The Ultimate Moving Checklist: How to Plan Your Move Like a Pro

Moving house is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not properly prepared. We’ve helped countless locals move over the years, and trust us—having a plan makes all the difference on the day. To help make your move as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a handy checklist so you can get organised and feel confident when the big day arrives!

8 Weeks Before the Move: Start Planning

Declutter Your Home

Now’s the perfect time to go through your belongings and decide what’s coming with you and what’s not. The less you move, the easier it’ll be. Donate, sell, or recycle items you don’t need anymore.

Book Your Removals Company survey

Once you know your moving date, it’s a good idea to book your removals company survey early—especially if you’re moving during peak times like summer or at the end of the month. Once your survey visit is complete, we can ensure the process of booking your move is seamless , as soon as you have your date. As a family-run removals team, we get booked up quickly, so give us a ring as soon as you have your date set!

Notify Your Landlord (if renting)

If you’re renting, make sure to give your landlord the required notice. Most tenancy agreements in the UK need at least one month’s notice, but double-check your contract.

6 Weeks 

Before the Move: Get Organised

Gather Packing Supplies

Start gathering boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and labels. You can often pick up boxes from local shops, or we can provide professional packing materials if you need them—just ask! At HLH we stock all packaging materials required for a move and our warehouses on Clovelly Road Industrial Estate, Bideford have an assortment of materials available for both trade and domestic customers to purchase. 

Begin Packing Non-Essentials

Start with items you don’t use every day, like out-of-season clothes, books, and decorations. Be sure to label every box with its contents and the room it’s going to in your new home. This will save you a lot of time later.

Arrange Time Off Work

Make sure to book time off work if your moving day is on a weekday. You’ll want at least the day of the move free, but it might be wise to give yourself a couple of days to unpack and settle in.

4 Weeks Before the Move: Take Care of the Details

Notify Utility Providers

Contact your electricity, gas, water, and internet providers to let them know you’re moving. Most will need at least two weeks’ notice, and you’ll need to take final meter readings on moving day. Don’t forget to set up utilities for your new home too!

Redirect Your Post

To avoid missing important letters, set up a post redirection service with Royal Mail. You can choose to redirect your mail for 3, 6, or 12 months. This is especially useful if you're expecting bills or other essential documents.

Change Your Address

Make sure you update your address with your bank, doctor, DVLA (for your driving licence), and any other services or subscriptions you’re signed up for.

2 Weeks Before the Move: Final Preparations

Confirm Details with Your Removals Company

Double-check all the details with your removals team, including arrival times and any special instructions. If you need help with packing, let us know—our team can step in and take care of it all for you.

Pack an Essentials Box

Put together a box of essentials you’ll need for the first night in your new home. Include things like toiletries, a kettle, tea bags, mugs, snacks, important documents, phone chargers, and a change of clothes. Keep this box with you so you can access it easily.

Arrange Childcare/Pet Care for Moving Day

Moving day can be stressful for kids and pets, so if possible, arrange for someone to look after them. If that’s not an option, make sure they have a safe, quiet space away from all the action.

1 Week Before the Move: The Final Countdown

Finish Packing

By now, most of your home should be packed up. Leave out only the essentials you’ll need in the last few days. Make sure everything is clearly labelled and ready to go.

Disassemble Furniture

If you’re handling the disassembly of any furniture, now’s the time to do it. Label all parts and screws to make reassembling easier in your new home. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, our team can help with this too!

Clean Your Home

Whether you’re selling or renting, leaving your home clean and tidy is a nice gesture for the next residents. If you’re renting, a deep clean can help ensure you get your deposit back.

Moving Day: It’s Go Time!

Meet the Removals Team

Our team will arrive ready to load your boxes and furniture onto the van. Let us know if there are any fragile or high-priority items that need extra care. Although the team will arrive early , we will normally start removing items from upstairs in the property to allow you to finish your breakfast/ get the children ready etc.

Pets

Please make sure your pets are secured, either in their own area or in a room, and inform our team of this so we can leave that room until we have another empty room. We don't want to risk letting any animal out , or causing any unnecessary stress.

Take Final Meter Readings

Before you leave your old home, take photos of your gas, electric, and water meters and send them to your utility providers.

Do a Final Walkthrough

Once everything is packed up, do one last walk around the house to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Don’t forget to check the loft, garden, and garage!

Hand Over the Keys

If you’re renting, return the keys to your landlord or estate agent. If you’ve sold, drop them off with your solicitor or the new owners.

Moving might seem daunting, but with a bit of preparation, it doesn’t have to be! If you have any questions or need an extra hand with packing, just give us a call. We’re here to help make your move as stress-free as possible.