The short answer: book your movers and any parking suspension first, as early as you have a date. Declutter a month out. Pack from two weeks out, least-used rooms first. In the last week, tell everyone your new address, confirm timings and pack an essentials box. On the day, do a walkthrough with your movers and take meter readings.
8 weeks before
- Confirm your moving date with your landlord, agent or solicitor.
- Get a removals quote. Send both addresses, floors, parking details and a video of your furniture.
- Check your tenancy for move-out rules: notice period, cleaning and inventory.
- Measure your big furniture and the doors, stairs and lift at the new place.
4 weeks before
- Book your movers and pay to secure the date.
- Apply for a parking suspension if your street needs one. Most London councils need 10 to 14 days’ notice. See Moving in London.
- Ask both buildings about lift bookings, move-in times and loading bays.
- Declutter. Sell, donate or book a council bulky waste collection.
- Order broadband for the new address. Installs can take weeks.
2 weeks before
- Buy boxes, tape, paper and marker pens. Our packing guide has quantities.
- Start packing the rooms you use least.
- Set up Royal Mail redirection.
- Arrange time off work for moving day.
- Book a cleaner for the end of tenancy if you need one.
1 week before
- Tell your council tax office at both addresses, your bank, employer, GP and insurers.
- Update your driving licence address with the DVLA. It’s free and the law requires it.
- Confirm your arrival window with your movers.
- Pack most of the kitchen and living room.
- Use up frozen and open food.
The day before
- Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer.
- Pack your essentials box: chargers, medicines, documents, kettle, bedding for the first night.
- Strip the beds and bag screws from anything taken apart.
- Charge your phone and check your exact arrival time.
Moving day
- Walk round with your Move Leader. Point out fragile items and anything staying behind.
- Photograph the meter readings and the condition of the empty rooms.
- Do a last check of cupboards, the loft and behind doors.
- Hand over keys and take the essentials box with you.
- At the new home, show the team which room is which.
After you move
- Take meter readings at the new home and send them to your suppliers.
- Register to vote at your new address.
- Update your TV Licence address.
- Find your nearest GP and register.
- Leave your movers a review if they earned it.