How to use this checklist. Work through each section as the move approaches. Tick items as they’re done. The most common moving mistakes are in the ‘After you move’ section — read it before moving day, not after.
4–6 Weeks Before
- Confirm moving date and book a removals company or van hire
- Give notice to current landlord (check notice period in your tenancy)
- Start decluttering — sell, donate, or bin before packing
- Collect packing materials: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers
- Notify employer of new address (for payroll, tax documents)
- Notify your bank of upcoming address change
- Contact council / local authority to cancel council tax at current address
- Register for council tax at new address
- Redirect your post (Royal Mail / national postal service)
- Notify DVLA / vehicle licensing of new address (if applicable)
- Notify passport office of new address (note: passport shows old address until renewal)
Moving Week
- Confirm time and access arrangements with removals company
- Pack room by room — label every box with room AND contents
- Pack an essentials box: kettle, mugs, phone charger, toilet paper, change of clothes, medication, documents
- Take meter readings at old property (electricity, gas, water) — photograph them
- Take meter readings at new property on arrival — photograph them
- Collect all keys, fobs, garage remotes for old property
- Return keys to landlord or estate agent — get written confirmation
- Do a final walkthrough of old property — check loft, garage, cupboards
- Photograph condition of old property before leaving (protect your deposit)
After You Move
- Update address with HMRC / tax authority
- Update address with NHS / GP — register with new local GP if needed
- Update address with all banks and credit cards
- Update address with pension providers and investment accounts
- Update address with insurance providers (home, car, life)
- Update address with subscriptions (Amazon, Apple, etc.)
- Register to vote at new address
- Update driver’s licence address
- Notify schools, doctors, dentist, optician
- Update emergency contact information sheets
- Take contents insurance photos of new home