How far in advance should you start packing?

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.

What should I pack first when moving?

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.

How do I prepare for removal men?

Make their job easier by having everything boxed and labelled before they arrive, clearing pathways through your home, and positioning boxes near the front door. Disassemble furniture that comes apart (keep screws in labelled bags taped to the item), defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before, and ensure there's parking space for the van. Apply for a parking suspension permit from your council if you're on a busy street — do this at least 2 weeks in advance.

What not to pack when moving house?

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.

How do you pack fragile items?

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.

What is a change of address checklist?

A change of address checklist is a list of every organisation, institution, and subscription you need to notify when you move house. The most important are: DVLA (driving licence), HMRC (tax records), your bank and credit card providers, electoral roll registration, NHS (GP registration), insurance policies, and utilities. Set up a Royal Mail redirection as a safety net while you update everything.

Do I need to tell HMRC when I move house?

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.

How long does it take to pack a house for moving?

It depends on the size of your home and how much you own. As a rough guide: a 1-bed flat takes 1–2 days; a 2-bed property takes 2–4 days; a 3-bed house takes 4–7 days; a 4–5 bed house can take a full week or more. This assumes you're packing methodically, not rushing. Nearly everyone underestimates how long it takes — always start earlier than you think you need to.

What should go in a first-night box when moving?

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.

Do I need a parking suspension permit for a removal van?

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.

What is the cheapest way to move house in the UK?

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.

How do I move house with a baby or young children?

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.

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

Moving house is one of the most logistically complex things you'll ever do. This free checklist covers everything — what to pack, change of address, and how to prepare for your removal crew.

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Your Moving Timeline at a Glance

8 Weeks Before

Declutter your home, Research removal companies, Set your budget

4 Weeks Before

Book your move, Start packing non-essentials, Notify utility providers, Update your address

1 Week Before

Pack remaining items, Prepare an essentials box, Defrost fridge/freezer, Confirm your booking

Moving Day

Do a final walkthrough, Take meter readings, Hand over keys

8 Weeks Before: Start Early, Start Smart

The earlier you begin, the less overwhelming packing feels. Eight weeks out is the perfect time to tackle items you don't use daily — and to book your removal company before the best slots go.

What to Pack First

Loft and garage: seasonal decorations, old sports equipment, camping gear

Spare bedroom: guest bedding, stored luggage, wardrobe items you never open

Books: pack these early using small boxes — no heavier than 15 kg or the bottom gives out

DVD, CD, and physical media collections you won't need before moving day

4 Weeks Before: The Kitchen Push

The kitchen takes longest to pack, so start early. You can live on minimal items for a few weeks. This is also the ideal time to order packing materials if you're running low — boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.

Pack Now

Appliances you rarely use (bread maker, ice cream machine, fondue set)

Specialty cookware (wok, tagine, fish kettle)

Excess plates and bowls — keep one set out

Baking supplies and tins

Keep Out

One pot, one pan, one baking tray

Four plates, bowls, mugs, glasses

Essential utensils only

Kettle and toaster

Pack Plates Correctly

Place a layer of scrunched paper at the bottom of the box

Stand plates on their edges — like records, not stacked flat

Wrap each plate individually in packing paper

Fill the top with paper so nothing shifts — the box should feel solid when lifted, with no rattling

2 Weeks Before: Living Spaces

Books & DVDs

Box up books, DVDs, games, and decorative items you won't miss for a fortnight

Ornaments & Decor

Wrap each piece individually in packing paper; mark boxes Fragile on multiple sides

Excess Cushions & Throws

Use bin bags for soft furnishings — they compress well and are easy to carry

1 Week Before

Final Preparations: Your Home Should Be Mostly in Boxes

This Week's Tasks

Pack remaining items except what you need daily

Disassemble furniture — keep screws in labelled bags taped to the item

Defrost the freezer, clean the oven, empty and dry the washing machine

Move boxes to central staging areas near the front door

Confirm your booking with the removal company — date, time, and address

How to Pack a TV for Moving

Use the original box if you still have it

If not, wrap the screen in a soft blanket or bubble wrap and protect corners with foam

Always keep it upright — never lay a flat-screen TV on its back

Label clearly: 'TV – FRAGILE – KEEP UPRIGHT'

Consider taking the TV in your own car if possible — it's one less thing to worry about

Day Before

Prepare for the Crew

Tomorrow's the day. Everything you do now makes the actual move faster and easier — for you and the removal team.

Final Packing

Pack your 'first night' box: kettle, mugs, toilet roll, phone chargers, basic toiletries, snacks, bedding — keep it with you, not on the van

Strip beds last and pack bedding into bin bags — easy to carry and keeps them clean

Empty bins and dispose of all rubbish

Prepare Your Home

Move boxes near the front door or into the hallway

Clear stairs and hallways completely

Bring items downstairs if you can safely do so

Take down curtains and pack them

Ensure parking is available for the van — apply for a suspension permit from your council if needed (do this at least 2 weeks in advance)

Moving Day

What to Expect on Moving Day

You've done the hard work following this moving house checklist. Here's how to make moving day run smoothly.

Before the Crew Arrives

Final walkthrough — every room, cupboard, and the loft

Photograph meter readings (gas, electric, water)

Gather all keys, fobs, and garage remotes

When the Crew Arrives

Point out fragile items and anything needing special care

Show them the parking situation and any access issues

Let them work — professional crews have efficient systems

Your Moving Day Kit

Phone and charger

Wallet, keys, important documents

Medications

Snacks and water

First-night box (keep this with you, not on the van)

Room-by-Room Packing Tips

Kitchen & Appliances

Electronics & Cables

Mirrors, Artwork & Fragile Items

Bedroom & Wardrobe

Heavy & Bulky Items

Bathroom & Toiletries

Change of Address Checklist UK

One of the most overlooked parts of moving house is notifying everyone of your new address. Miss one and it causes problems for months. This free change of address checklist covers 50+ organisations you need to update when moving home — use it to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

0 of 12 completed

Update your records with DVLA, HMRC, the electoral roll, and other government bodies to stay legally compliant after moving house. Some of these are legal requirements with deadlines — do not skip them.

DVLA — update your driving licence and vehicle logbook (V5C) at gov.uk/dvla within 21 days

Electoral roll — register to vote at your new address (gov.uk/register-to-vote) to protect your credit score

HMRC — update your address for tax, National Insurance, and self-assessment records

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) — if you receive Universal Credit, PIP, or any benefits

Child Benefit office — update your details if you receive Child Benefit payments

Passport Office — not legally required but good practice; update at gov.uk

NHS — register with a new GP surgery; update your NHS record and any ongoing prescriptions

Dentist — register with a new dental practice and transfer your records

TV Licensing — update or transfer your licence at tvlicensing.co.uk

Local council — notify for council tax, bin collection schedules, and parking permits

Student Loans Company — update if you are repaying a student loan

Court orders — notify the court if you have any active orders or jury service obligations

Top tip

Set up a Royal Mail address redirection before you move. It catches anything you've missed and buys you time to update everything properly. You can redirect post for 3, 6, or 12 months starting from around £35.

How Giant Van Makes Moving Easier

Once you've packed and prepared using this checklist, we handle the heavy lifting.

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Packing Services

We bring all materials and pack room by room — full or partial packing available.

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Man and Van

Cost-effective for flats, student moves, and smaller loads. Experienced, insured movers.

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Packing Materials

Order boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and packing paper delivered to your door.

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Storage

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Frequently Asked Questions

Start by decluttering — well before you pack a single box. Go through every room and decide what you actually want to take. Selling, donating, or disposing of items you no longer need means less to pack, less to move, and lower removal costs. After decluttering, book your removal company: the good ones get snapped up quickly, especially around month-ends and school holidays.

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Your Moving Timeline at a Glance

8 Weeks Before

Declutter your home, Research removal companies, Set your budget

4 Weeks Before

Book your move, Start packing non-essentials, Notify utility providers, Update your address

1 Week Before

Pack remaining items, Prepare an essentials box, Defrost fridge/freezer, Confirm your booking

Moving Day

Do a final walkthrough, Take meter readings, Hand over keys

Frequently Asked Questions