8 weeks before moving day
This is the planning window. Most reputable UK removal firms are booked 4–6 weeks ahead in peak season (May–September), so locking in a mover early gives you the widest choice and the best price.
- Get an instant estimate with the Move Price Checker UK calculator
- Request fixed quotes from at least three verified local movers
- Decide whether you need a full packing service
- Start decluttering room by room — donate, sell or recycle
- Begin packing items you rarely use (books, out-of-season clothes)
4 weeks before moving day
Notifications take longer than people expect. Start them a month out so nothing arrives at the old address after you leave.
- Notify your current and new council for council tax
- Contact gas, electricity, water, broadband and TV providers
- Update your bank, credit cards and insurance
- Register with a new GP, dentist and update schools if needed
- Arrange time off work for moving day
2 weeks before moving day
Logistics on moving day are the most common source of last-minute stress. Confirm them now so the day itself is calm.
- Set up Royal Mail post redirection (allow 5 working days)
- Confirm parking and access at both addresses
- Apply for parking suspensions if there is no driveway
- Reconfirm crew size, van size and arrival window with your mover
- Run down the contents of the freezer
1 week before moving day
Now the practical packing happens. Label every box on at least two sides with the destination room and a short list of the contents.
- Pack room by room — leave only essentials unpacked
- Pack an essentials box for the first night (kettle, mugs, bedding, chargers, toiletries)
- Take photos of valuable items before they are wrapped
- Confirm the final invoice and payment method with the mover
Moving day
Walk the crew through the property when they arrive, point out fragile items and confirm what is being taken.
- Take meter readings at both properties
- Final walk-through of every room, including loft, garage and garden
- Keep the essentials box and important documents with you
- Hand over keys to your estate agent or solicitor
First week in your new home
Make sure the move is officially complete on paper as well as physically.
- Test smoke alarms and locate the stopcock and consumer unit
- Send meter readings to your new energy supplier
- Update your address on your driving licence and vehicle V5C
- Register on the electoral roll at your new address
Ready for an accurate estimate?
The Move Price Checker UK calculator gives you a 30-second estimate, then connects you with verified local movers for exact quotes.