Your moving timeline: what to do and when

Eight to six weeks before

• Set a moving budget and collect quotes from more than one mover, or book a van.
• Check your notice period with a landlord, or the timeline of a sale.
• Declutter. Everything you sell or donate is something you do not pay to move.

Five to four weeks before

• Book the mover or van for your date.
• Start collecting boxes, tape and paper.
• Arrange school or healthcare changes if you are moving area.

Three to two weeks before

• Pack rooms you use rarely first.
• Book utilities and internet at the new place for the day you arrive.
• Update your address with your bank, employer, insurers and other services.
• Set up mail forwarding.

The last week

• Pack an essentials box: chargers, toiletries, a kettle, basic tools, important papers, a change of clothes.
• Defrost the freezer and use up food.
• Confirm times with the mover.

Moving day

• Take meter readings and photos of the old place.
• Do a last walk round every room, cupboard and loft.
• Hand over keys.
• At the new place, check the inventory against the delivery before the movers leave.

In the first week

• Unpack bedrooms and the kitchen first.
• Report any damage to the mover promptly, as most have a time limit for claims.
• Register with local services you need.

Make it your own

The checklist tool applies these steps to your moving day and counts the dates back for you. Remove what does not apply and add what does.