Moving house in London involves a lot more than just booking a van — there's paperwork to sort, services to switch over, and access arrangements to think through before the day itself. This checklist breaks the whole process down into manageable stages, from two to three months out right through to your first day in the new property, so nothing important slips through the cracks.
Use it as a working list rather than a strict schedule — if you're moving with less notice, just work through the stages as quickly as you can. And if you get stuck on anything removal-related, our team is always happy to help.
8–12 Weeks Before: Planning Stage
This is the stage where the big decisions get made. It might feel early, but sorting these things now takes the pressure off later.
- Confirm your moving date, or your likely window, as early as your tenancy or completion allows.
- Start researching removal companies and request a few quotes, including one from us — our full house removals service covers packing, disassembly and clearance.
- If you're moving borough, look into council tax, GP registration and school catchment changes for the new area.
- Begin a room-by-room declutter — decide what's coming with you and what can be sold, donated or recycled.
- Check your tenancy agreement or sale contract for notice periods and any move-out obligations.
4–6 Weeks Before: Get Organised
- Book your removal company and confirm the date, access details and any packing help you need.
- Start collecting boxes and packing materials, or arrange these through your removal company — see our packing service if you'd rather not source your own.
- Notify your current and new utility providers (gas, electricity, water, broadband) of your move date.
- Redirect your post with Royal Mail and update your address with your bank, employer and any subscriptions.
- If either property has restricted parking, start looking into whether you'll need a parking suspension — our parking and loading guide explains what to check.
- Begin packing non-essential rooms (spare rooms, storage, out-of-season items) well ahead of time.
2 Weeks Before: Final Preparations
- Confirm final details with your removal company — team size, timings, and any last-minute access changes.
- Arrange a parking suspension with the council if your street needs one for moving day (this can take one to two weeks to process, so don't leave it too late).
- Start using up food from the freezer and cupboards to avoid waste.
- Label boxes clearly by room, and keep an inventory of anything particularly valuable or fragile.
- Arrange care for children or pets on moving day if it will make things easier for everyone.
- Confirm meter readings will be taken and organise final bills for both properties.
Final Week
- Finish packing everything except day-to-day essentials.
- Pack a clearly labelled ‘first night’ box with bedding, toiletries, chargers, snacks and basic kitchen items.
- Defrost and clean the fridge/freezer if you're leaving them behind or moving them.
- Confirm your removal team's arrival time and reconfirm access arrangements (parking, lift booking, entry codes).
- Take photos of meter readings at your current property.
- Charge your phone and any portable devices — you'll want them on moving day.
Moving Day
- Keep your essentials bag, important documents and valuables with you rather than in the van.
- Do a final walkthrough of the old property, checking cupboards, lofts and outdoor areas.
- Take meter readings at the property you're leaving.
- Point out anything fragile, heavy or awkward to the team so it's handled correctly.
- Confirm parking and access at the new property before the van arrives, especially if it's a flat — our guide to moving into a London flat covers lifts, stairs and building access.
- Keep keys, phone chargers and any paperwork for the new property easily accessible.
First Day in the New Property
- Take meter readings as soon as you arrive and note down the time.
- Locate the stopcock, fuse box and boiler controls.
- Unpack the essentials box first, then work room by room rather than trying to do everything at once.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and working.
- Register with a local GP and dentist if you haven't already, and update your address with the DVLA and electoral roll.
- Introduce yourself to neighbours if it feels right — they can be a useful source of local knowledge.
If you're moving a smaller flat or just a few items, a full house removal might be more than you need — our Man & Van service is a lighter-touch option worth considering. Not sure what your move will cost? Take a look at our London Removals Cost Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning a London move?
Ideally 8–12 weeks before your move date, especially if you're arranging a mortgage, tenancy references or school changes. Shorter notice moves are still very possible — just work through the checklist as quickly as you can.
What should I pack in my moving day essentials bag?
Medication, chargers, important documents, toiletries, a change of clothes and any valuables you'd rather carry yourself. Keep it separate from the boxes going in the van.
Do I need to tell my removal company about parking or stairs in advance?
Yes. Letting us know about stairs, lift access or restricted parking at either address helps us plan the right team size and timing, and avoids surprises on the day.
Can Meer Brothers help if I'm short on time before moving day?
Yes — we regularly help customers who are moving with limited notice. Get in touch as early as you can and we'll do what we can to accommodate your date.
Related Reading
- House Removals in London — our full-service home moving option
- Packing Services — professional packing and materials
- Man & Van Services — a lighter option for smaller moves
- London Removals Cost Guide — what affects your quote
- Moving Day Parking & Loading Guide — avoiding access and parking problems
- Areas We Cover — see if we serve your borough