Complete Moving Home Checklist
Moving house is often very stressful, but proper
preparation can ease the process.
Simplify your move with our seven-step plan.
1. Plan Ahead
Start early — don’t leave packing or admin until
the last minute.
Work methodically from top to bottom of your home.
Gather packing materials in advance: sturdy boxes,
bubble wrap, tape, and markers.
Estimate quantities realistically — most people
underestimate boxes needed.
Declutter first — sell, donate, or recycle what you
don’t need.
2. Sort Utilities and Notify Key Contacts
Take photos of final meter
readings.
Contact utility providers (water,
gas, electric, broadband, TV licence) 48 hours before the move.
Notify authorities and services
(DVLA, HMRC, insurance, council tax, banks, GP, dentist, subscriptions).
Send change-of-address updates to
friends, family, or via email/social media.
3. Packing made simple
Create a room-by-room inventory.
Label boxes clearly on the sides,
noting contents and destination room.
Mark fragile boxes with red or
“FRAGILE” labels.
Keep an essentials box
(kettle, snacks, toilet roll, chargers, cleaning supplies, important
documents).
Packing Tips:
Keep cables and wires tidy with
rubber bands or zip ties, label each one.
Wrap toiletries with cling film
to prevent leaks.
Slide hanging clothes into bin
bags with hangers still on.
Pack heavy items like books in
smaller boxes.
Stack heavier boxes at the bottom
of piles.
Roll and secure rugs to keep them
clean.
Fragile Items:
Wrap plates individually with
wrapping paper and stack vertically.
Protect mirrors with tape in an X
pattern and wrap securely with bubble wrap.
Back up data before packing
computers; wrap electronics with bubble wrap.
Use fragile tape.
4. Preparing Appliances
Fridge/Freezer: Defrost
24–48 hours in advance, secure doors.
Washing Machine: Remove
transit bolts before use; keep them safe.
Cookers/Gas Ovens: Always
hire a Gas Safe engineer to disconnect.
Dishwasher: Drain
water and leave door open to prevent odours.
Large Furniture:
Dismantle where possible, keep screws in labelled bags taped to parts.
5. moving day essentials
Keep valuables (passports,
jewellery, documents) with you, not in the van.
Have important contacts (removals
team, utilities, estate agent) saved on your phone.
Check every room, loft, and
cupboard before leaving.
Lock all doors and windows and
leave forwarding info for new occupants.
6. Looking after pets
Arrange for pets to stay with
friends or in kennels during the move.
Keep familiar items (beds, toys)
handy to comfort them when you arrive.
7. Handing Over your property
Leave useful details for new
occupants: heating instructions, stopcock and fuse box location, bin days.
Clean thoroughly — professional
cleaning is ideal for rentals.
Before
you leave for the last time:
• Check every cupboard, loft, and outbuilding.
• Lock all windows and doors.
Why choose 1 man 1 van ?
Affordable rates with no
hidden costs.
plastic boxes, tape, bubble wrap and wrapping paper available.
Friendly professionals who
treat belongings with care.
Flexible booking options for
short-notice moves.
Fully insured and
equipped vans with blankets, straps, and trolleys.
Help with furniture dismantling and reassembly available upon request.