Hire a reputable moving company – you may want to do this after you’ve started packing and got a better idea of how much stuff you need to transport.
Check how your moving van will be able to access your new home. Are there any parking restrictions at either of your addresses?

Make plans to transfer your home owner/rental insurance and contents insurance to your new property. Arrange a post redirection with all service providers. Create a list of your home’s inventory and take photos of all your furniture so that you know the condition it’s in – just in case anything is damaged in the move.

Start cleaning outside areas, such as the garden, garage etc.

Packing starts in earnest at this point. Anything that isn’t absolutely necessary for the next two weeks e.g. seasonal items and spare items like duvets or towels, can be packed. Make sure you label all your boxes with their destination room.

Be careful about the food you buy from this point onwards. Make sure to cook all your frozen food – you won’t want to transport this during the move – and only buy what you absolutely need when it comes to perishable items.

Arrange for childcare or pet care for the day of the move, if necessary. Request time off work for the moving day if need be. If you don’t think all your things will fit into your new house at first, look into booking a storage unit to hold some of your belongings until there’s space for them.

Confirm the exact date, time and location with your moving company and provide them with any directions they might need. Finish packing up the items that you haven’t stored yet. Make sure you also pack a bag or box that is full of your essentials, such as a change of clothes, blankets, snacks, and toiletries, so that you don’t need to go through boxes on your first night in your new place.

Depending on the area, you may want to consider getting a locksmith organised to change the locks at your new property. Start disassembling any furniture you can so that it’s easier to load up into your van on the day of the move. If you’re renting your property, set up a time for a final walk through inspection with your landlord.

Dismantle any shelving, take down any pictures, and remove any fitted items that are coming with you. Repair any scrapes, scratches, holes, or marks in the house you’re leaving.

Do your laundry so that you don’t have to cart dirty clothes to your new home. Label any spare keys and remove all old house keys from your keyring. Make a list of the contact names and numbers of people and services you’ll be needing in the first few days.

Find out when you will receive the keys to your new home. Pack your documents and valuables in a separate box or bag so they don’t get lost during the move.
Disconnect any appliances that you’re taking with you e.g. oven, washing machine, dishwasher etc.

Make sure all of your long-lasting foods are packed carefully and tightly so they won’t spill.
Take pictures of the back of your electronics before disconnecting them so you can set them up easily in your new place. Empty and defrost your fridge/freezer.

The day is finally here and it’s time to move into your new place! Here are some of the most important things to do both at your old home and your new one.

Instruct the packing of your moving van strategically – since your boxes are all labelled, you will be able to pack them in the van in sections. Do one last check of your home before you leave it, after everything has been packed into your moving van. Go through all the drawers and cupboards in every room and check the garage if you have one.

Clean your home before you leave it. Make sure all windows and doors are locked and secured and make a note of all meter readings. Take photos of the empty rooms to serve as proof for the condition the property was in when you moved out. Don’t forget your moving bag with your essentials.