Moving House Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Moving is the #1 stressor in the United Kingdom. Research shows that this single activity is more stressful than:

• Divorce
• Having a baby
• Starting a new job

We’re going to share our own moving house tips that are from years of helping thousands of people move.

Before You Move — Planning Ahead Saves Time & Stress

Start early. It’s the best plan when moving house. Wait too long, and you leave yourself less leeway.

But, we do recommend a basic checklist of:

Time Before Moving Day

<table>

<tbody>

<tr>

<td>8–12 weeks</td>

<td>Research and book a removal company. Set a moving budget. Start decluttering, check your tenancy/mortgage terms and required notice periods.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>6–8 weeks</td>

<td>Gather packing materials, begin packing non-essentials, notify schools and employers if needed, and start updating key organisations (banks, insurers, council tax).</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>4–6 weeks</td>

<td>Confirm removal company details, arrange child/pet care for moving day, measure furniture and plan your new layout, and start using up freezer food.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>2–4 weeks</td>

<td>Begin packing room by room, arrange mail redirection, finalise utility changes, book cleaners or schedule time for end-of-tenancy cleaning.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>1 week</td>

<td>Pack most remaining items, prepare a first-night essentials box, confirm access details with both properties, and check parking arrangements for the removal van.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Moving day minus 24–48 hours</td>

<td>Do your final laundry and cleaning. Dismantle furniture. Defrost the freezer. Pack important documents and valuables separately.</td>

</tr>

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<td>Moving day</td>

<td>Take final meter readings. Hand over keys. Oversee the removal company.</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

Below are tips for moving house that will save you stress and time.

Set a Moving Timeline

What is your date to move? Create a timeline that you can then use to fill in the table we just listed above. Once you have enough time set aside, you can move on to the monetary aspects of the process.

Set a Realistic Budget

Create clear cost limits across each phase of your move. Track expected fees. Include transport, supplies, utilities and specialist services. Revise totals once quotes arrive.

Declutter Early

What items will you keep? Which do you plan to discard? Start donating items or getting rid of them as early on as you can.

Book Your Removal Company

Start comparing companies on VanUmove to schedule your move

Notify Key Organisations

Notify HMRC about your address change. Also, plan for disconnecting utilities.

Prepare Your Documents

Passports. Certificates. Other important documents deserve special attention. Pack these documents and contracts in a sturdy folder.

Plan for Essentials

Relocating locally? Don’t forget to stock up on the essentials:

• Toiletries
• Duvet
• Food

If you can, stock these in your new home ahead of time. Otherwise, add them to an easily accessible box.

Arrange Care for Children & Pets

Secure trusted support through a reliable friend, relative or sitter who supervises young ones and animals. Provide clear schedules, comfort items, plus emergency notes to ensure calm behaviour and uninterrupted focus across the entire move.

Measure & Plan Your New Space

Check doorway widths, note corridor turns, assess window positions and map furniture routes. Confirm:

• Sofa size
• Wardrobe height
• Appliance depth

Schedule Final Checks at Your Current Home

Complete meter totals, test alarms, lock every window, confirm key locations and review each room carefully. Note unresolved issues, take photos and provide clear details to support a straightforward exchange with the next occupant.

Smart Packing Tips for Moving House — How to Pack Efficiently

The big day is coming quickly. We recommend that you follow these tips for packing when moving house:

Use the Right Materials

Select sturdy boxes plus tape that hold items securely and reduce potential damage.

Pack One Room at a Time

Place belongings inside separate areas to maintain order and promote steady, controlled movement.

Label Every Box Clearly

One of the best packing tips. Mark each container with short notes that identify contents fast and prevent troublesome searches later.

Protect Fragile Items

Wrap delicate pieces inside cushioned layers to ensure safe transport and avoid unexpected breakage.

Keep Essentials Separate

Place crucial supplies near the top of a single container to enable immediate access later.

Disassemble Furniture Safely

Take apart bulky pieces with care and secure loose parts.

Secure Electronics and Cables

Place devices within padded cases and tie cords neatly.

Moving house day also requires you to find a mover that you can trust. Here are our recommendations:

Choosing the Right Removal Service — What to Look For

What’s one of the moving house tips you can’t ignore? Choose the right removal company. These points can help:

• Set a budget
• Read through reviews
• Verify the mover’s insurance
• Consider additional packing and moving services
• Ask about large items

If you follow this basic moving house advice, it will make your experience stress-free.

Tips for Moving Day That Actually Help

Here are a few tricks to make this process easier:

Stay Organised Throughout the Day

Keep essentials close and guide crews efficiently on moving house day.

Maintain Clear Paths Everywhere

Record meter totals, direct loaders toward key rooms and make sure paths are clear.

Coordinate Every Step with Care

Confirm vehicle access, secure heavy objects safely and guide movers to success.

After the Move — Settling In & Avoiding Post-Move Chaos

You’ve put our tips for moving house to work, and the big day is finally over. But the transition isn’t complete just yet.

Here’s what to do after your home removals service is complete:

Unpack Essentials First

Start with your most important items and boxes:

• Set up beds
• Unpack basic kitchen items and toiletries
• Hang clothes

Make the first few days feel functional and not chaotic.

Focus on Key Rooms

Prioritise the spaces you use the most, such as:

• Bathrooms
• Bedrooms
• Kitchen

Get these core rooms set up so that you can get back to your daily routine.

Check Utilities and Services

One of our top moving home tips? Make sure your utilities and services have all been transferred to your new address.

Bonus Section: Tips to Make Moving House Easier and Cheaper

<table>

<tbody>

<tr>

<td>Moving House Tips</td>

<td>How It Helps</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Declutter first</td>

<td>Get rid of the things you don’t want or need. This reduces the number of items to move, lowering costs and effort.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Book your removal company early</td>

<td>Schedule your move as soon as possible to secure better prices and ensure your preferred date is available.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Choose off-peak days</td>

<td>Mid-week or mid-month is often significantly cheaper than weekends.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Pack efficiently</td>

<td>Use sturdy boxes and clear labels to save time and prevent damage or unnecessary purchases.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Disassemble furniture</td>

<td>Speeds up loading and reduces labour time.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Compare quotes and reviews</td>

<td>Helps you find a fair price while ensuring reliable service.</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

Don’t forget to create a moving house address change checklist so that you don’t miss anything.

Why VanUmove Helps

Moving house advice will only get you so far. You need help from expert movers who will take the stress out of the process.

That’s where VanUmove comes in.

Use our platform to compare rates and services from drivers in your area. Book right on our website in just a few simple steps.

Get started now.

Ready to Move? Get a Quote and Start Planning Today

Don’t wait to plan your move. Find a man and van hire in the UK and compare quotes at your convenience.

Fill out our form now to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far in advance should I start planning my move?

Two to four months should be sufficient for planning a move. Long-distance moves may require more time.

What’s the most efficient packing order for moving house?

When you create your moving home schedule, consider packing in this order to make the process less stressful:

• Start with the rooms that you use the least
• Work your way toward the most essential rooms, such as bedrooms and the kitchen

Declutter before you start to save time and avoid moving things you don’t need.

Should I get full-service removals or just van + driver?

Here’s our moving house advice:

• Use a full-service company if you’re moving a 2+ bedroom flat or home, complete with furniture
• Book a van and driver if you only have a few items to move or live in a studio or 1-bedroom home

How do I choose the right size van for my belongings?

First – make a list of how many items you need to move and their sizes. Then, use our van sizes guide to take the guesswork out of your decision. Still need help? Contact us. Our team will help you find a suitable size.

What utilities and address changes need to be handled before/after the move?

Your moving checklist should include changing your address and utilities. Here’s who you need to contact:

• Gas, water & electric companies
• Local council
• DVLA
• Insurance providers
• Broadband and TV provider
• The Royal Mail for the mail redirection service
• Your GP, dentist and other specialists
• Bank, credit card companies and pension providers

Any top tips for moving house with kids?

Use these strategies to make moving house easier with little ones:

• Pack early
• Communicate and involve them to ease the stress
• Make room plans together
• Group items by room to keep things organised
• See if friends or family can look after the children on moving day