The Ultimate Guide on Moving House

Let’s be honest — moving house isn’t exactly most people’s idea of a good time. It’s exciting, sure, but also the kind of life event that can leave you standing in your hallway, surrounded by boxes, wondering where on earth to begin. Whether you’re packing up a growing family home or ticking off the to-do list solo, the pressure builds up fast.

This house moving guide is here to help keep that stress in check. No waffle. No nonsense. Just a step-by-step plan that actually makes sense — from the early prep right through to what to do after moving house. So if you’re the kind of person who likes a checklist or simply wants to feel a bit more in control of the chaos, you’re in the right place.

We’ll cover the sort of things that tend to catch people out: sorting utilities when moving home, finding decent home removers, packing tips for moving, and how to move house without losing your mind in the process. It’s all laid out in sections, so you can save it, print it, or bookmark it for quick access.

Whether you’re searching for proper residential removals support or just trying to make sense of it all, this guide should help you move with a lot more clarity and a lot less panic.

Getting Started Early

A move isn’t something you can wing the week before. The earlier you start, the more in control you’ll feel — and the less likely you are to forget something important. This stage is all about structure: knowing what’s ahead, making decisions while you’ve still got time, and building a move that feels manageable.

Create a moving timeline

With most house moves, 8 to 12 weeks of lead time works well. You don’t need to tackle everything in one go — just space it out so no single week feels overwhelming.

Here’s a practical breakdown:

• 8–10 weeks before – Research home removers. Start drafting your inventory — especially large furniture or anything needing special handling. Begin gathering documents like your mortgage offer or rental agreement.
• 6 weeks before – Narrow down your choice of residential removals companies. Ask for quotes that clearly outline what’s included. Begin sourcing packing supplies and set a rough packing schedule based on room priority.
• 4 weeks before – Pack non-essentials: loft items, books, off-season clothes. Notify schools, landlords, and utility providers. Declutter actively — the less you move, the easier it is.
• 2 weeks before – Confirm all bookings. Arrange time off work if needed. Finalise childcare or pet care. Put together a floor plan of the new house if it helps visualise where everything’s going.
• 1 week before – Label every box, pack your essentials bag, do a deep clean, and double-check meter readings.
• Moving day – Check every drawer and cupboard. Hand over keys. Stay calm — your plan’s in place.

Keeping this timeline somewhere visible (fridge, noticeboard, shared phone app) helps everyone involved stay on the same page.

Sort and declutter your home

Before you get too deep into boxes and bubble wrap, now’s the time to lighten the load. Think practically — every item you keep is one you’ll have to pack, transport, and unpack.

Go room by room and sort into:

• Keep – Use it often or love it? It stays.
• Donate – Local charities, schools, or shelters often welcome furniture, clothes, or toys.
• Sell – Marketplace apps, car boot sales, or even neighbourhood WhatsApp groups.
• Recycle/bin – If it’s broken or you’re not sure what it is, it’s probably not worth keeping.

Even doing one room a day makes a big dent in the job.

Research and book a removals company

Securing the right removals partner early can take your move from stressful to smooth. At Currans, we don’t leave things to chance — and we don’t think you should either. Booking in advance gives you time to plan properly and focus on everything else that needs sorting.

Here’s what our clients typically expect — and what we deliver:

• Full insurance cover from start to finish
• Transparent quotes with every detail laid out — no vague extras
• Fast, clear communication at every stage
• A range of add-ons: packing, dismantling, storage, and more

You won’t need to scroll through dozens of listings or chase flaky providers. With Currans, it’s all straightforward — professional home removers service, predictable timelines, no obligation quotes and the kind of experience that means we ask the right questions before anything goes wrong.

Organising Your Packing

Packing is where your move starts to feel real, and where it can get messy quickly if you don’t have some sort of system. This doesn’t mean boxing everything in one weekend. Instead, think of it as a series of small, deliberate steps you can spread out over a few weeks.

Gather packing supplies

First things first — you’ll need the right gear. Trying to pack without it is like building furniture from a well-known Scandinavian company without the screws.

Here’s what to have on hand:

• Boxes in different sizes – small ones for books, medium for general bits, large for bulky but lightweight things like bedding
• Packing tape and a dispenser – don’t skimp here, weak tape leads to bottomless boxes
• Scissors and a utility knife – one of each, so you’re not constantly swapping
• Permanent markers – go for bold colours that show up clearly
• Bubble wrap or soft towels – for anything fragile or awkwardly shaped
• Packing paper or newspaper – to wrap kitchenware or pad boxes
• Zip-lock bags – for screws, remote controls, keys, and chargers
• Colour-coded stickers or tape – one colour per room makes sorting much easier
• Stretch wrap – brilliant for keeping drawers shut and cables bundled

Keep all your supplies together in a labelled box, and don’t let it wander from room to room. Losing the tape mid-pack is a guaranteed frustration.

Pack non-essentials first

Don’t touch your daily-use stuff yet. Begin with what you won’t need before moving day. This clears visual space and makes packing less daunting.

Great candidates include:

• Seasonal decorations
• Off-season clothes and shoes
• Books, board games, and DVDs
• Fancy dinnerware or glasses
• Framed photos and decorative bits
• Anything living in the loft or garage

You could even make a list of what’s going into storage versus what’s going into your new place right away — especially if space will be tighter.

Set a daily or weekly goal — for example, one box per day or one room per weekend. This stops things piling up and avoids the panic-packing the night before the van arrives.

Label boxes clearly

This is one of the most overlooked steps, but it’s also one of the most useful.

Every box should include:

• The room it belongs to
• A short list of contents
• Any handling instructions like “fragile” or “this way up”
• A colour sticker or marker matching that room
• A box number — so you’ll know if any are missing (e.g., “Bedroom 3 of 6”)

When you’re standing in your new home surrounded by boxes, this small effort will save you hours of searching, guessing, and re-opening.

Managing Utilities and Services

Once the boxes are packed and your moving date’s set, it’s time to tackle something less visible but just as important — utilities and services. If you’ve ever moved into a house with no hot water, WiFi or working lights, you’ll know just how frustrating it can be. A bit of admin now saves a lot of stress later.

Notify utility providers of your move

Gas, electricity, and water all need to know when you’re leaving. Most suppliers ask for around 48 hours’ notice, but it’s better to give a full week, just in case there are delays or extra forms to fill out.

Here’s what to do:

• Contact each provider (gas, electric, water) and give your move-out date
• Take final meter readings on the day you leave (and snap a quick photo for backup)
• Share your new forwarding address so they can send the final bill
• Make a note of any reference numbers or confirmation emails they give you

If you’re moving into a new build or aren’t sure who supplies the new property, you can check online via services like the Energy Networks Association (for electricity) or Water UK (for water suppliers in your area).

If you’re switching providers entirely, this is the moment to compare quotes. Just be sure to avoid overlaps — you don’t want to be billed twice for the same days.

Don’t forget to tell your local council too — they’ll need to update your council tax records, which you can usually do online in under five minutes.

Arrange for internet and cable setup

Internet is one of the services that tends to get missed, right up until you realise the router’s blinking and nothing’s loading.

Here’s how to keep things smooth:

• Book your installation at least two weeks in advance
• If an engineer needs to visit, schedule them for day one or two post-move
• Consider switching providers if your current one doesn’t cover your new area
• Keep a mobile hotspot or unlimited data plan as backup in case of delays

If you’re working from home, streaming, or trying to keep the kids entertained, even a day without connection can throw things off.

Update your address with essential services

Once you’re in, updating your address avoids missed mail and admin headaches. Break it into chunks — you don’t need to do it all in one sitting.

Here’s where to start:

• Banks and building societies
• Credit cards and store cards
• GP, dentist, and NHS records
• DVLA – for both your driving licence and vehicle logbook
• Insurance providers – home, contents, car
• Online retailers and delivery services
• School or nursery records
• Magazine or meal subscriptions
• Loyalty schemes and rewards accounts

To catch anything you forget, it’s worth setting up a Royal Mail redirection — it runs for 3, 6, or 12 months and gives you peace of mind during the transition.

Preparing for Moving Day

You’re nearly there — but the final week before moving house is where things can unravel if you’re not careful. That mix of excitement and pressure can cloud your memory, so the best approach is to take things slow, stay focused, and get a few key tasks ticked off in advance.

Confirm details with your removals company

Even if you booked your removals team weeks ago, a final check-in helps avoid any last-minute confusion. Most good home removers will do this proactively — but it’s worth taking the lead if they haven’t yet.

Here’s what to confirm:

• The exact date and arrival time
• Addresses for both properties, plus any helpful parking or access notes
• Details of any heavy or awkward furniture
• What needs dismantling or reassembling
• Whether you’re moving in stages or all at once
• Your point of contact on the day (including mobile number)

If you’ve had any layout changes, added a stop, or need extra help, now’s the time to flag it. And if there are stairs, lifts, narrow driveways or timed entry gates — pass it on.

Pack an essentials box

It sounds obvious — until you’re digging through boxes for your toothbrush at 11pm. Your essentials box should hold everything you need for that first 24 hours, so you’re not left without the basics.

Include:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant)
• Phone chargers, power banks, and extension leads
• Kettle, mugs, tea, and snacks
• Bedding and pyjamas
• A change of clothes
• First-aid kit and daily medication
• Important paperwork like ID, house deeds, or contracts
• Cleaning cloths, bin bags, and toilet roll

Mark it clearly and keep it with you — in the car, not the removals van. You’ll want to get to it straight away.

Make arrangements for children and pets

Moving day isn’t great for small children or animals. The house is noisy, busy, and not especially safe. A little forward planning helps keep everyone calm.

For kids:

• Try to organise a babysitter, grandparent, or playdate
• Pack a small rucksack with snacks, toys, or a tablet
• Keep a familiar blanket or cuddly toy close to hand

For pets:

• Book a kennel, doggy day care, or pet-sitting service
• If they’re staying with you, set up a quiet room with food, water, and a bed
• Avoid feeding them just before travel — it helps prevent sickness

Keeping distractions out of the way lets you concentrate — and it makes moving day feel more manageable for everyone.

Settling Into Your New Home

So the boxes are in, the keys are yours, and the van’s driven off. Technically, you’ve moved — but now comes the bit that often gets overlooked: settling in. This stage isn’t about perfection. It’s about getting the basics up and running so you can start to feel comfortable in your new space.

Unpack strategically room by room

Resist the temptation to unpack everything at once. Trying to do too much too quickly leads to frustration — and piles of half-sorted stuff in every room.

Instead, focus on one space at a time. A smart order might look like this:

• Kitchen – You’ll want a working kettle, some cutlery, and a place to eat — even if it’s just toast.
• Bedrooms – Get the beds made early. Even if you don’t manage anything else, you’ll thank yourself when bedtime rolls around.
• Bathrooms – Stock them with loo roll, towels, hand soap, and your usual toiletries.

If you labelled your boxes clearly (room, contents, handling), this step becomes far less chaotic. Take your time — it’s better to unpack slowly and get it right than to rush and have to reshuffle later.

Check all utilities are working

Before you get too comfortable, make sure the essentials are up and running. Here’s a quick list to check:

• Electricity – Try lights and plug in chargers or lamps.
• Water – Run both hot and cold taps. Flush the toilets and test the shower.
• Gas or heating – Test the boiler and radiators.
• WiFi – If it was booked in, make sure it’s working. If not, call your provider for an update.
• Appliances – Give things like the oven, fridge, and washing machine a test run.

Make a note of any issues early and follow up before the weekend or holidays make support harder to reach.

Tidy and clean key areas

Even if the property was cleaned before you arrived, giving it a once-over makes the space feel more yours. Focus on the kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, and bedroom floors — just enough to help you feel settled.

Explore your new neighbourhood

Once the basics are in place, take a short walk or drive around the local area. Find your nearest shop, pharmacy, or bus stop. Introduce yourself to a neighbour, if it feels natural. Small steps like these help you feel less like a visitor — and more like you’ve arrived.

Moving house isn’t just a checklist — it’s a major life moment. With the right plan, a bit of breathing space, and some trusted support, it really can be simpler than it seems. Whether you’re weeks away or just getting started, use this guide to pace yourself, stay focused, and reduce stress where it counts.

If you’d like a bit more help, or just want to speak to someone who’s done it all before, feel free to contact us at Currans Removals — we’re always happy to chat through what you need.