Moving house next week?
Moving house is exciting, but let’s be honest—when you’re just a week away, it can also feel like you are living in a bit of a nightmare.
Suddenly, all the big ideas about a fresh start collide with the very real question: “Have I actually got everything sorted?”
The truth is, with only a handful of days to go, there’s no room for dithering. You need a clear, practical action plan to keep the chaos under control.
The good news? If you focus on a few key tasks, you can avoid last-minute meltdowns and sail through moving week without too many hiccups.
Here are seven essential things to tick off your list before moving day arrives.
1. Confirm Your Moving Date and Final Details
With just a week to go, clarity and organisation are everything.
Start by double-checking the date and time of your move with your removals company.
Misunderstandings can throw your entire schedule into disarray, so confirm the booking, access arrangements, and any special requirements like packing services or storage options.
If you’re moving into a new build or a rented property, make sure your keys are definitely ready for collection when you expect them to be, and that any final payments are settled.
A quick phone call to your solicitor or letting agent can also save you a lot of stress.
Having written confirmation in your inbox also gives you peace of mind, because the last thing you want is a mix-up on moving day.
Oh, and breathe; It is going to be fine!
2. Streamline What You’re Taking
Let’s face it: there’s no better time for a ruthless clear-out than the week before you move.
Ask yourself, do you really need to lug that old treadmill, box of tangled wires, or five sets of saucepans into your new place? Probably not.
Take this week to donate unwanted clothes, books, and furniture to local charities like the British Heart Foundation or list items online for quick sale on Vinted or Gumtree.
The less clutter you carry, the quicker your move will be and the more space you’ll free up in your new home.
Think of it as a pre-move detox. Not only will your removal costs be lighter, but you’ll also feel more organised and in control when it comes to unpacking on the other side.
3. Pack Smart—Not in a Panic
This is the week to stop procrastinating and start packing with intention.
Begin with non-essentials: out-of-season clothes, decorative items, and books you won’t need until you’re settled.
Label each box clearly by room and its contents, future you will thank present you when you’re not tearing open every carton looking for a kettle.
Don’t forget a “moving day essentials box” with tea bags, mugs, snacks, chargers, loo roll, and basic cleaning supplies. That one box will be a lifesaver on your first night.
Suppose the thought of packing everything makes your head spin, or you are not physically able to do it. In that case, professional services from Curtiss Moving & Storage can take the strain off your shoulders, leaving you to focus on other pressing jobs.
4. Notify Utilities and Redirect Your Post
In the rush of packing, it’s easy to forget the boring but crucial admin.
A week before you move, contact your energy, water, broadband, and TV providers to let them know your moving date. Most suppliers let you do this quickly online.
You’ll need to give meter readings on moving day, too, so make a note to snap a photo before you hand over the keys.
Equally important is setting up a postal redirection service through Royal Mail.
It’s an inexpensive and easy-to-set-up safety net that ensures nothing important, like bank statements or medical letters, ends up in the wrong hands.
Or you need to make constant trips back to the old house and new owners to retrieve the post that has gone astray.
Think of it as safeguarding your new start from unnecessary hassle.
5. Sort Out Schools, Work, and Healthcare
A smooth transition isn’t just about boxes and furniture.
If you have children, there are even more tasks to complete during the last week of the move.
Double check their new school start dates and make sure new uniforms and stationery are ready to go, and to hand!
For working adults, consider taking a couple of days’ annual leave either side of the move, because it’s almost impossible to perform well at the office after hauling furniture all weekend.
Healthcare is another priority: register with a local GP and dentist near your new address using the NHS Find Services tool.
Even if you don’t need them immediately, having your details sorted saves a headache later.
Moves are disruptive enough; you don’t want admin oversights making them even harder.
6. Arrange Insurance and Security
One week before moving house is the perfect time to double-check your insurance.
Home contents policies often cover your belongings during a professional removal, but don’t assume this; it’s better to call your provider and confirm.
If you’re not covered, Curtiss Moving & Storage can advise you on arranging comprehensive removals insurance for peace of mind.
While you’re at it, think about home security in your new place. Will you need to change the locks, install alarms, or update window locks?
A little foresight here can save you from sleepless nights down the line.
Moving into a home should feel exciting, not stressful, so making sure it and your family are protected is an essential task.
7. Prepare the Property You’re Leaving
Your old house deserves a proper handover. It is polite to leave it clean and tidy, just as you would hope your new home will be.
- Spend a little time giving it a final clean; it doesn’t have to be deep, but enough so it’s welcoming for the next occupants.
- Empty any built-in fridges and freezers and defrost them if possible.
- Bag up the last of the rubbish so you’re not leaving surprises behind.
- Take final meter readings as you leave the house and keep them safe in case of billing disputes. If you’re a tenant, this step is vital for securing your deposit return.
- For homeowners, it’s simply good manners and part of leaving the place in decent shape.
Walking out for the last time feels so much better when you know you’ve tied up all the loose ends.
Why Choose Curtiss Moving & Storage?
When it comes down to it, moving house is one of life’s most significant transitions, and having the right help makes all the difference to your overall experience.
Curtiss Moving & Storage has been trusted by families and individuals across the UK for decades, offering reliable removals, secure storage, and professional packing services that take the pressure off.
With our wealth of experience, BAR accreditation, and customer-first approach, you can feel confident your move will be smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
Instead of juggling logistics alone, let Curtiss handle the heavy lifting, literally and figuratively, so you can concentrate fully on settling into your new chapter.
Contact Curtiss Moving & Storage to get started.
