Moving House Checklist: What to Do 8 Weeks Before
A week-by-week UK moving timeline covering the eight weeks before your move, from decluttering and quotes to booking, packing and sorting paperwork.
Eight weeks sounds like plenty and then disappears. A timeline helps because each week has one or two jobs, so nothing arrives all at once. Adjust it if your completion date is tighter, and skip steps that do not apply.
Eight weeks to go: set the foundations
- Confirm your date with solicitors, agent or landlord, and ask how firm it is.
- Set a budget covering removals, packing materials, cleaning and a contingency. See how to save money on moving house.
- Start decluttering. Begin with the loft, garage and spare room.
- Check your notice period if you rent.
Seven to six weeks: get quotes and book
- Make an inventory and send identical details to at least three movers.
- Compare using how to compare removal quotes.
- Ask each about cover, see questions to ask a removal company.
- Book your mover and get the terms in writing.
- Arrange a parking suspension if the street needs it, since councils often want notice.
Five to four weeks: start packing and tell people
- Order or collect boxes, see how many boxes you need.
- Pack rarely used items: out-of-season clothes, books, decorations.
- Begin telling organisations your new address: employer, banks, GP, dentist, insurers, DVLA, schools.
- Book time off work for moving day and the day after.
- Sell or donate bulky items you are leaving behind.
Three weeks to go: services and admin
- Arrange broadband for the new home, since installation can take time.
- Give notice to utilities and set a switch date.
- Arrange Royal Mail redirection.
- Organise storage if there will be a gap, see storage cost while moving.
- Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day.
Two weeks to go: the practical push
The final fortnight has its own list, covered in the last two weeks checklist. The headline tasks are confirming with the mover, packing most rooms, arranging cleaning and checking what is staying.
What to book early
Some things have lead times and are worth doing first:
| Task | Why early |
|---|---|
| Mover | Peak dates fill quickly |
| Parking suspension | Councils need notice |
| Broadband | Installation slots vary |
| Cleaning | Popular before handover |
| Time off work | Employers need notice |
Keep a moving folder
Use one folder, physical or digital, for quotes, confirmation emails, contract paperwork, meter readings and receipts. It makes the last weeks far less stressful, and gives you proof if something goes wrong.
Tips for a smoother eight weeks
- Do a little each day rather than a lot at weekends.
- Pack one room at a time and label as you go, see how to label boxes.
- Keep a running "last minute" list.
- Do not leave the kitchen to the end.
- Be realistic about what you can do yourself, and book help where you need it.
Adjusting the plan to your situation
A single timeline cannot fit every move, so tweak it using the points below.
Renting
Check your tenancy agreement for the notice period and any requirement to have the property professionally cleaned. Photograph every room before you leave and keep copies of the inventory. Agree a date for the key handover and a final meter reading with the landlord or agent.
Buying or selling
Dates are less certain because they depend on a chain. Keep the removal booking flexible and ask what notice is needed to change it. Keep the last few days of clothing and toiletries out of boxes until completion is confirmed.
Moving with children or pets
Plan childcare and pet care early, and tell the school or nursery the date. Keep routines predictable for as long as possible. See moving with pets.
A rough budget of your time
| Weeks to go | Roughly how much time to set aside |
|---|---|
| 8 to 6 | 2 to 3 hours a week on quotes, decluttering and admin |
| 5 to 4 | 3 to 4 hours a week packing non-essentials |
| 3 to 2 | 4 to 6 hours a week on packing and services |
| Final week | Often a full day or more of packing and cleaning |
These are rough guides. A large house or a heavy workload makes them longer, a studio flat shorter.
Common mistakes in the early weeks
- Waiting for a firm date before getting quotes. Get indicative prices early, then confirm.
- Buying boxes before decluttering. You will buy too many.
- Booking only one provider. Without comparison, you cannot tell if a price is fair.
- Ignoring items that need special handling, such as a piano, large appliances or valuable art. See moving a piano.
- Forgetting the new home. Measure rooms and doorways now so you know what furniture will fit.
What to have in place by the end of week four
By the halfway mark, you should have a booked mover, a parking plan, a stock of boxes, a list of organisations to notify and a clear decision on what is staying behind. If any of these are missing, they are your priority for the next week.
Frequently asked questions
Is eight weeks too early to book a mover?
No. Many people book six to eight weeks ahead, particularly for peak dates. You can usually keep options open if the date might change, but check the cancellation terms.
What if my moving date is only four weeks away?
Compress the plan. Book the mover and parking first, then packing and admin. Prioritise tasks with lead times.
What is the most commonly forgotten task?
Redirecting post and updating accounts. Make a list early and tick them off as you go.
Should I get a survey or video quote early?
For larger homes, yes. A walk-through or video quote around six weeks out gives the mover accurate volume, which makes the price firmer. See in-home survey vs video quote.