The final week before completion can feel busy, but a clear plan makes the move much easier. Alongside packing boxes, there are a few practical jobs that are easy to overlook, especially when you’re waiting for solicitors to confirm the final details.
Use this moving house checklist to keep track of the important tasks before you leave your current home. Some jobs can be completed after exchange, while others need to wait until completion or moving day.
We’ll keep you updated throughout the sale, and our team is here to help if you’re unsure what happens next.
1. Redirect your post
Set up your Royal Mail redirection as soon as your moving date is confirmed. This gives important letters time to catch up with you.
You should also tell organisations directly about your new address, including:
- Banks and building societies
- HMRC
- DVLA
- Insurers
- Your GP and dentist
- Your employer
- Pension providers
- Credit card and loan providers
- Subscription services
- TV and media providers
A redirection helps protect against missed post, but it shouldn’t replace updating your accounts.
Remember: you can prepare this list after exchange, but some organisations may only update your address once you’ve completed and moved.
2. Take final meter readings
On completion day, take clear readings for:
- Gas
- Electricity
- Water
Take a dated photograph of each meter, making sure the reading and meter details are visible. Keep the photos until your final bills have arrived.
Send the readings to your suppliers on the day you leave. This helps avoid estimated bills and gives you useful evidence if there’s a later disagreement.
When you arrive at your new home, take photographs of the meters there too. Your new accounts should start from the readings recorded when you receive the keys.
3. Settle utility and household accounts
Contact your gas, electricity and water suppliers with:
- Your move-out date
- Your forwarding address
- Your final meter readings
- Details of the new owner, if requested
Ask for a final bill and check whether any direct debits should be cancelled or transferred.
You’ll also need to settle your final council tax account and close or transfer any other household services linked to the old property. Keep confirmation emails and final statements in one folder so they’re easy to find later.
If you’re moving within the same area, some services may be transferable. If you’re moving to a different area, you may need to open a new account with the relevant supplier or council.
4. Tell the council and update the electoral roll
Tell your current council that you’re moving and give them your completion or move-out date. They can then issue a final council tax bill.
After moving, register your new address with the council responsible for your new home. Check whether you’re entitled to a single-person discount or another reduction.
You should also update your details on the electoral roll at your new address. This keeps your voting information accurate and can help organisations verify your identity when carrying out credit checks.
If you’re buying a leasehold property, check whether the managing agent has a separate resident registration process.
5. Arrange broadband at the new address
Broadband is easy to forget until you arrive and realise there’s no connection.
Contact your provider to arrange one of the following:
- Transfer your existing service
- Set up a new service at the new address
- Cancel the old contract
- Confirm an engineer appointment
- Check whether there will be a gap in service
If you work from home, arrange a temporary solution such as mobile data or a 4G/5G hotspot in case activation is delayed.
Don’t disconnect your old broadband too early if you still need it for work, communication or completing final admin. Confirm the exact cancellation or transfer date with your provider.
6. Pack a first-night essentials box
Your removal boxes may not be unpacked straight away, so prepare one clearly labelled essentials box, or keep it with you rather than putting it in the van.
Include:
- Kettle and mugs
- Tea, coffee and snacks
- Bottled water
- Toilet roll
- Phone chargers
- Basic toiletries
- Medication
- Bedding
- Towels
- Cleaning cloths
- Bin bags
- Screwdriver and basic tools
- Scissors or a box cutter
If you have children or pets, add anything they’ll need that evening. A torch, spare light bulbs and a power bank can also be useful.
This small amount of preparation can make the first night feel much more manageable.
7. Gather keys, codes and access details
Put every key and access device in one safe place. This may include:
- Front and back-door keys
- Window keys
- Garage and shed keys
- Alarm fobs and codes
- Gate keys
- Parking permits
- Bin store keys
- Communal entrance fobs
- Mailbox keys
Check with your solicitor or agent what needs to be handed over to the buyer. Include spare keys held by family members, neighbours or cleaners.
Make sure you know which fixtures and fittings are staying before you remove anything. If an item is listed as included in the agreed fixtures and fittings form, it should remain at the property unless your solicitor confirms otherwise.
8. Leave manuals and property records
Set aside the information that will help the next owner look after the property. This might include:
- Boiler instructions
- Boiler service records
- Appliance manuals
- Guarantees and warranties
- Window or door paperwork
- Alarm instructions
- Details of paint colours
- Receipts for recent work
- Smart-home device instructions
Keep these together in a labelled folder and leave it somewhere obvious, such as a kitchen drawer or utility cupboard.
It’s a thoughtful final touch and means the buyer won’t have to search for essential information after moving in.
9. Check the fixtures and fittings list
Before the removal team arrives, read through the agreed fixtures and fittings list carefully.
Check whether items such as these are included:
- Curtains and blinds
- Light fittings
- Carpets and flooring
- White goods
- Built-in shelving
- Garden equipment
- TV brackets
- Outdoor sheds
- Mirrors or wall-mounted items
Remove only the belongings that are yours and are not included in the agreement. If you’re unsure about a particular item, ask your solicitor before taking it.
Also check lofts, garages, sheds, cupboards and garden storage. It’s surprisingly common for sellers to leave things behind simply because they weren’t included in the main packing plan.
10. Confirm removals and parking
Double-check the practical arrangements with your removal company or van hire provider. Confirm:
- Date and arrival time
- Collection and delivery addresses
- Access instructions
- Number of rooms and large items
- Packing or dismantling services
- Payment arrangements
- Transit insurance
- What happens if completion is delayed
If you’re arranging your own van, check its size and make sure it can access both properties.
You may also need a parking suspension or temporary permit outside the old or new home. Arrange this as early as possible, particularly if you’re moving on a busy London road or into a managed development.
For leasehold properties, ask whether the building requires a lift booking, protected lift, moving time slot or advance notice to the management company.
11. Check insurance and address details
For a purchase, buildings insurance is commonly required from exchange of contracts, rather than completion. Confirm the exact start date with your solicitor and insurer.
You should also check:
- Buildings insurance for the new property
- Contents cover at the new address
- Cover for possessions while in transit
- Any conditions imposed by the removal company
- The correct rebuild value and property details
Update the address on your mortgage, life insurance and home insurance records. Your insurer may need details about the type of property, security, occupancy and any outbuildings.
Don’t cancel insurance on the old home until your solicitor confirms completion and you no longer have responsibility for the property.
12. Finish, clean and confirm handover
Arrange a final clean once the property is empty. Check inside cupboards, the loft, garage, shed and garden before you leave.
Dispose of rubbish responsibly. If you have bulky items that cannot go with the removal, book a council collection or take them to an approved recycling centre. Don’t leave unwanted furniture or bags outside the property.
If the property is leasehold, check with your solicitor or managing agent that any required notices, service charge arrangements, compliance certificates or move-out procedures are complete.
Finally, confirm the handover arrangements with both your solicitor and estate agent:
- Has completion taken place?
- When can the buyer collect the keys?
- Where should you leave the keys and access fobs?
- Are alarm codes and parking details included?
- Have all agreed items been left at the property?
Keys are normally released once the solicitor confirms that completion has taken place. Don’t make assumptions about collection times: a quick confirmation can prevent unnecessary waiting on moving day.
A smoother move starts with a clear plan
There’s a lot to remember in the final week, but you don’t have to manage it all alone. Keep your solicitor, removals team and estate agent updated, and ask questions as soon as something is unclear.
At Lyss Homes, we provide a hands-on service, transparent communication and honest advice throughout your sale. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way and help make the handover as smooth as possible.
If you’re still considering a move, you can browse current properties or speak to the Lyss Homes team about a valuation and your next steps.