Moving Day Tips: Your Essential Checklist for a Smooth Move
Moving day marks the start of an exciting new chapter — but it can also feel overwhelming. With so much to think about, it’s easy for important tasks to slip through the cracks. A little preparation goes a long way, and our moving day checklist will help you stay organised and stress-free.
Before Moving Day
- Sort out your utilities — Let your energy, water, and broadband providers know your move date. We work with a company that can take care of this for you, saving you time and hassle — let us know if you’d like an introduction.
- Notify your local council — Update your council tax account to avoid paying for a property you’re no longer in.
- Finish packing before completion day — Nothing adds stress like rushing to box up belongings while the removals team is waiting.
- If you have pets, make arrangements for them — Keeping them with a friend, family member, or pet sitter on moving day will make the process calmer for both you and them.
- Let your neighbours know your completion date — They may be able to move cars or free up space to make access easier for the removals van.
- Confirm timings with your removals company or helpers.
- Label boxes clearly with the room and contents so they end up in the right place.
- Pack an essentials box with items you’ll need right away (kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, snacks, cleaning supplies, loo roll, phone charger).
- Defrost and clean your freezer at least 24 hours before moving.
- Redirect your post through Royal Mail to avoid missing important mail.
On the Day
- Keep important documents (ID, contracts, keys) somewhere safe and accessible.
- Take final meter readings for gas, electricity, and water.
- Make sure the property is left clean and tidy, and check everywhere is empty before you leave. Two reasons: you won’t be able to get back in if you’ve forgotten something, and buyers can claim through solicitors if anything is left behind that wasn’t previously agreed.
- Remember: on completion day, you usually have until 1:00 pm to be out of the property. In some cases, this time may be different, but use 1:00 pm as a guideline to be on the safe side — and aim to be ready well before then to avoid a last-minute rush.
- If you’re feeling kind, consider leaving a welcome card (or even a small gift) for the new owners — it’s a thoughtful way to start things off on a positive note.
When You Arrive
- Check all keys work and locate the stopcock, fuse box, and meters.
- Take initial meter readings for gas, electricity, and water, and submit them to your suppliers straight away.
- Unpack your essentials box first.
- Make the beds early so you’re not doing it when you’re tired.
- Leave your estate agent a lovely review — a few kind words can go a long way, and it helps others find trusted support for their move too.
Moving day might feel like a whirlwind, but once the boxes are unpacked and the kettle's on, you’ll start to feel right at home. Take your time settling in, enjoy discovering all the little things that make your new place special, and don’t forget — this is the beginning of an exciting new chapter.