Moving home checklist: conquer your move with confidence

Author Lisa CooperHead of Product at Hunter DouglasWritten 22/06/2026

Cream-roman-blinds-showcasing-elegant-simplicity-perfect-for-adding-a-touch-of-sophistication-to-any-space

Moving home can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and a clear plan, it becomes a lot more manageable. This step-by-step checklist is designed to help you stay organised, reduce stress and settle into your new space with ease.

Before the move:

Getting everything in place ahead of time lays the foundation for a smooth stress-free moving day.

De-clutter ruthlessly:
Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need. De-cluttering your old home can feel like a weight off your shoulders, both literally (less stuff to move) and figuratively (reduced stress, easier packing, and a fresh start in your new space).
Compare moving company quotes:
Consider renting a van or getting help from friends.
Update your address:
Notify banks, credit cards, the council, subscriptions, water, sewage and energy providers and others.

Planning ahead:

A little forward thinking now can make all the difference when it comes to settling into your new home with ease.

Set up utilities:
Ensure services are active at your now address by move-in day.
Plan your furniture layout:
Measure rooms in your new place to ensure everything will fit comfortably.
Defrost your fridge freezer:
Make sure you allow enough time to defrost it properly to prevent leaks and damage.
Start thinking about your windows:
Consider blinds, curtains or shutters to balance privacy, light control and style.

Packing:

Smart packing strategies will save you time, effort and frustration when it comes to unpacking in your new home.

Label boxes clearly:
Include contents and destination room for easy unpacking.
Pack room-by-room:
This keeps things organised and simplifies unpacking in your new home.
Pack heavy items in smaller boxes:
Makes them easier to lift and carry.
Pack an “essentials box”:
Include medications, chargers. Snacks and a few comfort items to help you (and any children) settle in quickly.
Pack a “pet essentials box”:
Include familiar items, food, and toys for your furry friend.
Pack your favourite cosy throws, pictures, and photos:
Create a familiar and comforting space quickly.

“Write a list for the new owners of the paint you’ve used to decorate each room – if you can remember! Someone did it for me once and it’s so useful for those little touch-ups in your new home.”
Sarah Able, Recent home mover

On moving day:

Staying organised and calm on the day itself will help everything run smoothly from start to finish.

People loading large cardboard boxes into a removals truck using a metal ramp on a sunny moving day.

Schedule a professional cleaner:
Start fresh with a sparkling clean space.
Stay hydrated and take breaks:
Moving is physically demanding, so stay refreshed and avoid exhaustion.
Assign a “point person”:
They’ll coordinate the movers, answer questions, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Secure your parking spot:
If you’re moving to an area with parking permits, reserve parking in advance to make unloading quicker
Stay organised:
Keep track of tasks and ensure nothing is forgotten.
Clear a path for movers:
Remove obstacles to allow for easy access.
Do a final walk through of your old home:
Ensure nothing is left behind.

After the move:

Once you’ve arrived, taking a structured approach will help you settle in and start enjoying your new home sooner.

Unpack one room at a time:
It will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Register to vote at your new address
Change the locks:
For peace of mind and security.
Plant a ‘house-warming tree’:
This symbolic gesture represents growth and new beginnings in your new home.
Enjoy your new home!
Unwind, relax, and settle into your new space.

Customer and advisor laugh together during a blinds-and-curtains consultation, with multiple swatch books open on the dining-room table.

Bare windows in your new place?

A free, no-obligation appointment can help you figure out what window dressings will work best for privacy, security and day‑to‑day comfort.

Request an appointment

Taking the stress out of moving

Moving home marks the start of an exciting new chapter, and with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. By following this checklist and tackling each stage step by step, you can stay in control, minimise disruption, and focus on making your new house feel like a home.

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