Moving House Checklist
Moving home is exciting, but without proper planning it can quickly become stressful. Whether you’re moving within Plymouth, relocating to another part of Devon, or planning a long-distance move anywhere in the UK, having a clear moving house checklist can save time, money and unnecessary stress.
At PERERA Movers, we’ve helped hundreds of customers complete successful house moves throughout Plymouth, Plympton, Plymstock, Saltash, Ivybridge, Tavistock, Exeter, Cornwall and nationwide. This comprehensive moving house checklist will help you stay organised from the moment you decide to move until you’re fully settled into your new home.
Why Use A Moving House Checklist?
Many people underestimate how much planning goes into moving home.
A moving checklist helps you:
➢ Stay organised
➢ Avoid last-minute problems
➢ Reduce moving stress
➢ Save money
➢ Protect valuable belongings
➢ Meet important deadlines
➢ Prepare your family
➢ Make moving day run smoothly
The earlier you start planning, the easier your move will be.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is the ideal time to start planning your move.
Confirm Your Moving Plans
Once your property sale or tenancy is progressing, begin preparing for your move.
Research Removal Companies
Look for:
➢ Positive Reviews
➢ Local Experience
➢ Insurance Cover
➢ Transparent Pricing
➢ Professional Vehicles
If you’re moving in Plymouth, obtaining a quote from a trusted local company early can help secure your preferred moving date.
Request Removal Quotes
Gather quotations for:
➢ House Removals
➢ Packing Services
➢ Storage Solutions
➢ Furniture Dismantling
➢ Long Distance Moves
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is the perfect time to start reducing clutter.
Declutter Every Room
Ask yourself:
➢ Do I Use This?
➢ Do I Need This?
➢ Will It Fit In My New Home?
Items can be:
➢ Sold
➢ Donated
➢ Recycled
➢ Stored
Decluttering reduces moving costs and makes packing easier.
Create A Moving Folder
Keep all important documents together including:
➢ Contracts
➢ Removal Quotes
➢ Utility Information
➢ Estate Agent Details
➢ Completion Dates
➢ Insurance Documents
3 Weeks Before Moving Day
Start Packing Non-Essential Items
Begin with:
➢ Books
➢ Decorations
➢ Seasonal Clothing
➢ Spare Rooms
➢ Loft Contents
Clearly label every box.
Include:
➢ Room Destination
➢ Fragile Items
➢ Priority Items
Good labelling makes unpacking much easier.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Your move is now getting close.
Book Your Removal Company
Secure your preferred moving date.
Popular moving periods in Plymouth often become fully booked weeks in advance.
Arrange Packing Materials
You’ll likely need:
➢ Moving Boxes
➢ Bubble Wrap
➢ Packing Paper
➢ Parcel Tape
➢ Marker Pens
➢ Furniture Covers
Alternatively, consider professional Packing Services if you want to save time and reduce stress.
Notify Important Organisations
Inform:
➢ Banks
➢ Insurance Companies
➢ DVLA
➢ GP Surgery
➢ Dentist
➢ Employers
➢ Schools
➢ Subscription Providers
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Confirm Utility Arrangements
Arrange transfers for:
➢ Gas
➢ Electricity
➢ Water
➢ Broadband
➢ Telephone
➢ Council Tax
Arrange Childcare Or Pet Care
Moving day can be busy.
Consider whether children or pets may be more comfortable elsewhere during the move.
Review Storage Requirements
If your completion dates don’t align perfectly, temporary Storage Solutions may help bridge the gap.
1 Week Before Moving Day
Confirm Removal Details
Double-check:
➢ Moving Date
➢ Collection Address
➢ Delivery Address
➢ Access Information
➢ Parking Arrangements
➢ Special Items
Prepare An Essentials Box
Pack items you’ll need immediately after arriving.
Include:
➢ Phone Chargers
➢ Toiletries
➢ Medication
➢ Kettle
➢ Tea & Coffee
➢ Snacks
➢ Important Documents
➢ Children’s Essentials
The Day Before Moving
Defrost Appliances
If moving refrigerators or freezers:
➢ Empty Contents
➢ Defrost Completely
➢ Dry Thoroughly
Finish Remaining Packing
Only leave essential daily items unpacked.
Charge Mobile Phones
Ensure communication remains easy throughout moving day.
Get An Early Night
Moving day is often busy and physically demanding.
Moving Day Checklist
The big day has finally arrived.
Before The Removal Team Arrives
➢ Wake Up Early
➢ Have Breakfast
➢ Pack Final Essentials
➢ Check Every Room
➢ Remove Valuables
➢ Secure Important Documents
During Loading
Check:
➢ Nothing Is Forgotten
➢ Fragile Items Are Identified
➢ Keys Are Accessible
➢ Utilities Have Been Read
Final Property Check
Before leaving:
➢ Check Cupboards
➢ Check Loft
➢ Check Garage
➢ Check Garden
➢ Check Sheds
Many forgotten items are discovered during the final walk-through.
After Arriving At Your New Home
Prioritise Key Rooms
Start with:
➢ Kitchen
➢ Bedrooms
➢ Bathrooms
These rooms help your family settle quickly.
Check Delivered Items
Ensure:
➢ Furniture Arrived Safely
➢ Boxes Are Accounted For
➢ Appliances Are Positioned Correctly
Introduce Yourself To Neighbours
A friendly introduction can help you settle into your new community.
Common Moving Mistakes To Avoid
Many moving problems can be prevented.
Avoid:
➢ Booking Movers Too Late
➢ Underestimating Packing Time
➢ Forgetting Address Changes
➢ Overloading Boxes
➢ Leaving Packing Until The Last Minute
➢ Failing To Label Boxes
➢ Not Arranging Parking
➢ Ignoring Storage Requirements
Good preparation prevents most moving day issues.
Plymouth Moving Checklist For Local Residents
If you’re moving within Plymouth, consider:
➢ Parking Restrictions
➢ Permit Zones
➢ Apartment Access
➢ Narrow Roads
➢ School Traffic
➢ City Centre Access
Areas such as Mutley, Lipson, Stoke, Devonport and Plymouth City Centre may require additional parking planning.
Experienced local movers can often help identify potential access issues before moving day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Moving Services
If you’re planning a move, you may also find these services useful:
➢ House Removals
➢ Packing Services
➢ Storage Solutions
➢ Office Removals
➢ Areas We Cover
➢ Get A Free Quote
Get A Free Moving Quote
Planning a move in Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall or anywhere in the UK?
PERERA Movers provides professional house removals, packing services, storage solutions and nationwide moving services.
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