Moving House Checklist: Your Complete Guide For A Smooth Move

Planning a move in North London? Use our moving house checklist to stay organised from first enquiry to settling in. At House Removals North London, we’ve created a practical, plain-English guide that covers your pre move checklist, moving day checklist, and post move checklist. Whether you’re relocating a studio flat or a family home, this complete checklist for moving house will help you plan with confidence.

If you’re ready for a tailored quote, head to Get a quote or explore our How it works page for a quick overview of our process.

Before You Start: Set Your Move Timeline

A clear timeline reduces stress and prevents last-minute surprises. Here’s a helpful structure to follow.

• 6–8 weeks before: research movers, plan budgets, consider storage, and draft an inventory
• 4–6 weeks before: confirm dates, start decluttering, order packing materials
• 2–4 weeks before: start packing non-essentials, arrange parking and access, prepare change of address notifications
• 1 week before: pack essentials, confirm key handover timings, complete cleaning and final meter readings plan
• Moving day: execute your moving day essentials box list, supervise loading, take photos/meter readings
• After moving: unpack by priority, update remaining addresses, settle in

For service details and support, see our Services and Packing guide.

Pre Move Checklist (6–8 Weeks Out)

Start early to make informed decisions and avoid rush fees or limited availability.

• Define your move scope
  • Size of property, number of rooms, loft/shed/garage contents
  • Fragile or bulky items (pianos, antiques, large sofas)
  • Access notes: stairs, lifts, tight hallways, parking restrictions
• Shortlist reputable movers
  • Check reviews, insurance, and whether they offer packing/unpacking
  • Confirm Goods in Transit and Public Liability cover; see our Insurance
• Request quotes
  • Share a clear inventory, photos, and access details
  • Ask about weekday vs weekend slots and lead times
• Plan storage if needed
  • Decant items you won’t need immediately
  • Ask about short-term storage options and collections
• Draft a budget
  • Include packing materials, cleaning, childcare/pet care, parking permits, and any disassembly/reassembly

Tip: Our Van sizes page helps you gauge the right vehicle for your move.

Pre Move Checklist (4–6 Weeks Out)

Once dates are firm, move into action.

• Confirm your moving date and provisional arrival window with your mover
• Book packing services if required
  • Full pack, fragile pack, or self-pack options
• Order packing materials
  • Double-walled boxes, tape, bubble wrap, paper, wardrobe boxes
  • Specialist crates for TVs/art if needed; see Packing materials
• Start decluttering
  • Donate, recycle, or dispose of items you no longer need
  • Reduce volume to save time and cost
• Begin room-by-room packing of non-essentials
  • Seasonal items, books, decor, spare linens
• Plan utilities and address change
  • List suppliers: gas, electricity, water, council tax, broadband, TV, mobile, banking, insurance, HMRC, DVLA, workplace, schools/GPs
  • Note final bill dates and installation lead times
• Arrange parking and access
  • Contact the council or building management for permits, suspension bays, or loading restrictions; see Parking and access
• Notify landlords or freeholders
  • Check notice periods and handover expectations
  • Confirm any end-of-tenancy cleaning requirements

Pre Move Checklist (2–3 Weeks Out)

Tighten logistics and keep packing momentum.

• Inventory and labels
  • Create a simple inventory spreadsheet (room, box number, contents, priority)
  • Use sturdy labels with room and brief contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Pans – 2 of 8”)
• Disassembly planning
  • Identify items needing disassembly: bed frames, wardrobes, modular sofas, desks
  • Keep fixings in labelled bags taped to items
• Lift and hallway checks
  • Measure large items and doorways; consider furniture assembly/disassembly services
• Confirm childcare and pet care
  • Decide whether children and pets will stay off-site on moving day
  • Prepare a bag with food, medication, leads, comfort items; see “how to plan child and pet care” tips below
• Security and insurance
  • Review cover for high-value items; discuss special handling (pianos, antiques)
• Clean and repairs plan
  • Book cleaners or schedule a DIY clean after removal day
  • Plan small repairs/fill holes as needed
• Utilities appointments
  • Book broadband/TV installation for the new address
  • Check smart meter setups or arrange access for readings

What To Do One Week Before Moving

A focused week prevents delays and lost items.

• Pack an essentials box for each person
  • Toiletries, medicines, change of clothes, phone chargers, snacks, kettle, tea/coffee, mugs, cleaning wipes, loo roll
• Kitchen and daily-use items
  • Keep a minimal set of plates and cutlery; pack the rest
• Defrost and clean the fridge/freezer at least 24–48 hours before moving
• Finalise the change of address notifications list
  • Banks, HMRC, DVLA, insurers, schools/GPs, subscriptions, workplace HR, loyalty schemes
• Confirm parking and access arrangements at both properties
• Share final inventory and packing status with your movers
• Prepare “Do Not Pack” zone for keys, documents, and essentials
  • Passports, mortgage/tenancy papers, moving paperwork, valuables
• Coordinate key handover timings
  • Align completion/collection times with your mover’s schedule
  • Plan a waiting strategy if solicitors or agents delay release

Moving Day Checklist

Keep this quick list handy on the day.

• Personal start
  • Charge phones, wear comfortable clothing, keep water/snacks available
  • Secure pets/children or confirm they’re off-site
• Pre-load checks
  • Protect floors and banisters if needed
  • Walk movers through each room, highlight fragile items and “do not pack” areas
  • Confirm inventory, parking limits, and any time constraints
• Loading
  • Keep pathways clear; check cupboards, lofts, sheds, garden
  • Photograph condition of large items for your records
• Cleaning and final meter readings
  • Note gas, electricity, and water readings with timestamps and photos
  • Take final photos for handover evidence
• Lock up and handover
  • Windows shut, boiler off/eco, water off if appropriate
  • Leave keys as agreed; keep agent’s contact handy
• At the new home
  • Walkthrough with movers to confirm rooms and priority boxes
  • Reassemble beds first; set up children’s rooms for an easier first night
  • Place “fragile” boxes on stable surfaces, not stacked high

Moving Day Essentials Box List

Prepare at least one clearly marked box that travels with you.

• Kettle, tea/coffee, sugar, UHT milk, snacks
• Mugs, cutlery, plates, kitchen towel, bin bags
• Phone chargers, power bank, multi-plug extension
• Basic tools: screwdriver set, Allen keys, tape measure, utility knife, duct tape
• Light bulbs, small torch, batteries
• First aid kit, regular medications
• Toiletries, loo roll, hand soap, towels
• Bedding for the first night, pyjamas, spare clothes
• Cleaning wipes, surface spray, microfibre cloths
• Important documents and a pen/notebook

Box Labelling And Inventory Tips

A little structure saves hours when unpacking.

• Consistent naming: label by room first, contents second, priority third
• Numbering system: Box 1–20 per room; tie to an inventory list for quick reference
• Colour-coding: coloured tape or stickers by room (e.g., blue for bedroom)
• Fragile marking: use two sides plus top; indicate orientation (“This way up”)
• Priority tags: “Open First” for essentials; “Garage/Loft” for low priority
• QR/Photo method: snap each box’s contents and attach a QR or note number in your phone

Utilities And Address Change

Avoid service gaps and missed mail.

• Utilities setup
  • Contact gas, electricity, and water suppliers to open/close accounts
  • Book broadband installation early; confirm lead times and equipment returns
• Council and services
  • Update council tax, parking permits, and waste collection details
• Financial and legal
  • Notify banks, credit cards, lenders, insurers (home, car, life), HMRC
• Personal and household
  • GP, dentist, schools, workplace HR, subscriptions, streaming, pet microchip registry
• Mail management
  • Consider a temporary mail redirection
  • Update online shopping addresses to avoid misdeliveries

Handover Checklist For Landlords And Tenants

Whether you’re ending a tenancy or selling, keep documentation tidy.

• Return all keys/fobs and list what’s included
• Provide manuals for appliances if leaving them
• Record meter readings with photos
• Evidence condition: clear photos of each room, garden, and any existing marks
• Confirm deposit process (tenancies) and forwarding address for final bills
• Share information on bins, collection days, and thermostat/boiler basics

How To Plan Child And Pet Care

A calm moving day starts with a plan.

• Children
  • Arrange childcare or set up a safe “base camp” room with toys and snacks
  • Pack familiar bedding and one favourite item for the first night
• Pets
  • Book a pet sitter or keep pets in a quiet room with water and a sign on the door
  • Update microchip details and tags with your new address
  • Keep carriers, leads, food, and litter accessible

Post Move Checklist: How To Settle In After Moving

Make your new place comfortable, then fine-tune the details.

• Safety first
  • Locate stopcock, fuse board, gas shut-off, and thermostat
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; replace batteries if needed
• Priority rooms
  • Beds and bedding, one bathroom fully stocked, basic kitchen setup
• Unpacking plan
  • Tackle one room at a time; recycle packing materials as you go
  • Book Unpacking services if you want a faster finish
• Utilities and services
  • Submit first meter readings; confirm tariffs and direct debits
  • Check broadband/TV activation; test coverage and Wi‑Fi placement
• Address confirmations
  • Double-check any remaining updates on your change of address notifications list
• Housekeeping
  • Schedule curtain/blind installation, light fittings, and minor repairs
  • Note any snagging issues for landlords or developers
• Neighbourhood
  • Learn bin days, parking rules, local GP/chemist, and school routes

Common Pitfalls To Avoid

• Packing too late and mixing rooms in boxes
• Forgetting to measure large items for stairwells/lifts
• Not reserving parking bays or permits in controlled zones
• Overfilling boxes (aim for no more than 20–25 kg)
• Skipping insurance checks on valuable items
• Leaving meter readings without photos or timestamps

When To Ask For Professional Help

Consider support if you’re short on time, moving long distance, or have fragile/heavy items.

• Full or partial Packing services to protect valuables
• Furniture assembly for complex beds/wardrobes
• Specialist moves such as Piano removals or Antique removals
• Same-day assistance when availability allows; see Same day removals for details

Quick Reference: Documents To Keep Handy

• Passports, driving licences, vehicle V5C
• Mortgage/tenancy agreements and solicitor details
• Removal booking confirmation and inventory
• Insurance policies and emergency contacts
• Meter readings and photos (old and new address)
• New keys, alarm codes, and any permits

Need A Hand With Your Move?

House Removals North London helps households across the N postcodes with careful packing, efficient loading, and safe transport. Explore our How it works guide, check our Pricing approach, and when you’re ready, Get a quote with your inventory, photos, and access notes. We’ll respond promptly with a clear, no-obligation estimate tailored to your move.