Moving house for the first time is one of the biggest things you will ever do. This first-time movers guide gives you everything in one place — a step-by-step checklist for moving home, a breakdown of every cost you need to budget for, expert packing advice, and a clear picture of what happens between offer accepted and keys in hand.
Nobody prepares you for the sheer number of things to organise. Estate agents talk you through the mortgage; solicitors handle contracts; but nobody hands you a practical, week-by-week guide to the actual move itself. That is exactly what this page is.
Understanding the legal and logistical timeline is the single biggest thing that reduces first-move stress. Here is every stage from offer accepted to settling in.
| Stage | Typical Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Offer accepted | Day 0 | Estate agent confirms seller acceptance |
| Instruct solicitor | Week 1 | Conveyancing begins — legal checks and searches |
| Searches and surveys | Weeks 2–6 | Local authority searches, property survey, mortgage valuation |
| Enquiries raised | Weeks 4–8 | Solicitor queries anything flagged in searches |
| Mortgage offer issued | Weeks 4–8 | Formal offer from your lender |
| Exchange of contracts | Weeks 8–12 | Legally binding — deposit paid, completion date set |
| Removal company booked | After exchange | Confirm your moving date once legally committed |
| Completion day | 1–4 weeks after exchange | Funds transfer, keys released, you move in |
This is the checklist for moving into a new home that covers everything, from the moment your offer is accepted to your first full week in your new property.
One of the most common questions from first-time buyers is "how much does moving actually cost?" Here is a full breakdown so there are no surprises.
| Cost | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp duty (first-time buyer) | £0–£6,250 | Zero on first £425,000; reduced rate up to £625,000 (England/NI) |
| Conveyancing / solicitor fees | £800–£1,500 | Includes searches and disbursements |
| Homebuyer's survey | £400–£700 | Level 2 survey; Level 3 costs more |
| Removal company | £300–£1,200 | Depends on volume, distance, and additional services |
| Packing materials | £50–£200 | Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper |
| Professional packing service | £150–£600 | Full pack by our team — materials included |
| Utility connections and setup | £0–£100 | Some providers charge connection fees |
| Royal Mail redirect | £66–£198 | 3, 6, or 12-month options |
| New locks | £80–£250 | Strongly recommended for security |
| Council tax registration | £0 | Free — but do it promptly to avoid missed bills |
| Buildings insurance (from exchange) | £100–£300/yr | Required by your mortgage lender |
Use our instant quote tool to get a transparent, no-obligation price in under two minutes.
In England and Northern Ireland, first-time buyers pay zero stamp duty on the first £425,000. Between £425,001 and £625,000 you pay 5% on the portion above £425,000. Properties above £625,000 do not qualify for first-time buyer relief. Scotland uses the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT); Wales uses the Land Transaction Tax (LTT) — both have their own first-time buyer bands.
Tuesday to Thursday slots are typically 20–30% cheaper than Fridays or weekends
less volume means a smaller van and a lower quote
last-minute bookings cost more
Consider a man and van for smaller homes (studio or one-bedroom)
Good packing is the difference between a straightforward unpack and three days of hunting for your phone charger.
Begin with rarely-used rooms (lofts, spare rooms, garages). Pack non-essential items first so daily life isn't disrupted.
Boxes mixed across rooms slow down unpacking and confuse the removal team. Label every box with the destination room AND a brief contents list.
Write the destination room on the TOP and ONE SIDE of every box. Add a brief contents list ('kitchen — plates, mugs') so unpacking is fast.
Empty space inside a box lets items shift in transit. Fill gaps with packing paper or soft items like towels. Heavy items (books, tools) go in small boxes.
Kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, toilet roll, phone chargers, basic toiletries, change of clothes, first-night bedding. Keep it in your car, not the van.
Use bubble wrap or packing paper for glassware, crockery, and electronics. Mark fragile boxes clearly and load them last so they come off first.
Our professional packing service takes all of this off your plate — our team arrives with all materials and packs your entire home to a fully insured standard. Find out about our packing materials if you prefer to pack yourself. Contact us about packing services or ask about packing materials.
These are the items you'll need within minutes of arrival. Pack them last, label the box clearly, and keep it in your own vehicle — not the removal van.
The first cuppa in your new home matters. Don't make it from a vending machine.
Multiple chargers — your phone, a backup, anything that needs power day one.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, towels. Don't pack these in 'kitchen' boxes.
One full change for each person, plus pyjamas. The right box is never the first one you find.
New door keys, padlocks, garage opener if applicable. Lock test before bringing belongings in.
Plasters, painkillers, any prescription medication. Moving day brings small injuries — be ready.
Passport, mortgage paperwork, identity documents, removal contract. Keep with you, not in the van.
Unlabelled boxes turn unpacking into a treasure hunt. Label every box with the destination room AND contents.
Heavy boxes break. Always put heavy items (books, tools) in small boxes; light items (bedding, cushions) in large boxes.
Newspaper isn't enough. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, and box dividers. Mark fragile boxes clearly.
Your essentials box should be the FIRST thing into your car and the LAST thing into the van — not buried in the back.
Avoid all of these by booking our professional packing service — full pack, wrap, and box-up by experienced movers. We also supply quality packing materials. Get a packing service quote or ask about materials.
As a first-time buyer you have probably never hired a removal company before. Here is what matters.
Your belongings must be covered during loading, transit, and unloading.
Check Trustpilot and Google for recent, genuine reviews (not just star ratings).
Reputable companies quote in writing with no hidden extras.
Look for verifiable industry credentials and visible quality standards.
| Feature | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Transparent pricing | Instant online quote — no hidden fees, no callbacks required |
| Flexible booking | Choose your date; reschedule free up to 48 hours before move |
| Vetted, background-checked drivers | Reviewed by thousands of previous customers |
| Goods-in-transit insurance | Included as standard on every booking |
| Real-time van tracking | Know exactly where your belongings are throughout the move |
| Professional packing add-on | Full packing service available at booking |
| Dedicated support | Reach us by phone, email, or live chat before and on moving day |
Moving day is just the start. Here is what to sort in your first week and month.
Need help with anything? Visit our help centre or contact our team.
The right preparation makes your first move one to remember — for the right reasons. Use this guide as your single source of truth, work through the checklist at each stage, and book your removal company as soon as contracts are exchanged.
Goods-in-Transit Insurance Included | Nationwide Coverage
