Moving House Checklist UK – Week-by-Week Packing & Change of Address Guide

For a typical 3-bedroom house, start packing 6–8 weeks before your move date. Begin with items you rarely use (loft, garage, spare rooms) and work towards daily essentials. The kitchen alone can take a full week, so don't leave it until the end. If you're in a 1–2 bed flat, 4 weeks is usually manageable.

Pack items you use least frequently first: seasonal decorations, books, guest bedding, stored items, and collections. Leave daily essentials (toiletries, work clothes, kitchen basics) until the final few days. The golden rule: if you haven't touched it in 6 months, pack it now.

Removal companies cannot legally transport hazardous materials: flammable liquids, gas canisters, paints, aerosols, pesticides, or car batteries. Perishable food should be used up or given away. Valuables, important documents, medications, and jewellery should travel with you personally — not on the van.

Wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap — never newspaper, as the ink transfers. Use plenty of cushioning and fill all gaps so nothing shifts in transit. Pack glasses upright (never flat), plates vertically (like records), and mark boxes 'FRAGILE – THIS WAY UP' on multiple sides. For high-value or irreplaceable items, consider professional packing services.

Yes. You must update your address with HMRC for your income tax and National Insurance records. If you're self-employed, this is especially important. You can update your address online through your personal tax account at gov.uk. HMRC can also send a P800 tax calculation to your old address if you don't update it, which can cause problems.

Your first-night box should contain everything you'll need before you've unpacked: kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, milk, toilet roll, hand soap, phone charger, basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant), a change of clothes, any medications, bedding, and a few snacks. Keep this box with you — not on the van — so you have it the moment you arrive.

If you live on a restricted street (yellow lines, resident permit zones, or limited waiting) you may need to apply for a parking suspension permit from your local council. This reserves a space for the removal van on moving day. Apply at least 2 weeks before your move date — some councils require more notice.

The cheapest option is to do it yourself — hire a self-drive van and enlist friends to help. However, this comes with risks: damage to furniture, injury from heavy lifting, and significant stress. For a cost-effective professional move, a man and van service is significantly cheaper than a full removal company while still giving you experienced, insured movers.

Try to arrange for children to stay with family or friends on moving day — the house will be busy with heavy items being carried through. Pack a separate bag with everything the baby needs for the day. Set up the children's bedroom first at the new property so they have a familiar, settled space as quickly as possible.