Ultimate Moving Checklist (free printable)

Make your move smooth with the ultimate moving checklist!

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of  your offer being accepted on a house. You’ve already pictured yourself snuggled up on the sofa watching your favourite box set with a glass of wine and the key isn’t even in your hand yet. Then you start thinking oh crap, there’s a an awful lot to do. Where do I even start? I need some kind of moving checklist.

Well, what if I told you that your moving to do list is already written?

Yup, I’ve written an epic moving checklist for you already! All you need to do is print it and then rock up with a pen and tick it.

I’m going to take you through it step-by-step and then you can download your free printable ultimate moving home checklist, all the info you need in one place.

Sound good? Let’s go.

Do it now

There’s no time like the present. These are the things you need to focus on right now. Nope, you don’t have time to finish your coffee, do it now! Ok, after coffee.

• It’s time to have a major clear out. Decide what you want to keep, toss and donate
• Organise a conveyancing solicitor if you haven’t already
• Decide whether you will pack yourself or ask a removal company to do it
• Get quotes from at least 4 removal companies or van hire
• Start collecting boxes
• If you are moving out of the area and have a child, visit potential new schools with places available and organise transfer. Also order new uniform.

1 month before

With one month to go it’s time to ramp up your preparations for moving and get to the nitty-gritty.

• Exchange contracts and finalise a moving date with your solicitor
• Once agreed, confirm moving date with your chosen removal or van hire company
• Organise home and contents insurance
• Start packing least used possessions first – for some advice on how to pack boxes for moving take a look here
• Dismantle rarely used furniture
• Organise child and pet care for moving day
• Re-direct mail, you can do this on the Royal Mail website
• Notify relevant suppliers and services

Who to notify when you’re moving house:

• Gas
• Electricity
• Water
• Bank
• Credit Cards
• TV license
• Cable TV
• Line rental
• Internet provider
• Store cards
• DVLA
• HMRC
• Council Tax
• Insurance policies
• Breakdown Cover
• Library
• Amazon account
• Employer
• Electoral Register

If you’re moving out of the area register with a local Doctors, Dentist and Vet, otherwise just let them know your updated address.

2 weeks before

• Start using up any freezer food
• Deep clean less used areas of the house
• Confirm arrangement with removal company if you are using one
• Keep packing those boxes

1 week before

With just one week to go it’s time to dot the i’s and cross those t’s and make sure all your ducks are in a row before the big day. Yes, I went with all the clichés to really emphasise my point.

• Locate any spare keys that friends and relatives may have, to leave for the new owners
• Write a list of useful info for the new owners
• Finish packing those boxes
• Do as much washing as you can so you don’t have any outstanding when you move in

Day before

• Pack an overnight bag for the first night in your new home to ensure the whole family can easily access PJs, toothbrush and toothpaste, toiletries, towels and clean clothes
• Do a final count of all boxes and note down the quantity
• Keep pets in overnight, so they can’t do a vanishing act in the morning when it is time to go
• Pack an open me first box with all the things you will need the minute you arrive in your new home and take it with you in your car

My suggestions for your open me first box are:

• House documents
• Cleaning supplies
• Kettle
• Mugs
• Cutlery
• Tea/Coffee/Squash/Snacks
• Phone charger
• Money
• Scissors
• Toilet roll
• Handwash
• Hand towel
• Kids toys (if you have children)
• Pet food (if you have pets)
• Remote controls
• Tools for putting furniture back together
• Champagne (celebrate – you just bought a freakin house!)

Moving day – old home

• Remove all bedding and curtains, place into a labelled bin liner as this can be used to protect delicate items such as mirrors during the move
• Take a reading of all utility meters, taking a photo on your phone is a quick and easy way
• Quickly hoover after all the boxes are loaded up and then put your hoover on the van
• Do one last check of your property to ensure absolutely everything has been packed
• Collect the keys from your estate agent

Moving day – new home

• Take a reading of all utility meters, taking a photo on your phone is a quick and easy way
• Check around the property and ensure that the previous owners haven’t left anything behind
• Count all boxes to ensure that everything has arrived safely and been delivered to the correct location
• Unpack all your essentials for your open me first box
• Start unpacking! Make the bedroom your priority, starting with Children’s room. You’ll reach a point where you’re absolutely exhausted and the last thing you want to do is put a bed together
• Treat yourself to a take away and drink Champagne – it’s tradition!  

Phew, I think that’s everything! There’s no doubt that moving can be really REALLY stressful, but it’s really exciting too. Don’t forget to check out my post with 11 ways to make moving less stressful.

What are you waiting for? Click here to grab your free printable ultimate moving checklist!

I hope that moving house goes super smoothly. Be sure to check out my tips for decorating on a budget if your new home needs a little work.

Pin it for later?