The Ultimate Moving House Checklist: Stay Organised from Start to Finish
Are you planning on moving house? While this new chapter can be exciting, we understand that the process can be overwhelming - with the sorting, packing, and logistics involved.
But what if we tell you that all of this can be done in a stress-free way? Yes, you read that right. And the answer as to how is quite simple: developing a structured plan. With a structured moving plan at hand, your house move can be successful and manageable.
In this blog, we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive moving checklist, covering everything from early planning to settling into your new space.
As a family-run removals business for 30 years, Wilsons of Edinburgh is here to make you move safe and hassle-free through our expert services and advice.
6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day: Planning Stage
In any house move, you can’t leave everything to chance and expect the process to go smoothly. You need to allocate at least 6-8 weeks before your moving day to make sure everything is settled. That’s enough time to prepare and get ready for the big day!
Here’s a list of things you need to do and check to complete your planning stage:
Create a moving timeline
From planning to moving day, it’s important to have a clear timeline of your house move. You break it into phases, so you won’t be overwhelmed with long list of tasks that you have to finish. This is also a great opportunity to create a moving plan to make sure to avoid overlooking essential items and task during the process.
Get quotes from removal companies
You can do house moves by yourself but hiring a professional removal company can help you lessen the stress and enjoy the journey. To choose the right removals partner, research potential companies and ask for quotes.
You can use this to compare their prices, inclusions, and additional services. This way, you can choose the best one based on your budget and needs!
And if you choose Wilsons of Edinburgh as your home removals partner, make sure to book your house move early to secure availability.
Declutter & downsize
We understand how packing a huge number of items can be overwhelming. To make things easier, you can start sorting your items and see what you want to keep, donate, sell, or dispose. Minimising the items to move can help you pack quickly and efficiently.
Here’s a good article that can help you with your decluttering: Top tips for decluttering your home ahead of a big house move.
If you can’t declutter your things, you can consider hiring a house removal service to help you organise your items. These companies can take care of everything for you, and you’ll only be left with a clutter-free home.
Check-out your new home
Part of your preparation is checking in on your new space. This is the perfect time to confirm your move in date, measure doorways for large furniture, and see if there’s any repairs needed.
Taking note of these items can help your move go smoothly and avoid moving in too early or get stressed over defective plumbing.
Notify your landlord (if applicable)
If you’re renting your space, notify your landlord as soon as your moving date is confirmed. Do this so you can avoid paying extra costs and have enough time to clear out your things before you move.
Book time off work
Moving can take a lot of time and effort, so it’s best to book time off at work to focus on this process. You can take a leave before your moving date and your actual moving day to have enough time to prepare and settle in your new home.
Start packing non-essential items
After decluttering, another way to get ahead of your moving process is by packing your non-essential items early. Think of seasonal clothing, books, craft supplies, collectibles – things that you don’t necessarily use daily.
4-5 Weeks Before Moving: Administrative Tasks
Once the planning stage is done, it’s time to move on to the next step: administrative tasks. This includes updating your address, informing suppliers, and organising home insurance. Let’s explore the complete tasks below:
Redirect mail
Don’t forget to redirect your post to your new home address via Royal Mail. You can do it online by opening an account on their website or you can print out their application for and bring it personally to your local post office.
Change your address
When you move, you also need to notify banks, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), insurance providers, GP, and subscriptions, so they can send your billing to your new home address.
Inform your utility providers
Reach out to your current utility providers (gas, electricity, water, internet, phone) to schedule final meter readings and make sure services are either cancelled or switched over to your new address. You should also arrange for utilities to be activated in your new home from moving day.
Arrange school & healthcare transfers
If you’re moving to a new area, make sure to inform your current school and doctor about your move so you can prepare for the necessary process to smoothly transition to a new one.
Sort out home insurance
Home insurance is important, so make sure your new home is insured from the day you move in. Call your current provider to update your policy or you can look for a new one if that’s what you prefer.
Outline a moving budget
List all your expected expenses including removal services, packing materials, possible storage fees, and house clearance to have an overview of the overall cost of your move. Having a clear budget will help you avoid surprises and manage your move more effectively.
Another useful resource that could help you plan out your moving budget: How to Create a Moving Budget.
3 Weeks Before Moving: Packing & Organising
Three weeks before your move means tackling all the physical aspects of moving: packing and organising! Follow the tips below to help you get started on the dreaded task of packing:
Stock up on packing supplies
If you decide to pack your items by yourself, make sure to complete your packaging materials such as:
- sturdy boxes
- bubble wrap
- heavy duty tape
- label stickers
- protective covers for furniture and fragile items.
If you decide to hire a removals company like Wilsons, they usually offer additional service for packing and wrapping, which already includes professional grade packing materials.
Create an inventory
The best way to guarantee you won’t forget any item in your current home is by creating an inventory. You can use this to track your belongings, especially valuables and sentimental items.
Keep track of your belongings, especially valuables or sentimental items. A written inventory will help you stay organised and make unpacking easier.
Start room-by-room packing
Now that you have your packaging materials and inventory, it’s time to start packing! Start packing rooms that you use the least. This usually contains seasonal items, decorations, and guest room items, which you won’t need in the next few weeks. After that, you can slowly move on to other rooms until all left are the essentials.
Label boxes clearly
Make your move more efficient by putting labels on each box. Write the room name and the list of contents of each box, so you and the removals team know exactly where to place things in your new home. This also makes unpacking less stressful! Because who wants to open multiple boxes just to see what’s inside?
Use a 'first night' essentials box
Keep your essentials like toiletries, chargers, bedding, pyjamas, snacks, tea/coffee, and important documents on a separate box, so it’s already organised and ready to be picked up on your moving day.
Dismantle unused furniture
If you have unused furniture, better to dismantle them early to save time on your moving day. Avoid misplacing the screws and fittings by putting them in labelled bags taped to the furniture.
Sell or donate unwanted items
Remember the items you decluttered and sorted during your planning stage? Now’s the time to sell or donate these things that you no longer need. When you have less items to move, you can free up space in your new home and save on moving costs.
2 Weeks Before Moving: Last-Minute Tasks
With just two weeks left, you’ll now have to deal with last-minute tasks to make sure everything is ready before your moving day.
Confirm arrangements with your removal company
Contact your chosen removals company to confirm all the details of your move. Check the arrival time, address, any special handling instructions, and parking access to guarantee that all information is clearly laid out to you and the removals team.
This is also the best time to check your balance, available payment methods, and payment dues.
Plan for pets & children
If you have kids and furry friends, you may not be able to take care of them during your move since your busy handling everything. If possible, ask a friend, family member, or a sitter to look after them a day before your move and on the day of your move.
Clean out the freezer & pantry
Avoid stocking up food items and frozen goods, especially if it won’t be used before the move. It’s better to consume your remaining perishable goods up until the day of your house move.
Take photos of utility meters & valuables
Take photos of your final gas, electric, and water meter readings to know how much your final bill are. You can also take photos of your high-value items before packing them for insurance purposes.
Pack a 'tool kit' box
Don’t forget to pack your tools and equipment such as screwdrivers, an Allen keys, scissors, bin bags, light bulbs, and cleaning cloths. This will come handy when you set up your furniture and appliances in your new place!
Moving Week: Final Preparations
You’re getting closer to your big day! With only a week left before your move, dedicate this time to double check everything and make sure your essentials are ready to go.
Deep clean your old home
If you live in a flat, avoid penalty fees by leaving your unit clean before you move. You can DIY the cleaning, but you can also hire a professional cleaning service if you can’t fit this task into your schedule.
Defrost the fridge & freezer
If your unit comes with a fridge, make sure to clean, defrost, and empty it at least 24 hours before your move.
Disconnect & secure appliances
Unplug and secure your appliances such as washing machine, dishwasher, and oven to prepare them for moving.
Pack personal & important documents separately
Make sure your personal and important documents are safe and secure in a separate box. Avoid putting them together with your other boxes so it won’t get lost. Some documents to pack are:
- Passports
- birth certificates
- insurance documents
- house contracts.
Label essential boxes 'unpack first'
Unpack your items quickly and stress-free at your new place by labelling essential boxes with “unpack first”. These boxes usually contain kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom items.
Prepare payment for movers (if needed)
Check in with your removals company whether you need to settle your final payment on or before your moving date. Make sure to have a cash or card ready for any outstanding balance or tips.
Do a final walkthrough of the property
Before handing over the keys, do a final walkthrough of your old house, checking every nook and cranny to make sure nothing is left behind.
Moving Day: Execution & Efficiency
The big day is here! Wondering how you can prepare for your moving day and make sure everything goes smoothly and efficiently? Read below for our top tips!
Wake up early & stay hydrated
Begin your moving day right by waking up early. Make sure to have breakfast and plenty of water, since moving house is physically exhausting, and you need all the energy to get through the process. Also, dress comfortably so you can move freely when travelling, loading and unpacking.
Supervise the removals team
Guide the removals team through your home, assisting them with what goes first, any fragile items to consider, and just answering any general questions they might have.
Hand over the keys
If you're renting, ensure that you return the keys to the letting agent or landlord. If your home is for sale, follow the timeline agreed with your solicitor and make sure you pass your keys on to the relevant person.
Double-check every room
Do one last check of all rooms and storages to confirm that everything is packed and nothing is forgotten.
Guide the movers on box placement
Assist the movers on where they should place the box. Since you already labelled the boxes with particular rooms they belong, it will be easy for the movers to put it in the right place and for you to sort it later. However, it might not be clear which rooms are which as the house will likely be empty, so it's still worth guiding them on where to put what to save you the hassle later on.
Reconnect utilities & appliances
Once your appliances are unloaded, start plugging in your fridge, washing machine, and other essential appliances. It’s also best to have someone test sockets and switches before trying them out, particularly if you're moving with kids.
Settling In: The First Few Days
Once the move is complete, it’s time to settle into your new space! This is the perfect time to savour your new environment and make yourself really feel at home. Here are some tips on how you can settle in nicely:
Unpack essentials first
You’re still in the settling in phase, so you can start by unpacking the essential first. Think of things that you need to function comfortably – toiletries, chargers, towels, bedding, and kitchen items.
Change the locks (if needed)
For peace of mind and security purposes, consider changing the locks in your new home, especially if they had previous occupants.
Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
Safety should be your number one priority in your new home. Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Meet the neighbours
Another great way to settle in your new home is by meeting your neighbours! A quick introduction can help you establish connection with your neighbours and learn more about your new community.
Register with local services
Find your local GP, dentist, and school so you can start signing up process.
Relax & enjoy your new space
Finally, don’t forget to relax and enjoy your new space! Moving house can be stressful, and you can use this time to rest and admire your new surroundings.
Most importantly, unpack at your own pace. Don’t rush it and just enjoy the moment for a while because you’ve earned it!
Your Stress-Free Move Starts Here!
Moving can be stressful, but you can turn it into an exciting, hassle-free journey by planning and staying organised.
At Wilsons, we treat your move as if it’s our own. As a family-run business with over 30 years of experience, we’ve supported many families across Edinburgh and the Lothians move seamlessly, and we want to do the same for you.
Our professional movers are here to guide you, from start to finish, so you can make a memorable and hassle-free move.
And to help you further with your house move, we’ve transformed this guide into a printable version which you can use to stay on track with your moving journey.
Reach out to our team today for a free quote or consultation!
