How to move house — a step-by-step timeline

Moving house has a lot of moving parts. This timeline lays out what happens when, so nothing important slips through the cracks.

8+ weeks before

1. Instruct a conveyancer. Choose your solicitor or licensed conveyancer as soon as your offer is accepted.
2. Sort your mortgage. Get your mortgage application moving and book a survey.
3. Get quotes from removal firms. Book early for the best choice of dates, especially around month-end and summer.

4 weeks before

1. Confirm your moving date. Once contracts are close to exchange, lock in the removal firm.
2. Start decluttering. The less you move, the cheaper and easier it is.
3. Order packing materials. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap and labels — or ask your remover.

2 weeks before

1. Notify everyone of your change of address. Bank, employer, GP, DVLA, council, insurers, subscriptions.
2. Arrange mail redirection. Royal Mail redirection covers anything you forget.
3. Book time off work. Moving day and ideally the day after.

Moving week

1. Pack room by room. Label every box with its room and contents.
2. Pack an essentials box. Kettle, mugs, tea, chargers, loo roll, medication, a change of clothes.
3. Take meter readings. Gas, electric and water at both properties on the day.
4. Confirm completion with your conveyancer. Keys are usually released once funds transfer.

Before you even get this far — check the property

All of this assumes you are buying the right place. Before you offer, it pays to know what the area is really like — the road, the schools, the crime picture and a fair price. That is what MoveWizard is for.

Frequently asked questions