Moving to a new home in London can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. With the city’s fast-paced lifestyle and its unique property landscape, it’s easy to get lost in the logistics of packing, transporting, and settling in. Whether you’re moving from a flat in Shoreditch to a house in Wimbledon, or switching locations across town, having a clear home moving checklist can ensure everything goes smoothly.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together the ultimate home moving checklist that covers every detail, from initial planning to post-move organization.

1. Start Planning Well in Advance

Moving house in London requires careful planning and organisation. The earlier you start, the smoother the process will be.

Steps to take 8-10 weeks before moving:

• Sort out your budget: Moving costs can add up quickly. Consider expenses such as removal companies, packing supplies, and insurance.
• Book a moving company: It’s essential to book your movers well in advance, especially if you’re moving during peak times like summer or around holidays. Research companies in London, compare quotes, and read reviews to ensure a reliable service.
• Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Donate, sell, or throw away items you no longer need to lighten the load.
• Research your new neighbourhood: If you’re moving to a new area, take time to familiarize yourself with local amenities, schools (if applicable), transport links, and parking regulations.

2. Confirm Your Moving Date and Notify Others

Set your moving date and ensure that all your moving logistics align with it.

Steps to take 6-8 weeks before moving:

• Confirm your moving date: Double-check with your estate agent, landlord, or property manager to confirm the date you can move into your new home.
• Notify your landlord or agent: If you’re renting, inform your landlord or property manager well in advance, ideally in writing, as per your lease agreement.
• Start changing addresses: Notify your bank, utilities, insurance providers, and any other important parties about your address change. The sooner you do this, the better.
• Contact your utility providers: Arrange for your gas, water, electricity, and internet to be disconnected at your old address and set up at the new one.

3. Get Packing Supplies

Once you have your moving date set, it’s time to gather everything you’ll need for packing.

Steps to take 4-6 weeks before moving:

• Order packing supplies: Purchase or order boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Many moving companies also provide packing materials, or you can opt for eco-friendly reusable boxes.
• Start packing non-essential items: Begin with items you won’t need before the move, such as seasonal clothes, books, or decorations.
• Label boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and which room it belongs in. This will save you a lot of time when unpacking.

4. Organize Your Moving Day Logistics

With only a few weeks left before the big day, now is the time to confirm the final details.

Steps to take 2-4 weeks before moving:

• Confirm your moving company booking: Ensure your movers have all the details about the job, including the time, date, addresses, and any special requirements (e.g., parking permits for London).
• Arrange for pet or child care: If you have pets or young children, make arrangements for them to be taken care of on moving day. It will help you stay focused and organized.
• Check parking restrictions: In busy London areas, parking can be a challenge, especially on moving day. Check if you need to apply for a parking permit or secure a parking spot for the moving van.

5. Pack Efficiently

Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of moving, so it’s important to stay organised and efficient.

Steps to take 1-2 weeks before moving:

• Pack a moving essentials box: This should include things you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, medications, chargers, important documents, and a change of clothes.
• Continue packing non-essentials: Now’s the time to pack away everything that you won’t need in the last few days before the move, such as your kitchenware, extra furniture, and decorative items.
• Disassemble large furniture: If necessary, take apart larger furniture items that are difficult to move in one piece. Keep screws and small parts in a labelled bag for easy reassembly later.

6. Final Preparations Before Moving Day

As your moving day approaches, it’s time to wrap up the final details.

Steps to take 1-2 days before moving:

• Clean your old home: Do a thorough cleaning of your current home before you leave, especially if you’re renting. This will help ensure you get your full deposit back.
• Confirm your utilities: Double-check that all utilities at your old home will be disconnected, and ensure that services at your new home are activated.
• Pack your personal items: Ensure all personal belongings, documents, and valuables are packed safely, and keep them in a secure place during the move.

7. Moving Day!

The big day has arrived! With your preparations in place, moving day can be more manageable.

On the day of your move:

• Get up early: Allow yourself plenty of time to prepare for the movers’ arrival.
• Meet the movers: Greet your moving team and provide them with the necessary details about the move.
• Take a final walkthrough: Do one last check to ensure nothing has been forgotten. Make sure all windows and doors are locked, and lights are turned off before leaving.
• Stay organized: Keep your phone charged and handy in case of any last-minute coordination with the movers or new landlord.

8. After the Move – Settling Into Your New Home

After the move, there are a few essential tasks to complete to help you settle in.

Steps to take after moving:

• Unpack strategically: Start by unpacking your essentials box and then work on the other rooms one by one. Don’t try to do everything at once.
• Inspect your new home: Walk through the property to check for any issues, such as damaged furniture or broken appliances. Inform the landlord or property manager if necessary.
• Set up your utilities and services: Confirm that your internet, water, electricity, and gas are working correctly, and update your address with any remaining providers.
• Get to know your new neighbourhood: Take time to explore local amenities, shops, restaurants, and transport options.