Moving Checklist UK 2026
Your week-by-week guide to a stress-free move. From 8 weeks before to moving day — tick it off as you go. Works for flats, houses and student moves across the UK.
8 weeks before
- Book your man and van — get quotes early for the best rates and availability
- Declutter every room — sell, donate or bin anything you do not want to move
- Start collecting boxes from supermarkets, friends or buy a packing kit online
- Notify your landlord (if renting) and confirm your notice period
- Start a moving folder — keep quotes, contracts and receipts in one place
- Check your home insurance covers your move day (most standard policies do not)
4 weeks before
- Pack non-essentials first — books, decorations, seasonal clothes, guest room items
- Label every box with the room it is going to at the new address
- Arrange parking at both addresses — check permit requirements and loading bays
- Notify utility providers (gas, electric, water, broadband) of your move date
- Redirect your post with Royal Mail — £30–£40 for 3–12 months
- Book time off work for moving day if needed
- If you have children, notify their school and arrange the transfer
1 week before
- Pack everything except daily essentials — clothes, toiletries, phone charger
- Dismantle any furniture that needs it — keep screws and bolts in a labelled bag taped to the item
- Confirm the booking with your mover — send them postcodes, parking notes and access details
- Defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before the move
- Take photos of how your electronics are connected — makes reassembly easier
- Put all important documents (passport, driving licence, tenancy agreement, bank details) in one folder you carry yourself
- Pack a survival bag for the first night: kettle, tea bags, milk, snacks, toilet roll, phone charger, change of clothes, toiletries
Moving day
- Take final meter readings (gas, electric, water) — photograph them
- Walk through every room, cupboard, loft and shed to check nothing is left
- Give the old property a quick clean — especially if you want your deposit back
- Lock all windows and doors, return keys to the landlord or estate agent
- Meet the mover at the collection address — show them where to park and load
- Check each room at the new address before the mover leaves — make sure nothing is damaged
- Pay the mover the remaining balance (deposit already deducted)
- Unpack the survival bag first — you will want that cup of tea
After the move
- Update your address on the electoral roll, driving licence and bank accounts
- Register with a new GP and dentist if you have moved areas
- Set up gas, electric, water and broadband at the new address
- Leave a review for your mover — it helps other people find reliable help
- Change the locks on external doors — you do not know who has spare keys
Book your man and van early
The earlier you book, the better the rate and the more choice you have on dates. End-of-month Fridays sell out first. Submit your move details and get a quote from one verified mover.
Moving checklist questions
How far in advance should I start planning my move?+
Start planning 8 weeks before your moving date if possible. This gives you time to compare quotes, declutter, arrange packing and book a man and van. If you are moving at the end of a tenancy or on a completion day, book your mover at least 2 weeks ahead — those dates fill up fast.
What should I do the night before moving?+
Pack a survival bag with essentials: phone charger, toiletries, change of clothes, kettle, tea bags, milk, snacks, bin bags, cleaning cloths, important documents and keys. Defrost the fridge. Take final meter readings. Check every room, cupboard and loft space is empty.
Do I need to empty drawers for the movers?+
It depends. If the furniture is heavy (like a solid oak chest of drawers), empty it — a mover cannot safely carry a loaded drawer unit down stairs. If it is lightweight (IKEA Malm, for example), you can usually leave clothes in the drawers but remove anything breakable or valuable. Ask your mover when they confirm the booking.
What should I tell the mover before moving day?+
Your full collection and delivery postcodes, the item list, any stairs or lifts at either address, parking restrictions, whether furniture needs dismantling, and your preferred time. The more detail you provide upfront, the more accurate the quote and the smoother the move.
What is the cheapest way to move home in the UK?+
The cheapest way is a self-loading man and van from £19/hr. You pack, load and unload — the driver transports. For a studio or 1-bed flat, this can cost as little as £60–£150. If you need help lifting, the driver-helps service at £34/hr is still significantly cheaper than a full removal company.
Should I move on a Friday or a weekday?+
Fridays are the most popular day to move — which means movers are busiest and rates can be higher. Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the cheapest and most available days. If you can be flexible, midweek moves save money and stress.
Ready to move?
Submit your move details for free. One verified mover reviews before quoting. From £19/hr.