Moving House Checklist

Find out what to consider when choosing a mortgage, and then arrange your mortgage.

If you’re looking to sell your property, compare estate agents at netanagent

Research your new area for information about local news and facilities

If you have kids, transfer their school records and order new uniforms

If you are currently renting, confirm your moving date with your landlord or estate agent.

Purchase a journal or file to keep documents and notes on your move – include to-do lists, important numbers, dates and details of conversations. You could also get a USB on your keyring to ensure you always have the necessary documents with you and back up everything to the cloud.

Using this online tool you can on Compare costs,  RICS surveyor for your home survey

Make a full inventory of your possessions

Decide what to take to your new home and where you’ll put them – a floor plan of your new home may help; your seller or estate agent should have one

Find out the best ways to purge your unwanted possessions. Remember, removal companies quote on volume so the less you have to move, the cheaper your move will be

Your removal company may be able to supply you with them or you could get some through Bar Services. Our sister company The Box Shop, they provides everything you will need to move house. 

If you’re relocating due to a job move, find out what costs your employer will cover. 

Large removals vehicles at your current home and at your new home.  Your removals firm may need to apply to the Council for permits

If you haven’t confirmed a date with your removal company, check their availability. If you’ve already got quotes for your move but haven’t chosen a company.

Work out a route for your moving day – consider the route for the removals truck and if there are any low bridges or weight-restricted areas

If you need some of your household items storage, our sister company Tuxford Self Storage. with a secure indoor facility, we can help your store items for as long as you want.

Organise to have your new house cleaned in between the old owners moving out and you moving in

You can order furnishings ready for arrival at your new home and book carpet fitters if any carpets need replacing. If you are having blinds or anything else fitted, and aren’t moving far, visit the property to check measurements in person. Otherwise use plans.

Start packing non-essential items and least used rooms.

Clean any gardening equipment you want the removals company to transport.

Notify relevant utility companies and switch home insurance to your new home

Check that everything you are taking with you in the car fits. 

Book overnight hotel accommodation if the journey is a long one – many hotel chains offer regular promotions where rooms in less popular locations can be booked relatively cheaply

If relevant, check you have enough medication for the moving period

Arrange child and pet care for your moving day – give friends and family enough notice if you need help

Book people to carry out services if your removal company is not providing them e.g. house cleaning, dismantling of flat pack furniture, plumber for the dishwasher and washing machines

Safely dispose of all flammable materials and liquids that require specialist treatment – your removal company cannot move dangerous liquids

Cancel local services you receive and settle outstanding bills. Remember to consider any subscription boxes or magazines, along with newspapers, gardeners, cleaners, window cleaners or oil deliveries

Run down freezer foods and other perishables that won’t transport well

Prepare a Moving Day Survival Kit containing everything you need to get you through the day feeling relaxed, calm and in control

Finish as much of your packing as possible so you have everything ready to go – make sure you do this systematically and don’t forget about outdoor toys and equipment

Cross-reference boxes to rooms – or colour labelling boxes to make organisation easier on the day

Gather together keys for your current property and don’t forget spares given to neighbours or friends

Give the post office your new address and arrange a mail redirection service

Defrost the fridge and freezer – ensure they are completely dry before moving

Return any borrowed items you might have forgotten about, like tools or books

Give away plants and flowers you won’t be taking with you – it is not easy for removal companies to move potted plants. If you are eager to take your plants have a look at our guide on transporting plants.

Box up and label so it’s ready to be unpacked at your new house

Send out change of address cards to friends and relatives – for a full list of who to notify when moving house.

You’ll need them for your new home! To your new home from the Estate Agent. 

Put together a mini-toolkit including a sharp knife for opening boxes on arrival

Ensure you have the keys to your new house, or have arranged to collect them in advance and gather together keys for all locks from your old home

Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged (and you’ve got your charger handy on the day). 

If you are arranging help from family and friends on a moving day, confirm the details with them and that they have your new address if they need it

Strip the beds and pack your bedding and curtains

Identify fragile boxes and items going with you in the car, so we don’t pack them

Until your movers have finished packing to check the packing inventory – make sure you are happy everything is accounted for as you will have to sign as confirmation

Leave all the sets of keys as arranged for the new owners

Check all windows are secure and utilities are switched off

Make sure your movers have contact details for you, and confirm the address of the new property

Keep copies of contact details for your conveyancer, estate agent and removal company, you never know when you will need them!

Confirm what is going where and any special instructions to us. Make sure you have one person ready and available at the new property to guide them around the house. If you colour code the rooms on the floor plan to correspond with boxes this will make it easier for them. You could also stick a coloured piece of paper on each door to make it easier.

Account for each item on your inventory and check for any damaged or missing items. Only sign it when you’re happy

Ensure you’ve got everything you need to feel comfortable.

Where you can easily find them in a sea of boxes – it sounds strange, but in the bath is a good option!

Read utility meters in your new home – take photos on your phone to keep them safe

Check that all the keys for the property work. If you’ve hired a locksmith to put new locks in, keep new keys separate from old ones.

Make sure it is child/pet-proof if applicable (check for hidden ponds, broken fencing or access points that need securing)

If the previous owners have left anything put it in a box and arrange for them to collect it later

Plug in your telephones, mobile phones and larger appliances such as fridges and freezers

Ensure you know how to use it so you can have a hot shower and a warm house

Settle younger children in a room with some toys and treats

If possible, keep pets away until you’re settled in

e.g. out of hours doctors, taxi numbers, vets, local hospitals etc

Order dinner and leave the unpacking for tomorrow. If you’re ordering a takeaway through an app or online be sure to update your delivery address!

If you had milk, newspapers or subscriptions set up to your old address, you may want to start them again at your new property.

Compare energy prices to find a good deal on utilities.

Your neighbours may introduce themselves, but if they don’t, take the opportunity to say hello. They’ll likely have great tips about the area

Making your room a little more like yours with photos and personal items can make a big difference to comfort levels

Research how long will it take and how much will it cost you to move.

Research government schemes that can help you get on the ladder and whether they work for you.

Look up who does what & when.

Collect together paperwork you might need for applications, like bank statements, P60s and wage slips etc (Identity checks will be carried out by the mortgage lender/advisor)

Estimate your moving costs using a Moving Cost Calculator.

Decide in advance how you want to make use of the Shared Ownership system – do you want to buy your portion and move on a few years later, or potentially staircase to own the whole thing? Learn more about Shared Ownership and staircasing .

Use our property viewing checklist to prepare any questions you want to ask (Ask about extra costs – council tax band, service charges, ground rent. These will differ for leasehold and freehold)

Visit the property at different times of the day, to see what the traffic and local area are like. Will it affect your commute, does it feel less safe at night, what are the local amenities like? If you want to live in the area, it makes sense to get to know it before you move in.

Learn about what a conveyancing solicitor does and how to choose one.

Always make copies. This is where you’ll need to provide proof of identification, proof of deposit and lots of other things.

Decide how much to offer and how high (don’t overextend your wallet, have a limit) or low you can afford to go. Find out how to negotiate.

Make an offer on your desired property. There are a few tips and tricks to making your offer and getting the ball rolling on buying your first home. Make sure its subject to survey & finance.

If your offer is rejected don’t despair! Focus on what you can learn and what you can do next.

Getting a rough idea can help you plan. Also check if the sellers or your solicitor plan to go on holiday any time soon. This can slow down the process more than you might think!

You’ll be asked to complete various paperwork from your conveyancing solicitor. Fill it out as thoroughly and clearly as possible, and always keep a copy to hand, on a USB stick.

When signing documents do as quickly as you can and return them using a secure postal service. Bear in mind you can use an app like Adobe PDF to send copies digitally, and some software allows you to digitally sign.

Check which (if any) white goods, as well as fixtures and fittings are included in the sale. The seller will fill out a TA10 form, listing everything included in the property. If elements are inbuilt, they are usually included. If not, ask if they’d be happy to sell them to you. It may be cheaper than buying a new washing machine, fridge or dishwasher.

Speak to your mortgage broker, or if you haven’t already, an advisor from Mortgage Advice Bureau who can help you find one that works for you.

Make sure they are fully qualified and well-reviewed. 

Go through the survey and work out if you need to re-negotiate the offer price (Work out how much you will have to spend on the property for the next 5-10 years in maintenance and repairs)

You’ll need more than you think! Our sister company The Box Shop has a variety of packing materials that have everything you need to move into your new house.

We take great pride in being an elite team that runs like clockwork. Our success stems from our ‘people first‘ approach and the personal touch is at the heart of our very foundation.

Check the parking restrictions for large removals vehicles at your current home and at your new home. Your removals firm may need to apply to the Council for permits

Clear out the loft, shed, and other storage and outside spaces – clean any gardening equipment you want the removals company to transport.

When your property searches are returned, ask any questions about the property you need to know eg rights of way, warranties, gas and electric safety certificates.

Completion date with your conveyancing solicitor, as well as your moving in day (Remember to tell your removals firm if you have one).

Either transfer your account, or look for a better deal. (Check how long it will take for your broadband to be set up, as you might need to invest in a dongle for internet access whilst you’re waiting)

Transfer your deposit to your solicitor’s account (they will transfer it on). Make sure you test a small amount first, double check bank details and confirm receipt of the payment with your solicitor. Fraud is rife around these huge payments, so don’t get caught ou

Organise your buildings insurance for exchange (maybe cheaper to organise buildings and contents insurance together)

Sign the paperwork ready for exchange. In the past, this would have been done at a solicitor’s office, but post Covid, can be typically carried out via digital signatures

If breaking down any furniture, put all the small parts into a sandwich bag, and tape it to one of the bigger pieces.

If taking apart complicated electricals, take a photo of the back so you can easily see which plug goes where.

Set up a post redirection service if needed, and set up your new address into the key websites and apps (don’t send that moving night takeaway to the old address!) Check our Change of Address checklist.

Pack a moving day survival kit. That means kettle, cups, snacks as well as cleaning and unpacking supplies, and your basic toiletries. Don’t forget your charger!

Collect up any keys, including spares that are with friends/family or ones for windows/sheds/garages, and return them to the landlord/agent.

Don’t forget any items and make sure your home is ready for its new residents. If you’re renting make sure it’s clean and you have taken pictures.

As soon as your conveyancing company confirms your money has hit the sellers legal company’s bank account!

Raise any issues you may find with the conveyancing firm (E.G. damage to the property, items left behind)

Do a quick clean and tidy, then make the beds so you can fall straight into them after a busy day.

If you’ve pulled in friends and family to help out, whether that’s transporting, packing or looking after pets or kids, then make sure you feed them up at the end of the day. Moving is so much harder when we do it on our own.

Plug in your telephones, mobile phones and larger appliances such as fridges and freezers

Register with your new GP surgery.

Compare energy prices to find a good deal on utilities.

Introduce yourself to the neighbours, they’ll probably be the ones to ask about local information.

Explore your new area so you know the important things – food shops, petrol station, local transport etc.

When you know how much your current property is worth, work out the needs and wants from a new property

Look into your options around buying a home -what property schemes are open to you?

Browse properties in your local area (or the area you’re interested in) online to get an idea of pricing

Consider whether you are better off securing the space you need by buying a new home, or renovating the one you live in – it maybe cheaper and easier

If you are buying with cash, make sure the money is easily accessible for concluding the exchange and completion. You are only a cash buyer if you have instant access to all the money required to buy the home

Make sure you have the deposit you need and understand how the money will work – how much will the solicitors need? How much can be paid on completion, from the sale of your own home?

If securing a mortgage, check your credit score – a good score will give you more options when it comes to getting a good mortgage rate

Pay down debt and minimise borrowing in the run up to looking for a mortgage

Collect paperwork you might need to check your affordability, like bank statements, P60s, wage slips etc

If you are buying with a mortgage, check your affordability and mortgage suitability with a broker/lender before you start searching for property. Where appropriate, and if advised by your broker, obtain a mortgage Agreement in Principle

Keep some money aside for any adjustments to the new home if needed.

It’s likely you will need an identity check to meet anti money laundering requirements, the same check is likely to be needed for your legal firm and lender/broker

Search online for your type of property in a local radius, tick the box which says ‘sold subject to contract’ and choose the agents who are currently selling homes similar to yours. This will give you an idea of how much properties like yours are selling for – and which ones are overpriced

Compare estate agents on Netanagent – not all agents charge the same fees. Have a look at our guide to choosing a great estate agent.

Secure three agents to visit and value your home. Make sure they have sold similar properties to yours over the last 6 months and have comparables

Consider an open house or limit bookings to a certain day so you can still carry on with your life

Decide what the lowest possible offer you’re happy to accept is

Check whether your EPC is up to date, and get a new one if not. Consider whether you want to make any improvements before getting a new EPC

Fill in the estate agent’s Property information Questionnaire (PIQ) – the more information buyers have before they make an offer, the more likely your sale will be successful. For example, provide information about a lease, any flooding or subsidence

Instruct a conveyancing firm on the day of or before you market your property. If you know who you will be getting a mortgage from, ask the property lawyer if they are on that lender’s panel. Provide your property lawyer with your ID information to enable them to carry out anti-money laundering checks. They cannot start work until these checks are completed. Provide title information and any plans, deeds, notices, any lease and rent and service charge statements and any other information that may be relevant to a buyer of the property

Ahead of any viewings – you want your home to look spacious. Throw away or donate items that make it look cluttered, and that you won’t be taking to your new home

Clean and potentially rearrange your property. Depending on how long it’s on the market, and the level of interest, you may want to give it a lick of paint in neutral colours. Fix anything broken! As a guide, to sell a home, spend up to 1% of the value to make it look great

If you have to sign documents, do ask the legal company to send them next day, pick up and return within a day or two. Bear in mind you can use an app like Adobe PDF to send copies digitally, and some software allows you to digitally sign

Check which (if any) white goods, as well as fixtures and fittings are included in the sale. The seller will fill out a TA10 form, listing everything included in the property. If elements are inbuilt, they are usually included. If not, ask if they’d be happy to sell them to you. It may be cheaper than buying a new washing machine, fridge or dishwasher.

You’ll be asked to complete various paperwork from your conveyancing solicitor. Fill it out as thoroughly and clearly as possible, and always keep a copy to hand, on a USB stick.

You will need to provide any guarantees and warranties, any Part P or Building Regs certificates, insurance for any subsidence, copies of service/ground rent charges etc

If you are missing any critical paperwork, it may be possible for your conveyancer to secure indemnity insurance

If you are buying or selling, it may be worth getting an electrical and gas safety certificate, especially if works were carried out some time ago and the relevant paperwork isn’t available

Make a list of your ‘nice to have’s and ‘non-negotiables’. Don’t view any properties out of your price range.

Get a second opinion from family or friends – they might see something you don’t

Check what the owners circumstances are. Are they in a hurry to move? Can they move somewhere temporarily? Do they have to buy and sell at the same time?

Ask about extra costs – council tax band, service charges, ground rent. These will differ for leasehold and freehold

Check if the property is leasehold. If it is, check how long the lease will last and what associated costs there are

Visit the property at different times of the day, to see what the traffic and local area are like. Will it affect your commute, does it feel less safe at night, what are the local amenities like? If you want to live in the area, it makes sense to get to know it before you move in.

Consider how to compare different properties to decide which one is best

Discuss with the agent if they think it’s a good offer and ask about the buyers’ circumstances: are they First Time Buyers, cash buyers, trading up or down? Are they stuck in a long chain? The highest offer may not be the best purchaser

The agent will require the details of your conveyancer if you haven’t instructed one already

Or your offer is rejected, then make sure you are clear what you would accept or could offer

When you make an offer be clear about why you are offering the amount you are if it’s lower than the asking price. Have you seen other properties available for less, does it require work, is it just as much as you can afford?

Give everyone, including yourself, time to think about the offer, even if rejected

Any offers made should be ‘subject to a survey’ so make sure you put that in writing and remember offers can be changed and sellers can pull out prior to exchange

Your conveyancing solicitor will require an identity check and your signature on their T&Cs to start the process. They may also need up to £250 to start the searches . They may feedback on anything they discover. You may discover something that changes whether you want to go ahead, or requires extra measures, like indemnity insurance.

When you receive the survey report, go through it with the Surveyor, asking questions if anything is unclear. Decide whether you want to go ahead. If there are smaller issues, talk to your conveyancer about renegotiating based on the costs you’ll have to cover.

Check the EPC so you know how high your bills are likely to be, and whether you need to improve the energy efficiency of your home when you move

Find out where you are if in a chain – will you complete first or last? Have a plan B to stay somewhere overnight if required

Get packing boxes ready – you’ll need more than you think! Our sister company The Box Shop have all different packaging products to help provide you with everything you need to move house.

If you are downsizing, compare the costs of a skip and a clearance company, the latter maybe cheaper. Remember if giving furniture to charities or selling, it will need fire safety labels.

Check when you need to transfer your deposit to your solicitor’s account (they will transfer it on). Make sure you test a small amount first, double check bank details and confirm receipt of the payment with your solicitor. Fraud is rife around these huge payments, so don’t get caught out.

You’ll need to arrange Building Insurance to start from the day of exchange, as you will be legally responsible for the property.

In the past, this would have been done at a solicitor’s office, but post Covid, can be typically carried out via digital signatures

Label up your boxes with their contents and the room you want them to go into.

Confirm your moving in/completion date.

Confirm when you’ll pick up the keys from the estate agent or if they will meet you at the property

Let your utility suppliers know you’re moving and either transfer your account, or look for a better deal. (Check how long it will take for your broadband to be set up, as you might need to invest in a dongle for internet access whilst you’re waiting)

Make sure any keys left for the buyer are labelled or in/next to the locks that they are for.

Pack a moving day survival kit. That means kettle, cups, snacks as well as cleaning and unpacking supplies, and your basic toiletries. Don’t forget your charger!

Collect up any keys, including spares that are with friends/family or ones for windows/sheds/garages, and return them to the landlord/agent.

If breaking down any furniture, put all the small parts into a sandwich bag, and tape it to one of the bigger pieces.

If taking apart complicated electricals, take a photo of the back so you can easily see which plug goes where.

Set up a post redirection service if needed, and set up your new address into the key websites and apps (don’t send that moving night takeaway to the old address!) Check our Change of Address checklist.

If time, create a ‘helpful hints’ note for the buyers, explaining how the heating works, any security systems, where the meters are and the stop cock. Leave a loo roll in the toilets!

Take photos of your meters so you can pay the final bill.

Do a final sweep through for any forgotten items.

Drop off and collect your keys!

When you unload boxes in your new home, put them in the correct rooms according to the labels.

Set up a tea and coffee station.

No matter how much gets done, you want to know you’ll be able to sleep in your bed. If you’ve packed your boxes by room, you can decide what your priority is.

If you’ve pulled in friends and family to help out, whether that’s transporting, packing or looking after pets or kids, then make sure you feed them up at the end of the day. Moving is so much harder when we do it on our own.

Make a note of local numbers you might need – out of hours doctorsr surgeries, vets etc.

Register with your new GP surgery, and all the other places on our Change of Address Checklist.

Compare energy prices to find a good deal on utilities.

Introduce yourself to the neighbours, they’ll probably be the ones to ask about local information.

Explore your new area so you know the important things – food shops, petrol station, local transport etc.

Becoming a homeowner is a big step, and it’s worth celebrating! Whether you’re ready to show off your home yet, or you’re waiting to get it just how you like it, invite people to celebrate with you.

Consider where you want to live.

Do your research on what type of property you need and what’s available/affordable.

Do you need a parking space, or a second bedroom?

Look on property portals and sign up to mailing lists. You could also talk directly with estate agents in the area, as they may have properties that haven’t been listed yet, or are likely to come on the market soon.

If commuting or being near friends/family is a priority, work outwards from railway/bus stations.

If the current tenants are in the property, take the opportunity to ask questions during the viewing. For example, you might want to know more about the property, or what the landlord is like.

Ask how long the current tenants have been there, and why they’re moving.

Visit the area at different times of day. If you like a property, visit it at night and during rush hour to see the impact living there might have.

Ask what’s included in the rent – if bills aren’t included, ask for estimations of the bills and council tax.

Get a copy of your signed tenancy agreement.

You’ll need referencing, along with a deposit (often 6 weeks rent) plus one month in advance. Ask if there are any costs, what they are and if they’re likely to increase. Remember, estate agents are no longer able to charge administration fees.

Know when you’re going to pick up the keys.

Are there any limitations, like pets, overnight guests, parking restrictions?

If you’re moving on from a rental property that you’ve been in for a while, you’ll probably have to give a month’s notice, at least. Check your contract.

Your deposit must be paid into the Tenancy Deposit Scheme – this means it is safely stored and will be returned to you. It is illegal for the estate agent to keep your deposit in their own account. You will get a confirmation from the TDS when your deposit has been registered.

Know who your contact is, whether the landlord or an estate agent. Who do you go to if the boiler stops working, or something breaks? Check to see whether they have an out of hours number so you know you can get through even at the weekend.

Have a look at our guide to sorting through, throwing away and recycling items you don’t need, to make your move easier.

Label your packing boxes with the room they’re going to, to help making moving day smoother.

If your situation is changing (you’re moving in with new people, or moving in by yourself) consider which items you might end up doubling up on, and which you don’t have. Make a list!

Don’t forget to change over your bills – gas and electricity, water, internet, and let the council know you’re moving. It’s also an opportunity to switch to better deals.

If you’re moving on from a rental property, make sure to thoroughly clean it (or hire a local cleaner) to increase your chances of getting your deposit back.

If you are moving on from a rented property, you may have to have viewings, as the agent or landlord will likely not want to leave it empty for a month. Keeping the space tidy and clutter free will make it more appealing, and hopefully hook a new tenant quickly, cutting down on the number of visits.

Have a look at our moving day survival kit to make moving easier.

Hand over your old keys

Sign your tenancy agreement and pick up your new keys.

We take great pride in being an elite team that runs like clockwork. Our success stems from our ‘people first‘ approach and the personal touch is at the heart of our very foundation.

Build and make your bed first so you know that no matter how much more unpacking you’ve got to do, you’ll have a comfy night’s sleep.

Check keys to all doors and windows work – you want to feel safe and secure.

If you’re ordering a celebratory takeaway, don’t forget to change your address on the app!

As soon as you move in, note any issues or anything that’s missing when you sign and return it.

Take photos of any damage in the property so this can be dated appropriately as before your tenancy started.

Take photos of the gas and electric meters for setting up your new account.

Get unpacking!

Pay any final bills from your last place.

Update your accounts with your new address – use our change of address checklist so you don’t forget anything.

Keep an eye out for your council tax letter so you can set up your payments.

Enjoy decorating and getting comfortable in your new home!