A move feels much smaller when you break it into weeks. Start about eight weeks before moving day and work through this list a little at a time.
8 weeks to go
- Get two or three written quotes from movers, and ask for a survey in person or by video.
- Book your moving date. The end and start of the month are the busiest, so book early if you need those days.
- Start a moving folder for quotes, contracts and receipts.
6 weeks to go
- Sort room by room: keep, sell, donate or recycle. Every item you do not move saves time and money.
- Measure big furniture and the doorways and stairs in your new home.
- Order boxes, tape and wrap, or book a packing service.
4 weeks to go
- Tell your bank, employer, doctor, insurers and subscriptions about your new address.
- Arrange mail forwarding.
- Book parking or a lift at both addresses if your building needs it.
- Start packing the things you use least: books, spare bedding, out-of-season clothes.
2 weeks to go
- Confirm the date, arrival time and both addresses with your movers.
- Arrange gas, electricity, water and internet to be switched over.
- Use up frozen food and things you cannot take on the truck, such as cleaning chemicals and paint.
The day before
- Defrost the freezer and leave the door open to dry.
- Pack a first-night box: kettle, mugs, snacks, chargers, toiletries, towels and bed sheets.
- Keep keys, documents, medicines and valuables in a bag you carry yourself.
- Take apart anything the movers are not taking apart for you.
On moving day, walk round with the crew lead before loading starts, point out fragile items, and do a final check of every room, cupboard and the loft before you leave.