Moving Day Checklist: Your Complete Guide to a Stress-Free Move
Moving house doesn't have to be overwhelming with our checklist
Moving house ranks among life's most stressful events, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.
With four decades of experience helping families relocate across Essex and beyond, we've seen firsthand how proper preparation transforms chaotic moving days into smooth transitions.
The secret? A well-planned moving day checklist that covers every detail from dawn to dusk.
Six Weeks Before Moving Day
Book Your Removal Company
Don't leave this to chance. Quality removal companies get booked up quickly, especially during peak moving seasons (summer months and end of month periods).
Research thoroughly, read reviews, and get written quotes from at least three companies.
Start Decluttering
Moving costs are often calculated by volume, so now's the perfect time to sort through belongings and
start decluttering.
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Create three piles: keep, donate, and bin. Be ruthless – if you haven't used something in two years, you probably won't miss it
Order Packing Materials
Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers.
Pro tip: wine shops and supermarkets often give away sturdy boxes, but ensure they're clean and dry.
Four Weeks Before
Notify Important Parties
Create a comprehensive list including:
- Bank and credit card companies
- Insurance providers (home, car, health)
- Employer's HR department
- HMRC
- Electoral roll
- Subscription services
- Utility companies
School Transfers
If you have children, contact their current school and research options in your new area. Some popular schools have waiting lists, so apply early.
Medical Records
Register with a new GP, dentist, and vet (if you have pets) in your new location. Request medical records be transferred.
Two Weeks Before
Confirm Details
Double-check everything with your removal company: dates, times, addresses, and any special requirements like piano moving or fragile items.
Use Up Perishables
Start eating through your freezer and pantry contents. Moving food is wasteful and potentially messy.
Pack Non-Essentials
Begin with items you won't need in the next fortnight: books, decorative items, seasonal clothing, and rarely used kitchen gadgets.
One Week Before
Final Preparations
- Confirm time slots with utility companies for disconnection and reconnection
- Pack a "first day" box with essentials: kettle, tea bags, toilet paper, basic tools, phone chargers
- Withdraw cash for tips and unexpected expenses
- Back up computer files
Label Everything
Use a colour-coding system or numbered labels. Keep a master list noting which box contains what – you'll thank yourself later.
The Day Before Moving
Pack Your Survival Kit
Prepare a bag with:
- Change of clothes for each family member
- Toiletries and medications
- Important documents (passports, insurance papers, contracts)
- Snacks and drinks
- First aid kit
- Cleaning supplies for both properties
Prepare Appliances
Defrost and clean the fridge freezer. Disconnect and drain washing machines and dishwashers if you're taking them.
Get a Good Night's Sleep
Easier said than done, but rest is crucial. Set multiple alarms – you don't want to oversleep on moving day.
Moving Day Morning
Early Start
Be up and ready before the removal team arrives. Have a proper breakfast – you'll need the energy.
Final Walkthrough
Check every room, cupboard, and storage space. It's amazing what gets forgotten in the rush.
Keep Important Items Close
Carry valuable items, important documents, and your survival kit with you rather than loading them onto the van.
During the Move
Stay Available
Remain accessible to answer questions from the removal team. They're the experts, but they'll need your input on fragile items or specific placement requests.
Check Inventory
Most professional companies provide an inventory list. Check items off as they're loaded and unloaded.
Take Photos
Document any existing damage to furniture before it's moved. This protects both you and the removal company.
At Your New Home
Direct Traffic
Be present to guide the removal team. Know which boxes go to which rooms – this saves hours of moving things around later.
Check Utilities
Ensure electricity, gas, and water are connected and working. Test the heating system if it's winter.
Locate the Stopcock
Find the main water shut-off valve and show other family members where it is.
After the Movers Leave
Priority Unpacking
Focus on essentials first: beds, basic kitchen items, and toiletries. Everything else can wait.
Safety First
Install new locks or rekey existing ones. You never know who might have copies of the old keys.
Update Your Address
Complete any remaining address changes and register with local services: library, council, doctors.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn't have to be a nightmare. With proper planning and a reliable removal company, it can actually be quite exciting – the start of a new chapter in your life.
Remember, professional removal companies have seen it all before. Don't hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns.
A highly regarded removal team wants your move to go smoothly just as much as you do.
The key to a successful move lies in preparation. Start early, stay focused and organised, and don't try to do everything yourself.
Sometimes the best investment you can make is hiring professionals who can handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new home.
Moving house is stressful enough without you worrying about the forgotten details.
Use our checklist as your roadmap, and you'll arrive at your new home with everything intact and your sanity preserved.
Planning a move? Contact AJ Stephenson Removals & Storage for expert advice and a stress-free moving experience.
With nearly 40 years of experience, we understand that every move is unique, and we're here to make yours as smooth as possible.
