At Strong Move, we know that changing homes is always a time-consuming, complicated, challenging and stretched-over-weeks process. Moving is hard, and living in London makes it even harder.
As experts with years of experience, we try to make the process stress-free from beginning to end. You don’t need to be overwhelmed by every single detail to organise moving on the big day!
That’s why we compiled our easy-to-use checklist, a thorough and comprehensive timeline of strict scheduling as part of your wise strategy.
So,
- In what order should you attend tasks week after week?
- How will a timeline impact how you approach the transition itself?
Just some questions we explore in greater detail. Below, we outline chores, so you envision eight weeks out from your moving day.
Read it, save, or print to keep track of steps as the timelines progress. Planning, packing, utilities, services – we got it all covered! Of course, this planner is useful for moving anywhere, but we have included all the specifics if you live in London.
6-8 Weeks to Moving
It is always prudent to begin tackling the moving process at least two months before your intended date of departure. This will enable you to address all concerns in a piecemeal fashion.
To establish a clear timeline, here are some of the steps which should be taken eight weeks out:
- Research the area of your new home. How close is it to public transport? If you have kids, explore schools and prepare for the transfer. If you are changing your physician, start searching for a new one. Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations.
- Start a thorough and detailed inventory of your possessions.
- Determine which items you will bring along, as well as those that can be discarded before the move.
- Start de-cluttering. Why pay for moving stuff you will never use? Usually, moving out is the best time to do some cleaning up.
- Throw away things you won’t need. You can sell or donate some items. Don’t put it off! Early de-cluttering will help you organise your moving easier and faster. It also means more accurate estimates from a moving company like Strong Move.
- Decide whether you are going to pack yourself or not. If you are doing the packing yourself, start gathering as many packing materials as you can.
- Take enough boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and newspapers to pack all your items. You can always get all packing materials from us.
- Inform others that you are planning to move. This is often key, as important concerns such as transferring medical records to a new doctor or informing your child’s school that he or she will be changing locations and it can be addressed without experiencing an undue amount of pressure
- Think about which would be the best day of the to move.
In the event that you will be performing the move without the help of a company, this is the time when you should purchase all relevant packaging materials (such as boxes, labels, tape, and bubble wrap) from a trusted supplier.
While addressing these and similar questions, you can also visit the local area and become acquainted with your neighbours. The chances are high that they will provide you with worthwhile advice, and there is nothing wrong with laying the foundations for future friendships.
5 Weeks from Relocation
When you approach five weeks before the intended move, it is time to confirm any reservations that have been made with a removal company. This is important if you hope to secure the most amenable rates.
Inform your employer that you may be required to take a couple of days off from work. If the moving company will be packing your valuables, examine each room of your home and remove any clutter that might otherwise hamper the operation.
A Month in Advance
This next stage partially involves notifying the proper authorities of your impending move. Some of the institutions which should be contacted include:
- Notify all utility services about your moving (gas, electricity and water services). Don’t forget your phone company and internet provider.
- Notify your bank and insurance company about your new home.
- Notify the council in your current address so they can cancel your council tax. And inform the council in your new area about your move so they can set you the new tax. Fill out a Change Address form.
- If you are moving out of a rental house, inform your landlord.
- Check the weather in London for the preferred Moving out day. It will be easier both for you and your movers if the weather is nice.
- Book your move with the company you have chosen. The earlier – the better! Most of the moving companies in London could book you months in advance. If you need end of tenancy cleaning, ask your company whether they provide it. To get your deposit back, you must leave the place clean as a whistle. Hiring professionals is the best choice to be sure you will achieve that.
- If you have decided to pack yourself, start packing non-essentials. Begin with the seasonal stuff, then proceed with the rest of your house. The best way to do it is one room at a time. If you can’t organise it yourself – ask a moving company like Strong Move for help.
- If you need extra storage, book it.
- Organise the parking spot for your movers. This is important to do so you can cut down the time for the service and save money.
- Advise with your mover when you need to add or subtract anything from your moving plan.
As this process could take longer than initially anticipated, it is best to provide yourself with a flexible schedule.
Minus 3 Weeks: Physical Concerns to Address
- If you have kids or pets – organise day care on the date of move.
- Notify your newspaper deliverer and milkman that you are moving. Specify a date when you would like to have their services stopped or redirected.
- Confirm all the details, date, and parking spot with your movers.
- Start emptying the freezer.
- Arrange a day off for your moving day if it’s in the middle of the week.
- Start preparing your “Last out – First in” box. Put there all the things you will need on the first day at your new home. Take toilet roll, light bulbs, kettle, scissors, toiletries, pen and paper, torch and first aid kit. You can find a First Day Checklist to help you out. Also pack a few pieces of basic cutlery, bedding for your first day, and chargers for your phones. These will go in your Essential Box.
- Be sure to pack all your documents and personal items in one place. It’s best to take them with you when you move.
This next stage involves the most familiar part of any moving house timeline checklist: packing. This is normally the time when you will begin clearing out items within the kitchen and the cupboard.
Allow for no distraction, and if you have pets or children, ask a relative to mind them for the day. You will be much more complete without any distractions.
2 Weeks Before Moving
Decide whether you wish to transport your valuables or to leave them with a friend instead until the move is completed.
Other ancillary concerns, such as speaking with a locksmith if you are concerned about the security of your new home, can likewise be addressed during this stage.
This is also the time when you should pack any essentials that were not addressed earlier. Ensure that all boxes are labelled correctly and that everyday items (such as toiletries and kitchen cutlery) are packed in such a way as they can be easily accessed when you arrive at your new home. Double-check if fragile items have been labelled accordingly.
One Week Before Moving
- During the week leading up to the move, you should
- Contact the moving company to confirm that they will be arriving at the predetermined time. Cover in greater detail what you should expect from the service.
- Ask how many employees will be present as well as how long they anticipate for the entire job to take.
- Arrange for a serviceman to disconnect the gas and any appliance you will take with you. Risking with non-certified helpers can heavy to irreversible damage, comments power & electrical professional John Keohane.
- Start dismantling any flat-pack furniture. If you cannot manage it yourself, you can book a professional disassembling service.
- Finish the packing of all your items. See our 50+ packing tips.
- Defrost your refrigerator or freezer. They should be completely dry on the moving day.
- Now is a good time to notify your friends about your moving and throw one great “Good Bye” party.
- Be sure all the mechanical or electrical equipment is properly serviced and packed for moving.
- Return all borrowed items and retrieve the ones you have loaned
2 days before the move
- Do last-minute laundry.
- Make a list of contacts (Solicitors, Estate Agent, Mortgage Broker).
- Prepare and label all the keys to be ready for returning.
- Call your estate agent or landlord to arrange the keys for your new home.]
The Day Before
There should be very few items left within your home at this stage. Make certain that nothing is left behind and that all rooms have been given a once-over in terms of their cleanliness. Charge any electronic devices, pack your car with the essentials and above all, attempt to get a sound night’s sleep.
Moving Day Checklist
When the day finally arrives, get up early and prepare coffee for yourself, your spouse, and the movers if you’re expecting them before noon.
After sipping on your coffee, go around the house and check for anything you may have forgotten or missed. If you have planned to do the packing on your moving day – get to it as soon as you finish your breakfast.
- Dismantle the bed or leave it to your movers if you are not familiar with how to do it.
- Welcome your moving team.
- Show removalists what you want to have moved, what you want to leave, and give them details about your boxes.
- Finish packing the last items from your bathroom.
- Drop the children/pets at your arranged babysitter/friends.
- Leave a list with all the important information the future tenants could need.
- Write all meter readings for water, gas, electricity and telecommunication services. This should prevent billing disputes at a later date.
- Write the rubbish collection schedule as well.
- Make sure all windows are properly closed.
- Unplug all remaining electronics.
- Do a final walk-through (don’t forget the garden/attic/basement).
- Clean the property.
- When everything is loaded, make sure your movers have your new address.
- Leave all keys to your landlord or estate agent.
- Say last goodbye to your old house.
- Move on.
Post Move Checklist
The move isn’t complete yet! Now it’s time for the check-up of your new home and vital unpacking.
- Make an inspection of your new home. Be sure all services are working – electric, water and gas.
- If you want to change the new locks, make sure your locksmith.
- When the moving team arrives, make sure you show them which room is which, so they know where to unload your stuff.
- Make certain that all valuables are accounted for and that the relocation company is carefully handling your possessions.
- Check if everything is in order and all your items are there. When the movers leave, be sure to leave a great review!
Just Moved In
- Don’t unpack everything at once.
- Unpack essential boxes only.
- Check out our professional tips for unpacking after moving for post moving day.
- Enjoy your new home (Takeaway and a bottle of champagne is a great way to start)! Throw a fantastic house-warming party!
We hope you find this moving house checklist helpful.
Putting it All Together: Your Comprehensive Moving Home Timeline
Preparation is the key to success if you hope to avoid any unexpected snags during the moving process. A clear and concise timeline is an important step that should never be overlooked. This is extremely important when choosing a moving date. Moving to a new home does not necessarily have to be daunting and stressful. Sometimes, you just have to change the location, maybe cope with British home buyers, find a better rental or move in with your spouse. Of course, it may be advisable to extend this timeline further if you happen to be dealing with many personal items or if you will be moving far away.
The good news is that our team is here to assist. Do contact us for advice or to speak with a qualified representative.
