UK moving house checklist

Four to eight weeks before

• Confirm the moving date with everyone involved and keep key documents together.
• Book removals or arrange your own transport, and check any access or parking restrictions at both properties.
• Start decluttering before you pack. Separate items to keep, donate, recycle or dispose of.
• Check broadband availability and likely installation lead time at the new address.
• Begin a list of organisations that will need your new address.

One to two weeks before

• Redirect important post if you need to.
• Confirm arrangements for keys, removals, pets and children.
• Pack a first-night box with medication, chargers, toiletries, tea/coffee, basic food, bedding and cleaning essentials.
• Keep identity documents, contracts and valuables with you rather than in the removals vehicle.
• Identify the electricity, gas and water meters at both homes so you can record readings.

Moving day

• Photograph meter readings when you leave and when you arrive. Keep the photographs.
• Check rooms, cupboards, loft/garage and outside areas before handing over old keys.
• Record the number of keys received for the new property and test essential locks.
• Locate the stopcock, fuse box/consumer unit and heating controls.
• Keep your first-night essentials accessible instead of burying them in boxes.

After you arrive

• Use the official postcode/council finder before relying on local council-tax, bin or parking information.
• Update priority organisations such as DVLA, electoral registration, employer, banks and insurers as appropriate.
• Register with local health services when needed.
• Check smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and understand basic emergency shut-offs.

Tip: MovingToHere deliberately sends you to official services for anything that depends on your exact address or nation.

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