We have created a brief checklist to help you tick off all the necessary actions to take so you are more confident in how to pack and move house. The checklist includes:

1 Month Before Moving Day

• Hiring your move-in company
• Checking how your move-in van will be able to access your home
• Checking removal provider’s contract and insurance policies
• Creating an inventory of all your furniture and pieces that need moving to assess damage before the move-in process
• Contacting companies to update them with your new address
• Running down the contents of your freezer
• Rearranging your phone, TV and internet service
• Taking meter readings for both old and new homes

1 Week Before Moving Day

Here’s a checklist to help you stay organised and ensure everything goes smoothly the week before you move:

• Double-check the moving date and time with the moving company or friends.
• Confirm any special arrangements (e.g., parking permits).
• Finalise and confirm the payment method for the moving service.
• Change your address with the post office (forward mail to your new address).
• Notify utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet, etc.) of your move-out and move-in dates.
• Update your address with banks, credit card companies, and any subscriptions or deliveries.
• Inform your employer, school, and any other important institutions of your new address.
• Disassemble large furniture (bed frames, tables, shelves) if necessary.
• Detach items like mirrors, pictures, or anything mounted to the wall.

Top Tips For How To Move House Efficiently

Start Packing Non-Essentials

• Begin packing items that you don’t use daily (e.g., out-of-season clothes, extra kitchenware, books).
• Label boxes by room and contents for easier unpacking.
• Use packing materials like bubble wrap, paper, or towels to protect fragile items.

Prepare Moving Day Essentials

• Set aside a “moving essentials” box with items you’ll need on moving day (important documents, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, snacks).
• If you have pets or plants, make arrangements for their transportation on the moving day.
• Prepare a separate bag with valuables (jewellery, important paperwork, electronics, etc.) that you’ll keep with you.

Declutter and Donate/Sell Unwanted Items

• Go through your home and sort out items you no longer need or use.
• Donate, sell, or dispose of things you won’t be taking with you.

Day of the Move

Time to move!! Here is a list of tasks to ensure are followed for a smooth transition.

• Check each room for forgotten items.
• Ensure all windows and doors are locked.
• Turn off lights and appliances, and unplug all electronics.
• Take some photos of the inside and outside of the house for a final inspection or memories.
• Pack a box with essential items (toiletries, snacks, meds, chargers, important documents, etc.).
• Double-check that all boxes are taped and labelled.
• Confirm time and meeting place with professional movers or friends helping.
• Keep important documents, jewellery, and personal items with you.
• Double-check the fridge, pantry, and all rooms.

By staying on top of these tasks, you’ll be in great shape as moving day approaches!

Check out our moving checklist PDF for further insight!

How Long Does it Take to Move House?

The time taken to relocate varies depending on the scale of the move. It also depends on whether you are exchanging or selling the property as the latter can take more time. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 6 months.

How Far in Advance Should You Plan a Move?

It is advisable to start your planning at least 2 months in advance to give yourself time to declutter, arrange for a removal company, and pack. Very early on, go around your home from “head to toe” and find those items that you no longer need. Take those that cannot be reused to your local tip.

You can sell your unwanted belongings or get a local charity organisation (E.G. British Heart Foundation) to collect them for free. Decluttering may significantly reduce the price you pay for your removal. Create a checklist of what you need to do and tick off tasks as you do them or use our checklist.

Using a service a friend or family member has used and recommended is the best way to decide which company to choose. If not, customer reviews combined with what a company says they can offer are a good start.

Select a handful of companies based on this. Contact these companies and book a survey. Discuss your requirements with them and find out what they can offer. Once you’ve received all the quotations, make your choice based on competitiveness and standard of service.

With over a decade of experience, our professional team of movers is dedicated to making your relocation process a smooth one. There are a multitude of reasons to choose Hallam Removals as your removals company in Sheffield – whether it’s our accolades for being a Top 3 Removal Company for two years in a row, our free, no-obligation quote, or our outstanding customer service. Although we are based in Sheffield, we extend our services across multiple areas including Doncaster, Barnsley and Chesterfield, making us widely accessible.

If you are moving house in or around Sheffield and need a helping hand, feel free to contact Hallam Removals on 0114 331 0113 or get your free quote today.