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Home move checklist: everything to do before, during and after moving day
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Whether you’re buying your first place, moving somewhere bigger or settling into a rental, there’s plenty to organise before moving day. From packing boxes to sorting utilities, our home move checklist is here to help make your move smoother.
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 8 May 2026
Moving home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when your to-do list keeps growing. Between organising paperwork, packing up your belongings and planning moving day logistics, it’s easy for important tasks to slip through the cracks.
The good news is that a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re moving across town or relocating somewhere completely new, this handy checklist covers the key things to sort before, during and after moving day so you can stay organised and settle into your new home faster.
Things to do before moving day
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Sort your utilities and household accounts
Before you move, contact your energy supplier, water company and local council to let them know your moving date and new address. This helps make sure your final bills are accurate and avoids any confusion after you leave.
You should also update your TV licence details ahead of moving day so you can keep watching your favourite shows without interruption once you’re settled in. Taking photos of your final meter readings before you leave is also a smart idea, especially if you’re renting.
Plan your broadband early
Broadband is often left until the last minute, but getting organised early can make your move much easier.
Already with us? You can arrange your home move online and transfer your services to your new address. Once your move-in date is confirmed, transfer your broadband to your new address to make the switch as easy as possible.
Thinking about switching to us? Moving home is the perfect opportunity to explore your options. Use our broadband postcode checker to see what speeds are available at your new address and find a package that suits your home.
Speak to your landlord if you’re renting
If you’re moving into a rental property, let your landlord know if you’re planning to install broadband and TV connections. Some installations may need permission before work can begin, particularly if cables need to be fitted externally.
If your new home is already connected to our network, setup could be even quicker.
Declutter before you pack
Moving home is the perfect excuse for a clear-out. Before packing, go through cupboards, wardrobes and storage spaces to decide what you really want to keep.
Selling, donating or recycling unwanted items can make packing easier and reduce the number of boxes you need to move on the day.
Pack smart
Packing always takes longer than expected, so try to start early and tackle one room at a time. Label boxes clearly with both the room and contents to make unpacking easier later.
It’s also worth keeping an essentials bag nearby with things you’ll need during your first night, including chargers, toiletries, medication, snacks and important documents.
Things to do on moving day
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Keep furniture parts organised
If you’re dismantling furniture, place screws, bolts and fittings into labelled freezer bags and tape them to the matching item. It’s a simple trick that saves a lot of frustration (and bickering) later on.
Move large furniture first
When unloading at your new home, start with the biggest items first. Getting beds, sofas and wardrobes into place before bringing in boxes gives you more space to work with and makes unpacking easier.
Check your new home
Before you fully settle in, do a quick walkthrough to make sure everything is working properly. Test lights, taps, plugs and appliances, and check where your fuse box and meters are located.
You should also test smoke alarms and make sure your heating and hot water are working, especially if you’re moving during colder months.
Do a final sweep
Before handing over the keys, give your old place one final check. Open cupboards, check drawers and look behind doors to make sure nothing has been left behind.
If you’re renting, take timestamped photos of the empty property after cleaning. They can be useful if there are any later questions about the condition of the home or your deposit.
Give the place a quick clean
A quick vacuum, wipe-down and emptying of bins can make a big difference before leaving your old home. If you’re short on time, booking a cleaner ahead of moving day can help take one more job off your list.
Things to do after moving day
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Redirect your mail
Setting up a mail redirection service helps make sure important letters don’t end up at your old address while you update your details elsewhere. This can be easily organised on the Royal Mail website.
Update your address
Remember to update your details with:
HMRC
DVLA
Banks and insurers
Your employer
GP and dentist
Schools or nurseries
Subscription and online shopping accounts
Updating these sooner rather than later can help avoid missing important documents or deliveries.
Get connected
Once the essentials are unpacked, getting your broadband and WiFi up and running should be high on the priority list. Having internet access ready from day one makes streaming, working, gaming and staying connected much easier.
Settle in and celebrate
Moving house is a huge milestone, so take time to enjoy it. Focus on unpacking the important rooms first, order your favourite takeaway and enjoy the excitement of your fresh start.
Make the switch to Virgin Media broadband
Moving home can feel hectic, but getting your broadband set up doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re settling in, working from home or keeping everyone connected, our broadband is designed to make getting online straightforward from day one.
Moving soon? If you're with us, it's easy to transfer your broadband to your new address so you can get your broadband set up quickly ready for your move.
And if you're not with us yet, don't forget to check out all our broadband deals and pop in your new postcode in our postcode checker to see what's available where you are.
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