A move runs most smoothly when you start on time and know week by week what needs to happen. With this moving checklist you plan your move step by step, from about eight weeks before to the day you turn the key. Work through the list from top to bottom and you will keep the overview and forget nothing.
Eight weeks before: get the basics in place
The sooner you settle the big decisions, the calmer everything else becomes. First set the moving date, especially if you are moving around the end of the month or in a busy period. Then decide whether you will do everything yourself or hire a moving company. If you would like to be taken care of, request a free quote well in advance so you know where you stand and can reserve the date.
- Choose the moving date and, for a rented home, agree it with your landlord or letting agent.
- Request a quote for a residential move and go through the approach.
- Decide whether you need temporary storage, for example when there is a gap between two homes.
- Make a first estimate of what is coming along and what can go.
Six weeks before: take stock and cancel
Now it becomes concrete. Go through your home room by room and note what is moving with you. This is also the moment to declutter, because anything you do not take does not need packing either. Start cancelling or transferring contracts early, so everything is arranged the moment you arrive at your new address.
- Make an inventory and sort your belongings: keep, sell, give away or take to the recycling centre.
- Cancel or transfer energy, water and internet to the new address.
- Review subscriptions and insurance policies and change the address where needed.
- For large or heavy items, start thinking about a hoist lift or extra hands.
Four weeks before: packing and practical arrangements
Four weeks before the move the real packing begins. Start with things you will not need for a while, such as books, seasonal clothing and the contents of cupboards you rarely open. Label every box with the room it belongs to, and unpacking will go much faster later. You will find more tips in our article on packing moving boxes.
- Sort out moving boxes and packing materials, or have the moving company do the packing.
- Start packing what you do not use daily, room by room and clearly labelled.
- Arrange parking: check whether you need a permit or exemption for the moving van from the local council.
- Keep important documents and valuables separate so you can transport them yourself.
Two weeks before: the finishing touches
The move is getting close, so now you arrange the last details. Confirm the arrangements with the moving company and make sure both addresses are easy to reach. Consider booking a day off around the move so you are not left short of time.
- Confirm the arrangements and times with the moving company.
- Book time off on moving day and, if you can, the day after.
- Prepare your change of address for the local council, employer, bank, GP and dentist.
- Defrost and empty the fridge and freezer in good time.
The final week: ready for moving day
In the final week you pack up most of your home and keep only the essentials to hand. Set aside a separate box or bag with the things you will need straight away on the first evening, such as toiletries, chargers, a little crockery and bedding. That way you will not have to open everything on the first night.
- Pack almost everything, apart from a small amount of daily items.
- Make a first-night box for the first evening and night.
- Dismantle furniture that needs taking apart, or arrange this with the moving company.
- Check the route and parking situation at both addresses once more.
Moving day itself
On the day itself everything comes together. With good preparation you mainly need to keep things running smoothly and make sure the movers know where the boxes should go. Walk through the old home together at the end so you do not forget anything.
- Welcome the movers and go through the layout of the new address.
- Note the meter readings at both the old and the new home.
- Check that all boxes and furniture are on board and leave the old home broom clean.
- Hand over the keys and settle into your new home.
After the move: change of address and settling in
You have moved, but a few things are best sorted straight away. Register your move with the local council within the legal time limit and update your address wherever this has not yet been done. After that you can unpack at your own pace, room by room, exactly as you labelled the boxes.
- Register your change of address with the local council and any organisations you still need to update.
- Unpack room by room and set up the most important rooms first.
- Check that energy, water and internet are working at the new address.
- Wrap up any storage or aftercare with the moving company.
A carefree move with a settled team
Would you like to hand the move over completely? As a NIWO-recognised mover we handle your move from start to finish, with a settled team, a clear price agreed upfront and a single point of contact. Tell us briefly what needs moving and you will receive a clear, tailored quote within 24 hours. Feel free to call 085 500 2365 or request a free quote online.
