Home move checklist: 18 things to do before, during and after moving day

Moving home is one of life’s biggest milestones. It is filled with the excitement of a fresh start, but often accompanied by a fair bit of stress. It's easy to feel overwhelmed between packing boxes, coordinating logistics, and saying goodbye to a familiar space.  

Use our 18-step home move checklist to stay on track and make sure nothing gets missed. 

First up: everything to sort before moving day - think booking a van, stocking the fridge, clearing out clutter, sorting your bills, and getting your broadband ready to go. 

1. Start researching removal companies

If you're moving into a new home without much furniture, say, from your parents' house or a furnished rental, a car and a few friends might be all you need. Even if you think you have lots of stuff, renting a van for a couple of hours will save you more money than hiring a removal company.  

2. Declutter before you pack

Now’s the perfect time to declutter before your move. Go through your home room by room and set aside things to donate, sell, or recycle—especially all that old tech gathering dust, like PCs, mobiles, or game consoles.  

You can easily recycle unwanted electronics for free through O2 Recycle.  

3. Find free or cheap packing supplies

Save money by packing yourself with free or cheap supplies. 

Many removal companies offer packing services, but they can be pricey. Instead, grab free or low-cost packing materials: 

• Boxes: Check Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and friends/family. Supermarkets often have extras too. 

• Bubble Wrap: Collect from deliveries or find some on Facebook Marketplace. Otherwise, buy it cheaply. 

• Other essentials: Packing paper, marker pens, bin bags, tape, and vacuum bags for clothes. 

For larger or fragile items (like furniture and TVs), consider leaving the packing to professionals. 

4. Start packing your non-essentials

Don’t wait until the last minute. Start boxing up non-essentials like decorations, out-of-season clothes, spare linen, books, or small kitchen gadgets you won’t need right away. 

At the same time, pack a clearly marked “essentials box” for your first night with must-haves like toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, snacks, and phone chargers so they’re ready the day you move to your new home. 

5. Sort your utility bills early

Before the big day, make a list of utilities and services to update or cancel like electricity, gas, water, council tax, and TV licence: 

6. Plan your broadband switch

Thinking of switching broadband? If you're buying, wait until after the exchange and when your completion date is locked in. It's best to get the ball rolling as soon as you have a confirmed moving-in date - ideally, a few weeks in advance. 

Ready for fast, reliable broadband in your new home?  If you’re moving home and want to take your Virgin Media services with you, you can book your home move online.

New to Virgin Media? Now it’s the perfect time to make the move. Use our helpful broadband postcode checker to see what speeds are available in your new home.

7. Let your landlord know (if renting)

Moving into a rental and want superfast broadband? Let your landlord know. Most providers will need to confirm that the property is eligible for service, and some installations may require the landlord’s permission. 

Already moving into a Virgin Media-ready home? 

Great - you’re good to go. But if your new place isn’t connected yet, we may need to install a cable and need the green light from your landlord. Just let us know, and we’ll handle the permissions. 

New to Virgin Media or thinking about switching? 
You can still make the move! We’ll take care of the technical side, including speaking to your landlord and handling any necessary approvals. All you have to do is give us a heads-up.  

Have you heard about One Touch Switch? Is a new system for changing broadband that means your new provider handles everything about the switch for you, including cancelling with your old provider.

Moving day doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a little prep, here are the top tips to make things run like clockwork: 

9. Bag up screws and bolts

Dismantling furniture? Pop any screws, bolts and small parts from beds, tables or shelving units into freezer bags, then tape them securely to the matching item using masking tape. 

10. Move the big stuff first

Get your large furniture like sofas, beds, wardrobes, and tables into your new home first, before unloading and stacking your boxes. This way, you won’t have to move boxes around later to make space, and you’ll have a clear layout to work with as you unpack. 

11. Check the lights

Make sure all lightbulbs are working at your new place. You don’t want to be left in the dark when night falls. This simple action will save you from making a late-night trip to the store for replacements. Plus, checking light fixtures now can help avoid any surprises with faulty bulbs or lights that need a quick fix. 

12. Do a final sweep

Before you officially say goodbye to your old home, do a thorough check to make sure everything is in order. Check all cupboards, drawers, and take meter readings with you. This is especially important if you’re moving out of s rental, as it provides a clear record of your usage up until you leave.  

If you’re renting, take timestamped photos to document the condition of the property - this can help avoid disputes over your deposit. 

13. Give your house a clean

Before you leave, give your house a thorough clean ahead of the move. Wipe down surfaces, clean out appliances, and vacuum and sweep floors. Tidy up for the next folks, or book a cleaner to handle it for you.

Moving day might be done, but there’s still a bit more to tick off before you can fully relax into your new home.

14. Redirect your mail

Ensure your mail follows you to your new home. You don’t want to miss important documents. You can use the Royal Mail’s redirection service when you move house to any UK address. 

15. Let people know about your new address

There’s a whole list of people and organisations that need your new address. Here are the key ones to tick off: 

• HMRC 

• DVLA 

• Electoral roll (important for your voting rights and credit score) 

• Subscriptions (streaming, magazines, etc.) 

• Online shopping accounts 

• Your employer 

• Your children’s school(s) 

• Friends, family & colleagues 

• Insurance providers (including life cover) 

• Your GP & dentist 

16. Think about kids and pets

Moving day is hectic enough without extra stress. Arrange childcare or pet-sitting so you can focus on the task at hand. If they’ll be with you, pack distractions (toys, tablets, treats) and ensure their comfort throughout the day. 

17. Get settled in

Once you arrive, unpack the key rooms first: bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Check that your utilities are working and test things like smoke alarms and the boiler. If you’ve moved your broadband, get your Wi-Fi set up early for an easier transition. 

18. Celebrate!

You did it! Moving can be exhausting, but it’s also a big milestone, so don’t forget to celebrate. Treat yourself to your favourite takeaway on the floor or raise a glass with friends and family. 

After your final clean and check, leave a post-it with some handy tips for the new owners. And here’s a bonus if you refer us: you could both earn up to £50 cash with our refer a friend scheme!

Moving house can be a rollercoaster, but with a bit of planning, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Tick off these steps one by one to stay on top of things, and you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free move and a happy new home. 

And while you’re ticking off the checklist, don’t forget about your broadband. Whether you're renting or buying your forever home, getting online quickly makes a big difference. 

Switch to Virgin Media and enjoy superfast speeds, flexible packages, and expert support—perfect for streaming, working from home, gaming, or staying connected from day one. 

Moving soon? Check availability at your new address and get set up with Virgin Media today.