Your Complete UK Moving House Checklist
Don't leave anything to chance. Follow this timeline to keep your move on track.
Tip: use the Print this checklist button at the top of this page to print it or save as a PDF.
8–10 Weeks Before
- Use our calculator to estimate your moving cost
- Get quotes from at least 3 removal companies
- Notify your landlord (if renting) — typically 1–2 months' notice
- Start your change-of-address list
- Research schools if moving to a new area
- Begin decluttering room by room
6–8 Weeks Before
- Confirm your removal company and pay any deposit
- Start collecting packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
- Arrange mail redirection with Royal Mail (from £35 for 3 months)
- Contact utility suppliers (gas, electric, water, broadband)
- Notify your council about Council Tax
- Book time off work for moving day
4–6 Weeks Before
- Start packing non-essential items (books, seasonal clothes, decorations)
- Label every box: room + contents + fragile if applicable
- Arrange parking permits or suspensions for moving day
- Update your address with bank, DVLA, GP, dentist, employer
- Measure doorways and tight spots at the new property
- Confirm lift or access arrangements at apartments
2 Weeks Before
- Confirm all details with your removal company (time, address, access, special items)
- Create an essentials box: kettle, mugs, toilet roll, phone charger, basic tools
- Take meter readings at current property
- Check contents insurance covers the move (or get removals insurance)
- Pack a first-night bag with overnight essentials
1 Week Before
- Finish packing all rooms
- Dismantle any furniture that needs it
- Defrost freezer
- Clean current property (if required for deposit return)
- Confirm key collection/handover arrangements
Moving Day
- Take final meter readings at old property
- Be present to direct the removal crew
- Do a final walk-through of old property (check all rooms, loft, shed, garage)
- Lock up and hand over keys
- Take meter readings at new property
- Direct crew at new property — tell them which room each box goes in
First Week in New Home
- Register with the electoral roll at your new address
- Register with a new GP if you've moved area
- Test all utilities (gas, water, electric, broadband)
- Check for any damage during the move and report within 7 days
- Update your address with remaining contacts
Moving House Fees Checklist (UK 2026)
The move itself is only part of the cost. Use this checklist to budget for every fee you're likely to pay when moving house in the UK.
| Fee | Typical Cost | When You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Removal company | £400 – £1,500 | Moving day (deposit on booking) |
| Solicitor / conveyancing | £850 – £1,500 | On exchange / completion |
| Property survey (Level 2 / 3) | £400 – £700 | Before exchange |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax | Varies by price band | Within 14 days of completion |
| Mortgage arrangement / product fee | £0 – £2,000 | On application or completion |
| Mortgage valuation | £0 – £300 | On application |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | £60 – £120 | Before listing (sellers) |
| Deposit (if renting) | 4–5 weeks' rent | Before move-in |
| Packing materials | £50 – £150 | Weeks before the move |
| Furniture dismantling / reassembly | £50 – £200 | Add-on to removal quote |
| Storage (if needed) | £100 – £300 / month | Monthly |
| Removals / contents insurance | £30 – £100 | Before moving day |
| End-of-tenancy or move-out cleaning | £100 – £250 | Final week |
| Royal Mail redirection | From £35 (3 months) | 1–2 weeks before |
| New utility connections / broadband install | £0 – £100 | Around moving day |
| Council Tax (pro-rata at new address) | Varies by band & area | Monthly from move-in |
Not every fee applies to every move — renters skip the conveyancing line, buyers skip the deposit. Print this page and tick off the items that apply to you so nothing slips through the cracks.
Use our free calculator to estimate the removal-company portion of your budget in 60 seconds.