Our checklist and tips for moving house

Published March 2023

Check out our checklist and tips for moving home

So, you’re moving house. Congratulations! An exciting new beginning is ahead of you – and now it’s time to get organised and settle into your new home. If you’re not sure where to begin and are feeling a bit stressed, don’t panic.

There are lots of things to do when moving house, so our checklist is sure to come in handy. We’ve also got some tried and tested tips for moving house to make sure you’re covered from start to finish.
 

It's time to pack up your home

First, declutter

Moving house can feel hectic but it can also be a good opportunity to start afresh. Our top moving house tip is to start as early as possible with a ruthless clear out. Struggling to let go of things? Ask yourself whether you’ve used the item in the last year and if the answer’s no, it’s definitely time to get rid of it. If you’re upgrading your furniture, then why not donate it to a local charity shop?
 

Where can I find boxes for moving house?

Save some cash and get packing boxes from your local supermarket. Most supermarkets will happily give used cardboard boxes and packaging to you for free. Choose boxes used for transporting fruit or alcohol, as long as there haven’t been any spillages, as these tend to be the strongest.

Be sure to pick up some packing tape, scissors and Sharpies while you’re there, too. Keep an eye on local social media groups, as people are often giving moving boxes away for free.
 

Use colour coding

One of the best moving house hacks is to assign a colour to each of your rooms and mark your packed boxes with the corresponding colour. That way, you can put your boxes straight into the room they’re supposed to be in. No more getting confused by messy handwriting or mysterious boxes with nothing written on them.
 

Transporting your clothes

Save your freshly ironed clothes from getting crushed in the bottom of a box or suitcase with this quick tip. Pull a drawstring bin bag over around 10 items of clothing while they’re hanging in the wardrobe, tie the bag at the top and voila! Crumple-free clothes.
 

Choosing a moving company

You can make moving house easier by getting a removal company to help. Here are a few starting tips:
 

1. Make sure they’re insured

Moving house insurance is the most important thing a removal service can offer you. Without it, you risk having to fork out for any damages to your items yourself, so double check that the companies you’re interested in are insured. It’s also worth checking if your contents are covered by your current supplier. At Sainsbury’s Bank, our home insurance policy provides cover for moving house so long as you use a professional removal contractor.
 

2. Ask around for referrals

You can relieve some of the moving house stress by choosing a removal company you trust. Do some online searches and be sure to ask your family, friends and colleagues for referrals. At the very least, you’re sure to hear stories about who not to use which is always useful information to have.

3. Get a few quotes

Once you have some recommendations, contact at least three removal companies and ask for quotes. Be sure to let them know about any particularly fragile or high value items and whether there could be any problems getting items into (or out of) your home. Unsure what your high value items are? Find out more in our guide.
 

Our moving house checklist

The night before

• Make an entertainment bundle for your kids
• Remember to charge your phone
• Pack an essentials bag with personal items you’ll want, like:
  • A few sets of clothes and underwear
  • Toiletries and a towel
  • Your toothbrush and pyjamas
• Pack a “first box” to open with important things you’ll want when you arrive, like:
  • Kettle
  • Mugs and glasses
  • Tea bags, milk and sugar
  • Box cutting knife
  • Radio or music speaker
  • Plates and cutlery for your first few meals
  • Snacks

Before you leave

• Snap a photo of meter readings
• Lay out manuals for appliances
• Make sure your windows, garage and back door are locked
• Switch off the boiler and plug sockets
• Say goodbye!

When you get your keys

• Save your pets from extra stress – drop them off at a friend’s or pet sitter’s
• Check all your lightbulbs work
• Take photos of your new home’s meter readings
• Start cleaning before you move anything in
• Then move your furniture in first

Once you’re all in

• Set up your beds first so everyone can have a good night’s sleep later on
• Celebrate surviving moving day with some fizz and a takeaway. Cheers!

Who to tell when moving house
 

There’s a long list of people who need a heads-up when you move house and sometimes it can seem daunting. Our top tip is to contact Royal Mail to set up a one-month, or three-month, redirection service before you move so you can get settled before changing your address.

It’s important to remember to let people know you’ve moved so they know where you are and how to contact you. Here’s a list of who to tell when you move house:

Ready to move in?
 

The finding a house, buying and moving process can feel like it takes forever. But when you’re finally able to come home, sit down and relax after the last box has been unpacked, you’ll know it was all worth it. Now you’re in your new home, it’s time to take care of it. Why not explore our home insurance policies to see what protection we offer your home and its contents.