Before you start
- Boxes, tape, markers and packing paper or bubble wrap
- A notebook or spreadsheet for your checklist
- Quotes from removal companies or a van hire booking
Method 1 8 to 6 weeks before
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Step 1: Set a budget
Include removals or van hire, packing materials, cleaning, any storage, deposits, overlapping rent or bills, and new essentials for the home.
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Step 2: Declutter
Don’t pay to move things you don’t want. Sell, donate or recycle items room by room.
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Step 3: Get removal quotes
Get at least three quotes. Ask whether they include packing, insurance, dismantling furniture and access issues such as stairs or parking. Check reviews and membership of a trade association where available.
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Step 4: Book time off
Ask for time off work for moving day and, ideally, the day after.
Method 2 6 to 4 weeks before
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Step 1: Book your mover or van
Confirm the date, times and price in writing. Weekends and month-ends fill quickly.
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Step 2: Gather packing supplies
Get strong boxes in a few sizes, packing tape, markers, packing paper, bubble wrap and mattress bags.
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Step 3: Start packing rarely used items
Pack books, out-of-season clothes, guest bedding and decorations first.
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Step 4: Sort childcare and pets
Arrange for children and pets to be looked after on moving day, and register children at new schools if needed.
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Step 5: Plan the new home
Measure doorways and rooms so you know large furniture will fit, and plan where it will go.
Method 3 2 weeks before
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Step 1: Change your address
Tell your bank, employer, insurers, doctor and dentist, tax authority, vehicle and licence authorities, pension provider, mobile and subscription services. Update the electoral roll or voter registration where applicable.
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Step 2: Set up mail redirection
Use your postal service’s official redirection service to catch anything you miss.
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Step 3: Arrange utilities
Tell energy, water and internet suppliers your moving date for both homes. Book internet installation early; it can take weeks.
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Step 4: Use up food
Eat through the freezer and cupboards so there’s less to move.
Method 4 Pack like a pro
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Step 1: Pack room by room
Finish one room before starting another, and keep heavy and light items balanced.
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Step 2: Heavy items in small boxes
Put books and tins in small boxes, and light items like bedding in large ones, so no box is too heavy to lift.
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Step 3: Label everything
Write the destination room and a short list of contents on the top and two sides of each box. Number boxes and keep a list.
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Step 4: Protect fragile items
Wrap glasses and plates individually and stand plates on their edge. Fill gaps with paper so nothing moves, and mark boxes FRAGILE.
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Step 5: Keep screws together
When dismantling furniture, put screws and fittings in a labelled bag taped to the furniture.
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Step 6: Photograph your electronics
Take a photo of the cables behind the TV and computer before unplugging them.
Method 5 The week before and moving day
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Step 1: Pack an essentials box
Keep with you: documents, medicines, chargers, a kettle, mugs, snacks, toilet paper, basic tools, cleaning supplies, a change of clothes, and bedding for the first night.
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Step 2: Defrost the freezer
Defrost and dry the fridge freezer at least 24 hours before moving.
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Step 3: Take meter readings and photos
Photograph the meters and the condition of each room in the old and new home, with a date. This protects your deposit and stops billing disputes.
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Step 4: Do a final check
Check every cupboard, the loft, the shed and behind doors. Lock windows, switch things off, and hand over all keys.
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Step 5: Direct the movers
Stick room labels on doors in the new home so movers know where boxes go.
Troubleshooting
The movers are late or don’t arrive
Call them, keep a record, and refer to your written agreement. Have a backup van hire company number ready.
Something was broken in the move
Photograph the damage straight away and report it to the removal company in writing within the time limit in their terms.
Furniture won’t fit through the door
Remove the door or legs, try a different angle, or for large sofas ask a specialist about dismantling or window lifts.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes do I need?
Roughly 10–15 boxes per room is a common rule of thumb, plus more for kitchens and full bookcases.
Is it cheaper to move myself?
Usually, especially for small moves, but factor in van hire, fuel, helpers, time and the risk of injury or damage.
When should I start packing?
Start with rarely used items about four weeks before, and pack most things in the final week.
Summary
Start eight weeks ahead: declutter, budget and book movers. Pack room by room with clear labels, keep an essentials box with you, and change your address and utilities two weeks before. On moving day, record meter readings and photos, check every room, and unpack bedrooms and kitchen first.
