Preparing a moving day checklist is one of the most effective ways to ensure your home move runs smoothly and without unnecessary stress.
Moving day involves more than simply transporting your belongings from one place to another.
Often, there are legal and administrative tasks to complete, especially if you’re finalising the purchase of your new property on the same day.
While your solicitors will handle much of the legal side, you’ll still be responsible for clearing your funds, confirming that you can pick up the keys, and ensuring everything is ready at your new address.
The thought of dealing with all of this on top of the physical move may seem daunting, but with careful planning and a well-structured checklist, you can transform a hectic day into a manageable one.
In this article, we’ll guide you through 18 essential tips to help you survive your moving day.
By following our advice, you can look forward to settling into your new home feeling more relaxed and in control.
Why a Moving Day Checklist Matters
Moving day can be exciting, but feeling overwhelmed is easy.
Having a clear checklist helps you stay organised, prevents last-minute panicking, and ensures you don’t forget important tasks.
With everything planned, you can focus on enjoying the moment and look forward to the fresh start ahead.
Double-Check Key Paperwork and Arrangements
Before the big day arrives, confirm all the details surrounding your move.
Ensure you have the correct completion date if you’re buying a property, verify that your removals company has the correct address, and make sure any additional services, such as storage, have been confirmed.
Taking the time to verify everything beforehand helps prevent unexpected hiccups on moving day.
Coordinate with Utility and Service Providers
Contact your utility suppliers, broadband and phone providers, and any subscription services well in advance of the move.
Although this is often done before moving day, double-check on the morning that you have recorded your final meter readings, arranged for services to switch to your new address, and set up new accounts as needed.
Ensuring a smooth handover now means you’ll be able to settle in more quickly once you arrive.
The Morning of Your Move
When you wake up on moving day, you’ll likely feel a mix of anticipation and nerves.
Start by reminding yourself that you’ve done most of the hard work already—your belongings are packed, your paperwork is nearly complete, and you’ve chosen a reputable removals company to help with the heavy lifting.
Now, all that remains is to handle a few final tasks before setting off to your new home.
1. Pack Your Moving Day Survival Box in Advance
Prepare a moving day survival box at least a day before you move.
Include essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home—think toiletries, bed linen, essential kitchen utensils, and chargers for your devices.
Having this box ready ensures a more organised move and helps you settle in quickly.
For a more detailed guide on what to include, take a look at our moving house checklist for handy essentials.
2. Get Up Early on Moving Day
A good night’s sleep before your move is invaluable.
Rise early and start the day with a healthy breakfast to keep your energy levels high.
With a long, tiring day ahead, making time for a proper meal helps ensure you remain alert and ready to tackle any challenges that come your way.
3. Keep Your Mobile Phone Handy and Fully Charged
Make sure your phone is nearby, fully charged, and loaded with essential contact numbers.
Your solicitors, estate agents, and removals team may need to reach you with last-minute updates.
Having your phone at hand allows you to respond quickly and stay informed throughout the day.
4. Keep Moving Paperwork Safe
Collect all the important moving documents into a single folder and always keep it with you.
This might include receipts, agreements, inventory lists from your removals company, and any personal notes related to the move.
Organizing these documents ensures you can quickly reference them for any queries.
5. Keep Valuable and Sentimental Items with You
Set aside a bag for your valuables—essential documents, jewellery, passports, and sentimental keepsakes.
Keep this bag close by throughout the move to maintain peace of mind.
You should always remain responsible for these items rather than entrusting them to others, ensuring their safety and security.
6. Know Your Movers and Run Through the Plan
When your removals crew from Curtiss Moving & Storage arrives, greet them and show them around the property.
Clearly explain which items need special handling and confirm the loading plan.
Good communication reduces confusion and ensures that everyone knows what to do.
7. Consider Tips for Your Movers
While tipping is not mandatory, it’s a kind gesture if you’ve been pleased with the service provided.
If the movers have gone above and beyond, offering a token of appreciation can brighten their day, though they certainly won’t expect it.
With that being said we do not by any means expect a tip.
8. Plan for Children and Pets
If you have young children or pets, consider arranging for them to stay with friends or family during the move.
If that’s not possible, keep them safely occupied in a quiet corner with their favourite toys or a tablet.
Reducing distractions and keeping them out of harm’s way helps the removal team work more efficiently and prevents accidents.
9. Clean and Secure the Property Before Leaving
Once your belongings have been loaded, quickly clean your old home and check that all windows and doors are locked.
If you’ve been renting, this step is crucial to receiving your full deposit back.
Gather the keys, label them clearly, and leave them in an envelope for the new occupants.
10. Check Your Utility Meters
Don’t forget to take final readings of your gas, electricity, and water metres before you leave.
Photographing these readings on your phone provides a handy record.
Once you arrive at your new home, do the same there to ensure you receive accurate final and initial bills.
Arriving at Your New Home
At last, you’ve reached your new property.
Unpack your survival box, make yourself a cup of tea, and congratulate yourself on getting through the move.
You’ll need to carry out a few more tasks as you settle in, but remember—you’re almost done!
11. Keep Children and Pets Occupied
Find a safe, cosy spot for children and pets to relax while your movers unload.
Providing snacks, toys, or a favourite film helps them adjust to their new surroundings, leaving the movers free to work efficiently.
12. Have a Quick Walkaround
Familiarise yourself with your new home and show your removals team where to place furniture and boxes.
This ensures that everything ends up in the right room from the start, saving you time and effort later.
13. Take Meter Readings Again
Just as you did at your old property, record the utility metre readings at your new address.
This protects you from any disputed charges and helps you set up your accounts properly.
14. Switch on Essential Appliances
Your movers may help set up essential appliances like your fridge or washing machine.
Confirm this service in advance.
Ensuring your appliances are plugged in and ready to go helps you settle in comfortably.
15. Get Bedrooms and the Bathroom Ready
Sorting out your bedrooms and bathroom first allows you to sleep well after a tiring day.
Unpack bedding, pillows, and towels and prepare your bathroom essentials.
A hot shower and a good night’s sleep are the perfect rewards for your hard work.
16. Explore Your New Neighbourhood
Take a short walk to discover your local shops, parks, and amenities.
Introduce yourself to neighbours if you see them.
Familiarising yourself with the area helps you feel more at home, and taking a brief break from unpacking can reduce stress.
17. Unpacking in the Days Ahead
While it’s tempting to start unpacking everything immediately, give yourself time.
Focus on essential areas first—kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom—and gradually work through the rest of your belongings.
Spreading the unpacking process over several days or weeks reduces the pressure and helps you settle in more comfortably.
18. Updating Your Address and Details
Once you’ve settled in, remember to update your address with all the relevant institutions and service providers.
This includes banks, insurers, doctors, the DVLA, and any subscription services.
Taking care of these administrative tasks promptly helps prevent future inconveniences and ensures you’re correctly registered in your new community.
Ready to Get Started?
Following this moving day checklist and considering a few additional considerations should help ensure a smooth, manageable relocation.
By staying organised, verifying key details beforehand, and communicating clearly with your movers, you can reduce stress and focus on the excitement of making your new house a home.
If you have any questions about house removals, storage solutions, or would like a quotation, please contact Curtiss Moving & Storage on 023 9298 5830.
Our friendly team is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring your move is as straightforward and hassle-free as possible.
