Moving house is somehow both exciting and completely overwhelming. Between packing boxes and booking removals, it’s easy to forget important admin and practical tasks.
If you’re wondering what to do before moving house, this moving house checklist covers the essential things not to forget – from updating utilities to reducing waste before the big day.
1. Notify your utilities
One of the most important tasks on any moving house checklist is informing your utility providers.
Let your gas, electricity, water, internet and local council know your moving date in advance. This prevents billing confusion and ensures a smooth transition at your new address.
2. Change your address everywhere
When moving house, updating your address is essential. Notify:
☑️ Banks and building societies
☑️ Credit card providers
☑️ Mobile phone companies
☑️ HMRC
☑️ Insurance providers
Most updates can now be done online, making this step quick and straightforward.
3. Set up mail redirection
Royal Mail’s redirection service ensures important post doesn’t end up at your old address.
Mail forwarding is especially helpful during the first few months after moving house, when you may still be updating accounts.
4. Declutter before you pack
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to declutter.
Packing items you don’t want costs time, money and effort. Before you start boxing things up, separate items into piles to sell, donate, share or recycle. Try to avoid sending anything to landfill unless it’s truly unusable.
If you’re short on time, put unwanted items into one box and list them on the Olio app once you arrive at your new home – it’s a simple way to meet neighbours while reducing waste.
5. Sell, share or donate unwanted items
If you’re planning to sell items, list them early to give yourself time to find buyers. Platforms like eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace work well for larger items.
The rest can be donated to charity shops or shared locally using the Olio app. Reducing waste when moving house not only helps the planet – it also makes unpacking easier.
6. Empty your fridge and freezer
In the week before moving house, take stock of what’s in your fridge and freezer.
Plan meals around what you already have so you can use it up before moving day. This reduces food waste and avoids transporting items that won’t survive the journey.
7. Share or donate surplus food
If you have unopened or fresh food you won’t use, consider donating it to a food bank or sharing it locally.
Listing surplus food on the Olio app is a quick way to ensure it doesn’t go to waste. Many items are requested within minutes.
8. Arrange care for children or pets
Moving day can be stressful and chaotic. If possible, arrange for children or pets to stay with friends or family.
This makes the process smoother and safer for everyone involved.
9. Pack an overnight essentials bag
A common mistake when moving house is packing everything away.
Prepare a bag with essentials for your first night:
☑️ Toiletries
☑️ Pyjamas and fresh clothes
☑️ Important documents
☑️ Phone chargers
☑️ Bedding and towels
☑️ Tea, coffee and basic kitchen items
Having these ready makes your first evening far less stressful.
10. Think ahead
Before moving house, imagine your first week in your new home.
Will you need internet set up immediately? Do you know where the nearest supermarket is? Have you arranged parking permits if required?
Thinking ahead prevents last-minute stress.
Why this moving house checklist matters
Using a clear moving house checklist helps you stay organised, avoid unnecessary costs and reduce waste during the transition.
Moving house is a fresh start. By planning ahead, decluttering and using what you already have, you can make the process smoother, cheaper and more sustainable.