It’s a fact – moving house can be stressful, whichever removal company you use.
Everything you need to stay on track—before, during and after your move.
Planning a move? Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating for work or family, staying organised can make all the difference. That’s why Bishop’s Move has created this step-by-step moving house checklist—built from decades of experience helping people move home with confidence.
From 8 weeks out to moving day itself, we’ve broken down exactly what you need to do and when. And don’t forget—our team can help also help with utility switching or change of address, and even offer secure storage if there’s a gap between homes.
EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
Book your removal company – start with a free home survey for an accurate quote. If you choose a member of the British Association of Removers, there is no-obligation and your move is guaranteed to be of the highest level.
Create a folder for moving paperwork and contacts – there can be a lot of people to inform and update.
Begin decluttering – sell, donate and recycle any unwanted items. It will reduce your moving costs, and can also be quite cathartic!
Start thinking about whether you’ll need storage (long or short term) and what type of packing assistance you would like – none, fragile items, or all of it!
SIX WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
If you are doing some of the packing yourself, start packing up items you rarely use (loft, garage, spare rooms). We can deliver boxes or you can collect from your local branch.
If renting, check your notice period and notify your landlords.
Book time off work around your moving date – you’ll need a couple of extra days before and after.
Start preparing an inventory of your belongings for peace of mind, and note what your are leaving behind.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
Start to notify your utility providers and broadband company of your move – we can help with this, just ask for more details.
Begin to use up any frozen food and pantry items.
Contact your GP, dentist, optician and vet if changing area.
If you have children, please read our Moving with Kids guide for some helpful information about preparing them for the moving home.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
Confirm your final moving date with Bishop’s Move to match your completion date.
Start to clear the loft/attic, unless we have agreed to do this for you.
Finish any remaining packing that you are doing and clearly mark fragile items – otherwise leave it to our packing experts.
If you are moving in or out of a block of flats, arrange to have use of the manual override key or priority use of the lift.
Prepare plants for transit. View our Moving your Garden Guide for some top tips on moving your garden.
Empty sheds, greenhouses, etc, and check garden equipment is ready to move. It can help to drain fuel from lawnmowers.
ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING
Start to dismantle self-assembly furniture, unless we have agreed to do this for you.
Arrange for professional disconnection of kitchen appliances, including the washing machine to ensure securing of the drum.
Read your gas, electricity, telephone and water meters and inform these services of your move.
Start to remove any fixtures that you are taking with you. Fabrics that you are placing into store should be given an anti-moth treatment.
Have TV aerials or satellite dishes taken down if they are part of the move.
Disconnect any light fittings you are taking.
Seal packets and tighten jars of food.
Defrost the refrigerator and freezer. If you do not intend to empty the freezer, please read our earlier advice.
Chests of drawers may be left full depending on the make of your furniture.
Set aside an area marked “DO NOT MOVE” for coats, handbags, kettle, snacks, tools and cleaning materials.
Arrange separate transportation for any dangerous substances.
The removals crew may arrive to start packing your belongings, if you have opted for this service.
MOVING DAY
Your removal team will arrive in the morning, usually between 8-10am depending on traffic. Walk your movers around the property and confirm any key instructions
Keep you pets calm, and ideally in a separate room, so they do not disappear or get in the way. Read our Moving with Pets guide for great advice on making the move less stressful for your pets.
If your possessions are to be stored, remember to retain important items – passport, driving license, etc. Do not put perishable or flammable items into storage.
Before the removals team departs, double check that nothing has been forgotten. Responsibility is yours to see nothing has been moved in error or left behind.
Keep your valuables (documents & jewellery) safe and carry them personally with you to your new home. Also have an essentials box with the kettle, mugs and snacks in so you can access them easily.
Ensure that the removals crew have the correct directions to your new house and a phone number to contact you. Remember, if they are in large removal van, they may not be able to drive the same way as you to your new home as they have to avoid low bridges, narrow roads etc.
Take final meter readings and photos of utilities.
Arrive at your new property, with the keys, before the removal van so they can start to unpack straight away.
Start unpacking and enjoy settling in to your new home!
If you have any questions about house moving, or would like further house removal advice, please contact your local Bishop’s Move.
FIND YOUR BISHOP'S MOVE
FIND YOUR BISHOP'S MOVE 
