Complete Moving Guide for the UK

Everything you need to know for a successful house move - from 8 weeks before to settling in. Expert tips from over 10,000 successful moves.

Moving Timeline Moving Checklist Packing Tips Moving Costs Moving Day After Moving

Moving Timeline: 8 Weeks to Moving Day

8 weeks

Start Planning

  • Set your moving budget
  • Research removal companies and get quotes
  • Start decluttering - sell, donate, or dispose of unwanted items
  • Book time off work for moving day
  • Start using up frozen and perishable food
6 weeks

Book Your Move

  • Choose and book your removal company
  • Book time off work for moving day
  • Order packing materials if doing it yourself
  • Start researching your new area (schools, doctors, etc.)
  • Arrange temporary storage if needed
4 weeks

Notify Important Parties

  • Contact your current and future utility providers
  • Notify your bank, credit card companies, and insurance providers
  • Update your address with HMRC and DVLA
  • Inform your employer of your address change
  • Arrange mail redirection with Royal Mail
2 weeks

Final Preparations

  • Confirm details with your removal company
  • Start packing non-essential items
  • Use up remaining food and drink
  • Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day
  • Pack a 'first day' box with essentials
1 week

Final Week

  • Pack everything except essentials
  • Confirm utility connections for new home
  • Pack a survival kit for first day in new home
  • Arrange final meter readings
  • Return borrowed items and collect lent items
Moving Day

The Big Day

  • Be ready before the removal team arrives
  • Take meter readings and photos
  • Do a final walkthrough with the removal supervisor
  • Keep important documents with you
  • Be available to answer questions throughout the day

Complete Moving Checklist

📋 Before Moving

📮 Change of Address

⚡ Utilities & Services

🏥 Health & Education

Expert Packing Tips

📦 General Packing Rules

  • Start early: Begin packing 6-8 weeks before moving day
  • Pack room by room: Complete one room before starting another
  • Label everything: Write contents and destination room on every box
  • Keep inventory: Number boxes and keep a master list
  • Pack heavy items in small boxes: Books, documents, tools
  • Use clothes as padding: Wrap fragile items in clothing
  • Pack essentials last: Items you'll need first should be packed last

🍽️ Fragile Items

  • Wrap individually: Each item should be wrapped separately
  • Use proper materials: Bubble wrap, tissue paper, or newspaper
  • Fill empty spaces: Prevent items from moving in boxes
  • Mark clearly: Write "FRAGILE" and "THIS WAY UP" on boxes
  • Pack dishes vertically: Like records in a crate
  • Double-box extra fragile items: Box within a box for valuable items

👔 Clothing & Textiles

  • Leave in drawers: Clothes can often stay in chest drawers
  • Use wardrobe boxes: For hanging clothes to prevent wrinkles
  • Vacuum bags: Great for bulky items like duvets and pillows
  • Pack out of season first: Winter clothes in summer moves
  • Keep essentials accessible: Pack a suitcase for first few days

💻 Electronics & Appliances

  • Take photos: Of cable connections before unplugging
  • Use original boxes: If you still have them
  • Back up data: Important files and photos
  • Remove batteries: From remotes and devices
  • Secure moving parts: Tape down CD trays, etc.
  • Keep manuals together: In one clearly labeled box

Understanding Moving Costs in the UK

💷 Average Removal Costs

Studio/1-bed flat (local) £300-£500
2-bed house (local) £450-£700
3-bed house (local) £650-£1,000
4-bed house (local) £800-£1,400
Long distance (add) £200-£500

💸 Additional Costs to Consider

  • Packing services: £200-£600 depending on house size
  • Packing materials: £50-£200 for boxes, tape, bubble wrap
  • Storage: £50-£300 per month for temporary storage
  • Insurance: Usually included, extra cover £50-£200
  • Dismantling/assembly: Often included, complex items £50-£150
  • Cleaning: £100-£300 for professional cleaning
  • Utility setup fees: £0-£100 per service

💡 Money-Saving Tips

🗓️ Move off-peak

Avoid end/start of months, school holidays, and weekends when possible.

📦 Pack yourself

Professional packing adds £200-£600 to your bill.

🏠 Declutter first

Less stuff means smaller van and lower costs.

📋 Get multiple quotes

Prices can vary significantly between companies.

Moving Day: What to Expect

🌅 Before the Team Arrives

  • Be up early and dressed
  • Have everything packed and ready
  • Clear pathways and protect floors
  • Prepare cash for tips
  • Have important documents ready
  • Take photos of valuable items

🚚 During the Move

  • Do a walkthrough with the supervisor
  • Check inventory list before signing
  • Stay available to answer questions
  • Keep children and pets safe and out of the way
  • Take final meter readings
  • Keep your survival kit with you

🏡 At Your New Home

  • Be there when the team arrives
  • Direct them to the right rooms
  • Check utilities are working
  • Do a final inventory check
  • Note any damage immediately
  • Keep receipts and paperwork

📱 Moving Day Survival Kit

Documents

  • Passports & ID
  • Insurance papers
  • Moving contracts
  • Bank statements
  • Medical records

Essentials

  • Change of clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Phone chargers
  • Snacks and water
  • Basic tools

First Day Box

  • Bedding
  • Kettle and mugs
  • Basic food items
  • Toilet paper
  • Cleaning supplies

After Moving: Settling In

📅 First 24 Hours

  • Unpack your survival kit and first day box
  • Set up beds for a good night's sleep
  • Test all utilities and report any issues
  • Order takeaway - you've earned it!
  • Check in with family and friends
  • Take initial meter readings

📅 First Week

  • Unpack room by room, starting with essentials
  • Register with local GP and dentist
  • Find local shops and services
  • Update your address with all remaining services
  • Register to vote in your new area
  • Explore your new neighbourhood

📅 First Month

  • Complete unpacking and decorating
  • Build relationships with neighbours
  • Find local amenities and services
  • Review and leave feedback for your removal company
  • Submit any insurance claims if needed
  • Celebrate - you've successfully moved!

Expert Tips from 10,000+ Moves

💡

Book Early, Save Money

Booking 6-8 weeks in advance often gets better rates and guarantees your preferred date, especially during busy summer months.

📦

The 'Open Me First' Box

Pack a clearly labeled box with essentials for your first night: bedding, toiletries, phone chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes.

🏷️

Color-Coded Moving System

Use colored stickers or tape for each room. Red for kitchen, blue for bedroom, etc. Makes directing movers much easier.

📱

Photo Documentation

Take photos of valuable items before packing and of your cable setups. This helps with insurance claims and reassembly.

Ready to Start Your Move?

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