and setting up a broadband connection, to arranging removal services and selling any unwanted items to make some extra cash.
Planning removal costs ✅
If you’re moving home without any furniture – perhaps from your parents’ house or after living in a furnished rental – a car and a few friends should be enough. Even if you feel like you have a lot of belongings, hiring a van for a few hours is probably more cost-effective than using a removal company. Consider trying these services:
If you’re planning to take your property and furniture with you, it’s highly likely you’ll need the assistance of a removal company. To receive a quote in just a few minutes, click the The Shires Removal Group Contact Form
Make sure the removal company you’re considering is a member of the British Association of Removers. This provides added protection, including access to a free ombudsman service for any complaints, as well as insurance cover in some cases.
Quick questions
If you decide to hire professional movers, there are several ways to reduce costs:.
We will provide a breakdown of the quote: This is to ensure you fully understand what’s included in the price and if there are any additional costs, such as for packing services, fuel charges, (if items need to be carried up or down multiple flights of stairs without a lift).
Declutter before moving: Cut down on the number of items to be moved by getting rid of anything you no longer need. You can donate, sell, or dispose of unwanted items.
Pack in advance: If you’re packing yourself, make sure everything is boxed up and ready for moving day. We charge extra for packing services. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, which will help us place them in the correct rooms quickly.
Arranging parking and access: Ensure there’s enough parking space for our moving vehicle. If there is a issue, then contact us about taking care of any necessary parking permits ahead of time. We would naturally charge extra if we have to park far away from your home.
Clear the way: Make sure hallways, corridors, landings, and stairs are clear and accessible, and animals are out the way to speed up the moving process.
Notify us about any special requirements: If you have any large, heavy, or fragile items, you need to move, after we’ve surveyed, inform us in advance to avoid unexpected charges.
Being there: On moving day, be available to oversee the process and assist with any questions we may have.
Moving can be stressful enough without the added worry of your belongings being lost or damaged during transit. However, having the right insurance in place can provide peace of mind, ensuring you’re financially protected if anything goes wrong.
If you already have a home contents insurance policy, it may cover your move, though there are often certain restrictions in this. For instance, most insurers will only cover items moved by a professional removals company, rather than items transported in your own car or by a ‘man with a van.’ Additionally, you will only receive damage cover for fragile items if they are packed by us.
If your current policy doesn’t cover the move, you will be able to arrange cover through us.
Affordable packing materials ✅
While we are able to offer packing services and packaging materials, these will often come at an additional cost, or within the packing quote provided..
To save money, consider packing your belongings yourself using free or low-cost packing supplies.
Here’s what you’ll need and where to find it:
1. Double Walled Boxes
Websites like Freecycle, Freegle, and Gumtree are great for finding used boxes. You could also ask friends and family if they have any spare boxes. Supermarkets often have boxes available too, and it’s a good idea to collect a variety of sizes.
2. Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is essential for protecting delicate items during your move. Start collecting it in advance by saving any bubble wrap from deliveries you receive. You may also find free bubble wrap on sites like Facebook Marketplace. If not, you can buy it cheaply from Amazon or your local DIY store.
Other packing essentials:
- Packing paper for fragile items
- Marker pens for labelling boxes
- Bin bags for discarding unwanted items
- Stong Vinyl Sellotape or gaffer tape to seal boxes
- Vacuum bags for clothes
Suppose you’re using a professional removals company. In that case, it might be best to leave the packing of large or valuable items, like beds, TVs, and furniture, as well as any disassembly, to them.
Sort out your broadband ✅
It’s a good idea to arrange broadband for your new home as soon as you have a confirmed moving-in date, ideally a few weeks in advance, as it can take up to a month to
set up. If you leave it too late, you could be without broadband at first.
Many broadband providers allow you to continue with them when you move, as long as their service is available in your new area (you can check by entering your new postcode on our broadband comparison tool). Some providers charge a small fee for the move, while others may require you to start a new contract. However, starting a new contract can offer the chance to negotiate a better deal.
Staying with your current provider might be a good option if:
- There is coverage in your new area.
- You’re satisfied with your current deal.
- You’re still under contract and want to avoid cancellation fees.
If these conditions don’t apply, you might want (or need) to switch providers. Check out our guide to cheap broadband deals to find out how to make the switch.
Quick questions
If you’re planning to take your TV package to your new home, many providers offer services to make the process easier.
Sky, for instance, has a specialised moving service that checks if their services are available at your new address. If they are, you can bring your Sky box, remote, and any necessary accessories. If the new property lacks a dish, Sky can arrange for engineers to install one. Keep in mind that complex installations might incur an additional fee.
However, if Sky TV isn’t available at your new location, you may need to pay an early termination fee.
Some providers may charge fees when you move home. For instance, if your new property isn’t covered by your current provider – like switching from a Virgin Media area to an Openreach area – and you’re still in contract, you might face an early cancellation fee. However, Virgin Media often refunds this fee in your final bill.
BT may charge a £70 connection fee if your new property doesn’t already have a landline and one needs to be installed. Meanwhile, providers like Plusnet might charge an admin fee to transfer your contract to the new address, although this is often waived if you start a new contract.
Check and organise all stored food items. ✅
Moving house provides a great chance to assess the hidden food lurking at the back of your cupboards, fridge, and freezer. To avoid packing items you don’t need, aim to use up as much of this food as possible before moving day. This is especially important for frozen foods, which are tricky to transport, and heavy tins that can add unnecessary weight.
Clearing out your food means fewer boxes to pack, less waste, and savings on food expenses.
If you have leftover items you can’t use, consider sharing them with neighbours, family, or friends. Alternatively, try using Olio, an app that allows you to give food to others in your community.
Sell unwanted items ✅
A fantastic way to lighten your load on moving day and give
your finances a little boost is by selling items you no longer need or use.
Much like a house move makes you realise how much food you’ve accumulated, it also highlights how many belongings you’ve got. From clothes and electronics to unexpected items like household waste (yes, really – check out our guide on selling rubbish), moving offers the perfect opportunity to declutter.
To help you get started, here are some popular platforms for selling your unwanted items:
- eBay
- Facebook Marketplace
- Vinted
And if there are items you can’t sell before the big day, why not donate them to charity? It’s a great way to give back while streamlining your possessions.
Do a food shop ahead of time ✅
A frantic dash to the supermarket is the last thing you’ll want on your moving day. To avoid the hassle, consider ordering a food delivery in advance, scheduled to arrive on your moving day. This way, you’ll have meals ready to prepare from the start and your groceries for the week sorted in one go.
Be sure to book a delivery slot later in the day to allow for any potential moving-day delays.
After a long day of packing, unloading, and settling in, you might prefer to treat yourself to a takeaway for your first evening. It’s not the most cost-effective option, but it’s a well-deserved treat!
And finally…10 Last-minute questions every buyer should ask sellers ✅
Moving house is exciting, but it’s always a good idea to gather as much information about your new home as possible before settling in. Sometimes, the little details can make a big difference and save you unnecessary hassle later.
Here’s a checklist of questions to ask about your new property:
Where is the main stopcock for shutting off the water supply?
Can you locate the gas and electricity meters easily?
Do any surfaces, like wooden floors, need special cleaning products?
What day is bin collection in the area?
Are there leftover tins of paint that match the walls?
Are there instruction manuals or warranties for items like electronics, fireplaces, or recently installed fixtures?
Where were the kitchen and bathroom tiles purchased?
Which companies provide energy and broadband services?
Where is the thermostat located?
Are there any pest control measures already in place?
Getting answers to these questions in advance will make moving into your new home much smoother and more enjoyable.
Part 2: On moving day
Today’s the big day! You’ve tackled most of the admin and conquered heaps of paperwork, bringing you closer than ever to moving in. However, there’s still a little way to go before you reach the finish line. In this short section, we’ll share some top tips to ensure your moving day goes as smoothly as possible.
Essential tips for a smooth and stress-free move ✅
Moving house can be a stressful experience, but with a bit of preparation, you can make the day much smoother. Here are some tips to help you stay organised:
Label Your Boxes Clearly
Write the destination room and a brief description of the contents on the top and sides of each box. This saves time when unpacking and helps movers place items in the correct rooms.Store Screws and Bolts Safely
Use freezer bags to store screws and bolts from disassembled furniture. Label each bag and tape it to the corresponding furniture piece with masking tape.Protect Your Floors
Flatten some cardboard boxes and lay them down in high-traffic areas to prevent damage to your flooring during the move.Keep Cleaning Essentials Handy
Have cleaning supplies, bin bags, and old towels on hand. You may need to clean your old property, and towels can help keep things tidy if it rains.Move Large Furniture First
Start by moving large pieces of furniture into your new home. This prevents you from having to rearrange boxes later to make space.Check for Working Lightbulbs
Ensure there are functioning lightbulbs in your new home. It’s much easier to sort this out before dark rather than making a trip to the shops mid-move.Record Meter Readings
Take note of gas, electricity, and water meter readings at both properties. Photograph them for added accuracy and peace of mind.
While it might feel like extra effort now, these small steps can save you a lot of hassle when you’re unpacking in your new home. Planning ahead truly makes all the difference!
Part 3: After moving day
Congratulations on completing your big move! Take a moment to relax and enjoy the sense of accomplishment. But don’t get too comfortable – there are still a few final tasks to tick off the list.
Redirect your post ✅
It can be quite a task to remember to update your address with every company, organisation, or group you’re connected to. If this feels overwhelming, Royal Mail offers a postal redirection service to ensure that any bills or important mail still reach you.
You can have your post redirected for three, six, or 12 months, with the option to extend the service if you’re still receiving mail after the initial period. Prices start from £39.50 for three months, though the cost increases if you need to redirect mail for more than one person.
Keeping your address updated is crucial. For example, any bills sent to the wrong address could result in missed payments, which can negatively impact your credit score. Repeated missed payments may lead to serious financial problems.
Important – Handle Former Residents’ Post Correctly
On moving day, you might find a pile of mail addressed to previous residents left on your doormat. It’s crucial that you don’t open it (as it’s illegal) or throw it away.
The best course of action is to mark the mail with “Return to sender, not known at this address” and place it back in the post. Royal Mail will usually return the item to the sender, who should then update their records to prevent further misdeliveries.
Grab your free furnishings now! ✅
Looking to furnish your new home? Hundreds of high-quality items are available for free every day. It’s all made possible through online communities, with Freecycle and Freegle being the biggest names.
What’s the catch? There isn’t one. Instead of throwing away unwanted items or selling them on eBay, people use these platforms to offer them to their local communities. This not only helps you furnish your home for free but also benefits the environment by keeping these items out of landfills.
Sure, there’s the occasional worn-out item, but there are also some fantastic finds. Scoring the best items comes down to knowing the etiquette – you’ll need to take your time, do your research, and stay vigilant.
Register to vote ✅
When you move home, you’re not automatically registered to vote at your new address. If you’re not registered, you won’t have a say in choosing your local and national representatives.
Not being registered can also make it harder to get credit, as credit reference agencies rely on the electoral register to verify your address and help prevent fraud.
Everyone in a household must register individually, as one person can’t register on behalf of the entire household. The minimum age for registering to vote varies depending on where you live in the UK. For more details on how to register, visit the Gov.uk website.
Find out how you can cut down on energy costs. ✅
Don’t feel obligated to stick with the current energy supplier at your new property. It’s always a good idea to
explore whether a better deal is available for you. If you’re on the provider’s standard tariff, switching could lead to savings – even a modest monthly reduction can add up over time.
If you don’t have past bills for your new home, don’t worry – you can still compare rates. Simply provide some details on Uswitch to get a quote.
Lastly, remember to take meter readings as soon as you move in (a photo can help as proof). This ensures you won’t be charged for the previous occupant’s usage.
Check ‘n’ challenge your Council Tax band ✅
Reduce the Cost of Your Boiler Cover ✅
If your new home has a central heating boiler, it’s worth considering boiler cover.
There’s nothing more frustrating than coming home to a chilly house and finding the heating’s broken, with no hot water to be found. In the panic to get it fixed, everything else takes a backseat – and it certainly won’t come cheap.
Many companies take advantage of this fear by charging high prices for boiler and heating cover. However, you don’t have to pay extortionate rates. Don’t feel pressured to go straight to your energy provider for cover either – our guide to affordable boiler cover could save you hundreds of pounds.
Bag free £1,000 insulation ✅
If you’re receiving specific benefits, there are plenty of opportunities to get free loft or cavity wall insulation, which
could save you hundreds of pounds on your annual energy bills. Although these types of insulation can cost up to £2,500, some companies offer them for free as part of their energy efficiency commitments.
To qualify, you generally need to own your home and be receiving certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Carer’s Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance. For a full breakdown of what’s available and to check the eligibility criteria for different providers, take a look at our Great British Insulation Scheme guide, which includes details on free insulation and boilers.
Earn extra income by renting out your spare room ✅
If you have a spare room and are interested in making some extra income, renting it out could be a great option. There are two legitimate ways to
reduce your tax liability, but you’ll need to choose one:
The Rent a Room Scheme: This scheme offers a special exemption, allowing you to rent a furnished room in your home to a lodger without paying tax on the first £7,500 you earn annually. This is a substantial tax benefit for most people and can really boost your earnings. Additionally, as a landlord, you’ll typically request a month’s rent in advance, ensuring that you receive income quickly.
Deducting Expenses: HM Revenue & Customs also allows landlords to deduct certain expenses, such as property maintenance costs, from any rental income. In some cases, this could result in significant savings. For full details, visit the Gov.uk website.
If renting a room full-time isn’t your thing, consider playing the role of a guesthouse host. Platforms like Airbnb and Wimdu let you list your spare room for travellers seeking affordable accommodation. You can set your own nightly rate, often undercutting hotels, and even have the opportunity to improve your language skills in the process.
Keep your property safe from scammers ✅
It may seem unbelievable, but one homeowner in Luton was shocked to discover that his
property had been sold by fraudsters without his knowledge, as he was living elsewhere at the time. He only found out when neighbours noticed unfamiliar activity inside the house, which turned out to be the new ‘owners.’
Although incidents like this are rare, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of identity fraud. Thankfully, you can protect yourself by signing up for an alert service to reduce the risk.
By signing up for the Land Registry’s property alert service, you can monitor up to 10 properties and receive notifications whenever a search or application is made regarding one of them. You don’t need to be the owner to use this service – it can be helpful for monitoring properties for elderly friends or relatives who may not be online. You can register for this service on the Land Registry website.
Note that only properties registered with the Land Registry can be monitored – find out how to register a property for the first time.
Alternatively, homeowners in England and Wales can prevent the Land Registry from registering a sale or mortgage on their property without a certificate from a solicitor or conveyancer. Again, this applies only to properties already on the register.
To do this, a restriction must be added to the property deeds. Either you or a solicitor will need to complete an application form and send it to the Land Registry. The fee for restriction applications is £40 if you live at the property, or free if you reside elsewhere. Send the completed form along with the applicable fees (payable by cheque or postal order to ‘HM Land Registry’) to:
- HM Land Registry, Citizen Centre, PO Box 74, Gloucester, GL14 9BB
You can download the application form from the Gov.uk website.
Please note that if you remortgage or sell a property with a restriction, solicitors and conveyancers may charge additional fees for the extra administration required. Some MoneySavers have reported fees upwards of £150.
What if my property isn’t registered with the Land Registry?
Over 85% of property and land in England and Wales is already registered with the Land Registry, with most properties bought or mortgaged since the 1990s having been added. Unregistered properties are more vulnerable to property fraud, which is another reason to consider registering your property. Don’t wait until you sell to register, as this could delay the sale and make the process more expensive.
Registering a property for the first time may seem complex, but you can either handle it yourself or hire a solicitor or conveyancer to do it for you.
The Gov.uk website provides detailed guidance on how to register your property, but here’s a brief overview of the process:
Check if your property is registered: Use the online register to search for your address. It’s free to search, but you’ll need to pay £3 to view the details. If nothing comes up, your property may not be registered.
Check for any third-party interests: Apply for a search with the Land Charges Department, whose records date back to 1925. This search involves a fee.
Complete the application for first registration: This form must be submitted to the Land Registry.
Prepare a scale plan of the property: This shows the location of your property.
Compile a list of completed documents: You will need to submit two copies of this list.
Determine the registration fee: The fee is based on your property’s value, typically ranging from £200 to £500.
Once everything is prepared, send the documents, application form, and fees to the Land Registry.
In Northern Ireland, registering an ‘inhibition’ on your property is akin to placing a restriction on the deeds of a property in England or Wales.
An inhibition prevents the Land Registry in Northern Ireland from registering a sale or mortgage on your property without your consent, or from doing so without notifying you first (you can choose which option). The inhibition can be cancelled in the future if you decide to do so.
You can apply for an inhibition on your own. To do this, complete the inhibition application form and the application for registration. Submit these forms, along with a £90 fee (payable by cheque or postal order to ‘DoF General Account’), to the following address:
- Land & Property Services, Land Registers, Lanyon Plaza, 7 Lanyon Place, Town Parks, Belfast, BT1 3LP
In Scotland, there isn’t a system like property alerts or an option to register an inhibition. However, due to the way the land registry operates there, it’s unlikely that fraudsters could target your property.
For more details on how property owners are protected, visit Registers of Scotland.
Can you purchase the freehold for your place? ✅
Give yourself a full money makeover ✅
Moving home is the ideal opportunity to review your
finances. As you’ll be setting up new services, it’s a great chance to save thousands by switching to more affordable options.
Start by checking out our guide to affordable broadband, then try negotiating with providers like Sky or Virgin Media, and see if you can lower your water bills. These are just a few starting points. For a comprehensive list of over 30 quick ways to reduce your bills, take a look at our full money makeover guide.
Moving home FAQs
When moving home, make sure to notify the following:
- Employer
- Bank or building society
- Credit card and loan providers
- Insurance and pension providers
- Doctor and dentist
- Local council
Additionally, don’t forget to update your address with these organisations:
- Gov.uk for the electoral register (so you can vote)
- DVLA (if you drive) via Gov.uk
- HM Revenue & Customs for National Insurance, pension, and benefits
- TV Licensing (if you hold a TV licence)
Also, remember to use Royal Mail’s redirection service to ensure any missed letters or parcels reach your new address. It’s also a good idea to inform retailers like Amazon to avoid any delivery issues with packages.
When moving home, there are a few items you should generally leave behind:
- Items you’ve agreed to sell or donate to the new owner.
- Items listed on the ‘fixtures and fittings form’, such as kitchen units, light fittings, and towel rails.
- Keys for the property, including those for doors, windows, sheds, garages, etc.
- Manuals and warranties for any appliances or systems being left behind, such as the boiler, oven, and security system.
Sellers are not legally required to leave their home clean unless this is specifically stated in the contract. However, you are generally obligated to remove your personal belongings and furniture before handing over the keys, unless the contract specifies otherwise. Typically, you would have agreed to vacate the property by a certain time and date.
Leaving behind items or rubbish, for instance, could cause delays in the moving process and prevent the new occupants from accessing the property, potentially violating the terms of the contract.
Although removing your belongings does not necessarily include cleaning the home, it is still polite to leave it in a tidy condition before moving out.
You’ll generally only have to pay early exit fees if you’re on a fixed tariff with more than 49 days remaining on your contract. However, some energy providers may waive these fees if you’re moving home. If there are fewer than 49 days left, providers are not allowed to charge you any exit penalties.
If there are more than 49 days left, your current energy provider may allow you to transfer your existing contract and tariff to your new home without any extra fees. It’s worth asking about this option. However, if your new home is in a different region of the UK, your rates and standing charges could change, even if you keep the same tariff.
If you’re on a standard variable tariff or one without exit fees, you might want to consider fixing your energy rates once you’re settled in your new home. Our Cheap Energy Club can help you determine whether this is the best option for your finances.
When you move home, it’s crucial to cancel your existing Council Tax payments to avoid being charged for two properties.
To do this, get in touch with your local council (you can find your council via Gov.uk). You’ll need to provide details such as your current address, Council Tax account number, moving date, and the address you’re moving to. Your current council will send you a final bill, regardless of whether you’re changing councils.
Since Council Tax is usually paid in advance, you may have a credit balance when you move. While some councils automatically refund any overpayment, others do not. If your council doesn’t, you can reclaim the money by following the steps in our guide on reclaiming overpaid Council Tax. If you owe Council Tax when you move, you’ll need to settle the outstanding balance, as it won’t be wiped upon moving.
Finally, make sure to contact the relevant council at your new address to arrange Council Tax payments.
