Moving is more than just boxes and trucks; it’s a significant life change. Between packaging, logistics and the emotional rollercoaster, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. A moving house checklist can help you manage every step efficiently and reduce stress and surprises.
In this blog, we have included all the things to do when moving a house to have a smooth transition into your new home.
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Everything You Need To Tick Off Your Moving House Checklist
1. Create a Moving Budget
The first step in your moving home checklist is to create a budget. Moving costs can add up quickly; therefore, it is important to start planning ahead. The moving budget must contain the following details:
- You should get quotes from various moving companies to find the best deal.
- You will need boxes, tape, bubble wrap and protective covers as moving materials.
- Transferring and depositing utility services includes paying for electricity, gas, internet access and water connections.
- You must consider whether you need temporary accommodation or travelling expenses to stay between your move.
- Include storage expenses in your budget if you need a place to store your certain belongings.
Having a budget lets you plan your expenses before any unexpected financial challenges occur. Planning will also help you get the best rates from professional services.
2. Declutter
Before you pack, use the opportunity to declutter your home. Segregate your belongings to determine which ones to leave behind and which require packing. Go through every space to determine what needs to remain with you, donate, sell or discard. Decluttering minimises the amount of belongings that you need to move. A good way to declutter is to categorise your belongings:
- You should donate or sell clothing items you have not used for twelve months.
- Sell all your outdated and oversized furniture because it will not fit in your new house.
- Get rid of expired pantry items and unused kitchenware
- Shred any unnecessary documents and organise important files.
3. Purchase Packing Supplies
The next step after you have sorted your belongings is to get packing supplies. You should get essential packing supplies such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap for fragile items, packing tape and protective furniture covers. If you are hiring professionals like EH1 Removals, a house removal expert in Edinburgh, check whether they include packing services to save you time. You should start packing your essential items first and label each box to make unpacking easier. You may also have to invest in speciality boxes for delicate or odd-shaped items such as:
- Wardrobe boxes for clothes
- Dish packs for kitchenware
- Electronics boxes for computers and TVs.
4. Research Licenced Moving Companies
Before hiring professional movers, take time to research licensed service providers who maintain a good reputation in the industry. Look for movers with good customer reviews, proper certifications, and transparent pricing. Get several price quotes from different companies to understand the price variation between their services Before you finalise, make sure to confirm the moving date, additional services, and any specific handling requirements so everything goes smoothly and is stress-free.
5. Create an Address Change Checklist
Updating your address is a fundamental component of every house moving checklist to avoid disruptions. Notify the following:
- Banks and credit card providers.
- Insurance companies.
- All services related to gas, electricity, water and internet.
- Government agencies.
- Individuals who subscribe to magazines, meal kit delivery services, and online shopping services must include these accounts in their address change lists.
By doing so you will get all the important documents and payment bills in the correct time frame.
6. Start Packing Non-Essentials (About a Week Before)
About a week before moving, start packing items you won’t need immediately. Prioritise items like seasonal clothes, books, and decorative pieces. Label boxes clearly so unpacking is easier. Keep an essentials box with important documents, toiletries, chargers, and snacks for moving day. Having a moving house checklist will make this step smoother.
7. Hire and Confirm a Moving Company
If you haven’t finalised your booking with a professional moving company, confirm the moving date and time, address details, and any special requirements, such as fragile or oversized items. Ensuring these details are correct will help prevent any last-minute issues.
8. Create a Separate Box for Valuables and Essentials (A Day Before)
Pack a separate box with valuables and essentials that should stay with you during the move. This includes:
- Important documents like passports, house deeds, insurance papers
- Jewellery and small valuables
- Essential electronics such as laptops, phones and chargers
- Medications
Your house moving checklist should have these items with you to ensure they are secure and easily accessible.
9. Do a Final Walkthrough
Before leaving your current home, do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Check all rooms, closets, and storage areas. Ensure windows and doors are locked, appliances are unplugged, and all personal belongings are accounted for.
10. Make Sure No Electrical Switches Are On
For safety reasons, turn off all electrical switches and unplug appliances before you leave your old home. This will prevent potential hazards and make the transition smoother for the next occupants.
11. Supervise Movers and Give a Tour
On the moving day, supervise the movers and provide any necessary instructions. If you’ve booked our house clearance services, give our experts a quick tour of your home so they know which items need special care. Clear communication ensures an efficient process, which helps minimise delays or confusion. By including specific instructions in your house moving to check, you can ensure a stress-free moving day.
12. Check For Damages
Check your belongings for damage once everything is unloaded at your new home. Follow these steps:
- Check fragile and high-value items first
- Compare the belongings in the new house to your inventory list
- Take photos of the damage as proof
- Report to the moving company immediately
This way, you can claim your insurance if needed. Adding this to your moving home checklist will help you stay on top of any issues.
Ready to Move? Get a Fast, No-Obligation Quote for Your House Removal in Edinburgh!
Conclusion
The key to a stress-free move is proper planning and the right support. Follow this moving house checklist, and you’ll be organised, reduce stress, and have a smooth transition. Every step is important to your move, from budgeting and decluttering to choosing a reliable moving company. If you’re looking for professional removals in Edinburgh, EH1 Removals offers expert moving services tailored to your needs. Get in touch with us today for a hassle-free move with professionals by your side.
Jacek Jasak
Jacek Jasak, with years of experience in the removals industry, is the founder of EH1 Edinburgh Removals. They are a trusted moving company that specialises in local and long-distance moves, offering professional packing, storage, and transportation solutions for both home and office relocations. Jacek's commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and customer satisfaction has made EH1 Edinburgh Removals a top choice for moves in Edinburgh and beyond.