Moving boxes stacked beside a front door and staircase
Archive note: This article was first published on and last updated on . As it is 387 days old, some information may no longer be current.

A smooth move isn’t luck, it’s logistics. Here’s a practical, UK-specific plan that covers what to do six weeks out right through to the first 24 hours in your new place. It includes meters, Council Tax, Royal Mail redirection, DVLA updates, access/parking, pets, appliances and a final walk-through you can tick off on the door.

Quick Glance

  • 6 weeks out: bookings, permits, change-of-address list
  • 2 weeks out: utilities, broadband, packing plan
  • 48 hours: essentials box, appliance prep, parking bay checks
  • Moving day: meter photos, brief movers, safety checks
  • Before you lock up: final walk-through & handover
  • First 24 hours: utilities on, alarms tested, basics set

  1. Six weeks out: book, notify, plan

Choose movers / or self-drive

Confirm date and arrival window; check vehicle height/length fits access. If you’re not comfortable with anyone else transporting a particular item, and it’s practical, pack and take it yourself. Temporary van insurance can let you do the whole job without a removals firm. Weigh the time, cost and risk before you commit.

Parking & access

If you need the van outside your home, apply for temporary bay suspensions/dispensations with your district or city council (allow 5–10 working days). Find your local council (GOV.UK)

For flats: reserve lift and loading slots; check door/floor protection rules.

Change-of-address master list

Insurance

Confirm home/contents cover for both properties on the day; consider goods-in-transit if self-moving.

Declutter & donate

Lighter loads = fewer boxes and cheaper quotes.

Cardboard boxes and folded protective blankets inside a removals van
Packing the van: label every box by room, add a box number and mark Priority A items for first-off

  1. Two weeks out: utilities, broadband, packing plan

  • Gas/electric/water: tell suppliers your move date; line up change-of-tenancy at both ends.
  • Broadband: book transfer/installation; note router/ONT (if full fibre) locations; arrange a dongle or mobile hotspot as a fallback.
  • Label system: colour/room labels + Box # + Priority (A/B/C) + Fragile. Keep a simple inventory (Box 12 – Kitchen – pans).
  • Pets & kids plan: quiet room/sitter/carriers; pack comfort items and meds.
  • Waste & bins: check new area’s bin day and bulky-waste rules.

  1. 48 hours to go: prep & permits

  • Appliances: defrost freezer; drain/secure washing machine (transit bolts); bag and label cables/remotes.
  • Photos & paperwork pack: passports, IDs, contracts, spare keys, new-home instructions (boiler, thermostat, alarm codes if provided).
  • Parking check: reconfirm bay suspensions/dispensations and any clean-air/charging zones on the route; place permits/dispensation notices if required.
  • Confirm with movers: arrival time, inventory highlights, fragile/first-off boxes, access notes (low archways, narrow stairs).

Handy label template (copy onto every box)

MOVING BOX LABEL

Room:  
Box #:  
Priority:


Fragile:

Notes:
 
 
 

Print labels

  1. Pack your Essentials Box (ride-with-you)

What to put inside

  • IDs/wallets, meds, phone chargers/power bank
  • Kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, snacks, water
  • Basic tools & tape, scissors, Allen keys, spare bulbs, extension lead
  • Toiletries & towels, loo roll, hand soap, cleaning wipes
  • First-night bedding, pyjamas, change of clothes
  • Router & Ethernet lead (if re-using), multi-plug
  • Pet food/leads/litter; child comfort items

  1. Moving day: meters, movers, safety

  • Photograph all meters at the old address before you leave (gas/electric/water). Include the meter serial number in shot and let the phone timestamp it.
  • Do the same at the new home on arrival. Send dated photos to outgoing/incoming suppliers. Keep MPAN (electric) and MPRN (gas) handy if asked.
  • Brief the movers: which room colours map to which rooms; call out FRAGILE/HEAVY; keep “Priority A” boxes separate.
  • Keep exits clear: protect floors; don’t block smoke/CO alarms or exits with boxes.
  • Neighbours & building: warn about lift use/noise windows if in a flat.

  1. Before you lock up: final walk-through

Final checks

  • All rooms, cupboards, loft, shed, garden checked
  • Final meter photos taken; bins emptied; post collected
  • Windows closed; taps off; appliances off/safe
  • Leave agreed keys/fobs, manuals & any spare paint/tiles
  • Note stopcock location for the new occupier (if known)
  • Set thermostat to safe setting; lights off; doors locked
Two people carrying cardboard boxes through a front doorway
First 24 hours: power and water on, smoke/CO alarms tested, stopcock located, router plugged in

  1. First 24 hours in the new home

  • Power & water on: test boiler/heating/hot water; bleed radiators later if needed.
  • Safety first: test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms; check the stopcock and consumer unit (label breakers).
  • Internet: plug in router; confirm service; note Wi-Fi password location.
  • Address updates: submit Council Tax joiner form; start Royal Mail Redirection (if not already); update DVLA, TV Licence, insurers and banks.
  • Local setup: find bin day and recycling rules; note GP/dentist options if you’re changing surgery.
  • Unpack by priority: kitchen/bedding/bathroom first; leave décor for later.

FAQs

Do I need to tell the council on moving day?

Yes. Submit Council Tax leaver/joiner forms as soon as you have dates; some councils allow future-dated submissions.

Who do I tell about meters?

Send dated photos (old & new) to the relevant energy suppliers and to the water company serving your addresses. Keep serial numbers in shot.

Can I reserve parking for the van?

Most councils allow bay suspensions/dispensations; apply at least 5–10 working days ahead. For controlled zones, display the permit as directed.

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