Moving House Checklist: What to Do in the 4 Weeks Before You Move

Four weeks before

• Fix your moving date and tell your landlord or society office. Many societies ask for a no-objection letter and a service-lift booking, and weekend slots go first.
• Ask two or three moving companies for a survey, on site or on a video call, and compare the written quotes line by line.
• Decide what you are not taking. Sell, donate or throw away furniture and items you no longer use; every carton you do not pack saves money.
• Start collecting the documents you will need, such as ID proof and, for vehicles, the registration certificate and insurance.

Three weeks before

• Book the movers and get the price, the date and what is included in writing.
• Start packing the things you use rarely: books, seasonal clothes, decorations and spare kitchenware.
• Tell your school, bank, insurer, gas and electricity providers and your employer about the new address.

Two weeks before

• Confirm the lift slot and the moving rules at the new society, including parking for the truck.
• Arrange the shifting of internet and gas connections, and book a technician for AC and washing machine uninstallation if the movers do not do it.
• Keep packing room by room, and label each carton with the room and a short list of what is inside.

The last week

• Defrost the fridge and freezer a day before, and drain the washing machine.
• Pack a bag for the first two days: clothes, medicines, chargers, toiletries, a few utensils and bedding.
• Keep valuables, important documents and jewellery with you, not in the truck.
• Photograph your furniture and electronics. Photos help if there is a claim.

On moving day

• Be at the old home when the crew arrives, and walk through every room with the supervisor.
• Check that the list of items matches what is loaded, and note any existing marks on large furniture.
• Do a last check of cupboards, balcony and storeroom, and take the meter readings.
• At the new home, tell the crew where each item goes before they unload.

After the move

Check every carton against the list, test the appliances before the crew leaves, and report any damage the same day. Read our claims and transit insurance policy to see how a claim works.