Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or relocating for a fresh start, moving house can feel like juggling a hundred jobs at once. That’s why having a well-organised checklist – and a skip – can make all the difference.
Because while packing is important, so is letting go of the stuff you no longer need. Deciding to “sort it later” is a common pitfall and one that often leads to tripping over mystery boxes months after moving in.
So, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide with all the important jobs mapped out to help you move smarter, lighter and with less stress.
6–8 weeks before moving
Use this time to lay the groundwork and tackle the big tasks early.
- Confirm your moving date
- Contact a few removal companies to get quotes and choose a reputable one
- Contact your internet and landline providers to check availability at your new address and book installation
- Speak to your home insurance provider
- Start sorting your belongings room by room – decide what to keep, sell, donate and bin
- Tackle the outdoor spaces like the garden, shed and garage – these are often packed with long-forgotten clutter
- Hire a skip* to dispose of bulky waste, broken furniture and anything too damaged to donate – the earlier you start clearing, the less you’ll end up taking to the new place
* Avoid the “I’ll sort it later” trap
Bringing clutter to your new home just postpones the problem – and let’s face it, “later” rarely comes. If you haven’t used an item in the last 10 years, you probably won’t need it in the next 12 months. Use our handy decluttering checklist to help make those tough decisions.
4 weeks before moving
Now’s the time to nail down the admin and ramp up your packing.
- Start packing all non-essential items
- Label each box clearly (on the top and at least one side) with its contents and designated room
- Check parking arrangements for moving day, especially if you need permits or access space
- Register to vote at your new address
- Get in touch with your local council to advise them of your moving date and cancel your direct debit if necessary
- Register for council tax at your new address
- Confirm the utility providers for your new address
- Contact DVLA to update your driving licence and vehicle logbook
- Set up a Royal Mail redirect service if necessary
- Continue filling your skip with anything you’ve decided not to take
1–2 weeks before moving
This is when things start to feel real. Time to finalise and tidy up so you can make a clean exit.
- Continue packing – you should now be down to the essentials
- Transfer your TV licence to your new address
- Notify your utility suppliers (gas, electricity, water) and arrange final bills
- Take photos of electronics set-ups (TVs, consoles, routers) for easy reassembly later
- Cancel or redirect regular deliveries and subscriptions tied to your current address
- Make any minor repairs to your current property, such as nail holes, scuff marks or broken fittings
- Do a final clothes wash – keep out what you’ll need for the coming days and pack away the rest
Moving week
Keep your final days calm by staying organised.
- Deep clean your current property, including appliances
- Defrost your freezer
- Start cleaning the new house (if you have access)
- Pack a ‘first night’ essentials box (toiletries, kettle, bedding, phone charger and loo roll)
- Prepare an emergency cleaning kit and a basic toolbox for the new house
- Dismantle beds and larger furniture (unless the removal company is tasked with this)
- Finish any remaining packing
- Do a final clear-out sweep and fill any remaining space in your skip
- On moving day, make a note of all meter readings
- Double-check every space (cupboards, drawers, the loft and any sheds) to ensure nothing is left behind
- Send a change of address email/text to friends and family
- Charge all mobile phones the night before
- Hand over the keys and say your goodbyes
What happens to your waste after it’s collected?
Hiring a licensed skip provider isn’t just convenient – it’s also responsible. A reputable waste company will:
- Sort your waste by category (wood, metal, cardboard, etc.)
- Recycle as much as possible
- Ensure proper disposal of non-recyclables in line with environmental regulations
So not only are you clearing out fast, you’re also keeping things green.
Final checks after you’ve moved
You’ve made it! Now that you’re in your new home, here are a few last things to tick off:
- Unpack the essentials
- Check that all utilities (gas, electricity, water and internet) are up and working
- Register with a local GP and dentist
- If you have any pets, find your local vet and book an appointment
- Update your address details with your bank, employer and any memberships
- Book a locksmith if required
- Consider hiring a skip for your new home if you’ve inherited old rubbish or renovation waste
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbours
Moving house made simple
Moving house is stressful, but with the right plan, a decent checklist and a skip on standby, you can streamline the process – and start fresh with just the things you really need.
Need help choosing the right skip size? We’ll here to help with flexible hire options and fast delivery. Book yours now.