Moving House Checklist
Get a dated moving checklist counting down from 8 weeks to moving day. Track tasks like notifying utilities, arranging removals and redirecting post.
Eight Weeks Out, Two Weeks Out, Moving Day
A move done well starts eight weeks before completion. That is when you give notice to a landlord, ring the council, contact utilities and book a removal company before the diary fills up. The checklist sequences 25 tasks across four categories - notifications, utilities, post and packing - timed in days back from your moving date. Enter the date and the dated countdown does the rest.
Most stress on moving day comes from tasks left to the final week. Royal Mail redirection takes up to 10 working days to start, banks need a written notice or app update, and the council needs new-address details for council tax. The free version downloads as a watermarked JPG; the premium PDF is the one that actually goes on the fridge with magnets, with tick boxes printed large enough to fill in standing up. For the cleaning of the old place once the van leaves, [Cleaning Schedule Generator](/cleaning-schedule-generator) builds a final-walkthrough rota.
The Tasks People Always Forget
Three things bite people every move. First, transferring the broadband: most ISPs need 14 days notice and the new property may need a fresh installation visit, so book early. Second, updating the address on a driving licence (free at the DVLA, but the V5C log book also needs updating separately for any vehicle). Third, telling pet microchip databases (£8 fee, totally forgettable, illegal not to). The checklist flags all three.
Removal companies charge by the van size and the number of movers. A typical UK three-bed move costs £600 to £1,200 within 30 miles, more if you need packing services or a long carry from the front door to the truck. Get three quotes, ideally with a home survey rather than a phone estimate; quotes via photos miss the wardrobe that does not come apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start packing for a house move?
Eight weeks out, start sorting through belongings and decluttering. Two weeks before completion, pack non-essential items (books, art, out-of-season clothes). The final week, pack room by room except for an essentials box (kettle, mugs, phone chargers, basic tools, toilet roll) that stays out until the last morning.
Who do I need to inform when moving house?
Council (council tax), HMRC, employer, GP and dentist, banks and credit cards, insurance providers (home, car, life), utility companies (electricity, gas, water), broadband and TV provider, DVLA (driving licence and V5C), pet microchip database, electoral roll, and any subscription services. Royal Mail redirection covers anyone you forget for £33.99 for 12 months.
How much does it cost to move house in the UK?
The move itself (removal van) is £600 to £1,200 for a three-bed within 30 miles. On top of that, conveyancing and surveys for a purchase add £1,500 to £3,000, stamp duty depends on the price, and small extras (Royal Mail redirection, address updates, potential overlap rent) add another £200 to £500.
Can I save the checklist and come back to it?
Yes. Tick boxes save automatically in your browser, so closing the tab and returning later resumes your progress. The premium PDF download captures the checklist with tick boxes for printed use, and is timestamped with your moving date.
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