Moving house is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. This pre-move checklist walks you through the 12 most important things to do before moving day — so nothing slips through the cracks and your move stays calm, organised and stress-free. Whether you’re going DIY or booking a trusted team like Hello Vans, tick these off and you’ll be ready.
1. Create a moving checklist
Start by listing everything that needs doing before, during and after the move. A clear written plan stops last-minute panic and means nothing gets forgotten in the chaos of packing.
2. Book your moving company early
Good movers get booked up fast, especially on weekends and at month-end. Reserve your slot with Hello Vans well in advance to lock in your preferred date and the best price.
3. Declutter your home
Use the move as a reason to sort through your belongings. Donate, sell or recycle what you no longer need — fewer items mean a faster, cheaper and lighter move.
4. Notify utilities and service providers
Tell your energy, water, broadband and subscription providers about the move. Schedule disconnections at the old address and set up connections at the new one so you’re never left without power or internet.
5. Start packing early
Begin with rooms and items you rarely use. Label every box clearly with its room and contents, and group similar items together to make unpacking painless.
6. Organise important documents
Keep passports, IDs, contracts and insurance papers in one clearly labelled folder that travels with you — never in the removal van.
7. Arrange insurance cover
Make sure your belongings are protected in transit. Check your home insurance policy or ask your movers about the coverage they provide.
8. Clean your home before leaving
Leave your old property clean and tidy. It helps avoid deposit disputes if you’re renting and leaves a good impression for the new occupants.
9. Pack an essentials box
Prepare a clearly marked box of day-one essentials: toiletries, kettle and mugs, snacks, phone chargers, a change of clothes and any medication. Keep it with you, not in the van.
10. Take final meter readings
Photograph and note your gas, electricity and water meter readings before you leave to avoid being billed for the next occupant’s usage.
11. Change your address
Update your address with banks, employers, schools, your GP and the DVLA, and set up a Royal Mail redirect so nothing important goes astray.
12. Confirm with your movers
Call your moving team 24–48 hours before the day to confirm timings, access and any parking arrangements. A quick check-in prevents day-of surprises.
Your printable pre-move countdown
- Create a written moving checklist
- Book your movers and confirm the date
- Declutter, donate and recycle
- Notify utilities, broadband and subscriptions
- Start packing non-essential rooms
- Gather key documents in one folder
- Arrange insurance cover
- Pack a day-one essentials box
- Take final meter readings
- Redirect post and update your address
- Confirm timings with your movers
Make moving day the easy part
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