The Pre-Move Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Moving House in London
A successful house move doesn't happen by accident — it's the result of good planning. In London, where parking, access, and logistics are more complex than most cities, preparation is even more important. Here are the 10 most essential tasks to complete before your move.
8 Weeks Before
1. Book Your Removal Company
Good removal companies in London get booked up fast — especially for Fridays and end-of-month dates. As soon as you have a confirmed moving date, book your removal company. Compare at least three quotes, check their insurance levels, and ensure you get everything in writing. Book Fair Price Movers online — we can usually confirm within the hour.
2. Start Decluttering
The less you move, the cheaper and faster your move will be. Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. A good rule of thumb: if you haven't used it in a year and it has no sentimental value, let it go.
4–6 Weeks Before
3. Notify Utilities and Service Providers
Contact your gas, electricity, water, broadband, and council tax providers. Give them your moving date and new address. Take meter readings on the day you leave and the day you arrive at your new home.
4. Redirect Your Post
Set up a Royal Mail post redirection — it takes up to 5 working days to activate and costs from £39.50 for 3 months. This catches anything from banks, HMRC, NHS, and anyone else who might have your old address.
5. Update Your Address with Key Organisations
Don't wait for the redirection to catch everything. Proactively update your address with: DVLA (driving licence and V5C), HMRC, electoral register, GP and dentist, bank and credit cards, employer, pension providers, and subscriptions.
2–4 Weeks Before
6. Source Packing Materials
Order or collect packing boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape. Your removal company may supply these, or you can source second-hand boxes from supermarkets or Facebook Marketplace. Label every box with its contents and destination room — this saves enormous time on moving day.
7. Arrange Parking Suspensions if Needed
In many London streets, the removal van won't be able to park outside your property without a parking suspension. Contact your local council at least 2 weeks in advance — it costs around £50–£100 per day. Your removal company should advise whether this is needed.
1–2 Weeks Before
8. Pack Non-Essentials
Pack anything you won't need for the next week: books, ornaments, seasonal clothing, spare linen, and anything in storage. Pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes and fragile items with plenty of cushioning.
9. Confirm All Bookings
Confirm your removal company, any storage facility, and your solicitor or conveyancer. Make sure you know the completion time and have a plan if there are delays.
The Night Before
10. Pack an Essentials Box
Pack a separate bag or box with everything you'll need on the first night: kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, phone chargers, toilet paper, a change of clothes, important documents, and medication. This box goes in the car with you — not on the van.
Ready to Book Your Move?
Fair Price Movers handles hundreds of London moves every month. Call 020 7101 4364 or use our online booking form for a free fixed-price quote.