How to Plan a House Move from Start to Finish: A Step-by-Step Timeline
Planning a house move can be stressful, but a clear step-by-step plan can transform chaos into calm. Whether you’re moving from Swindon to Salisbury or just a few roads away, this in-depth timeline will guide you through every stage of the process.
From budgeting and packing to redirecting post and avoiding common moving-day mistakes, this guide — written by the experts at A. Luckes & Son — is designed to make your relocation seamless, affordable, and stress-free.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day: Start Early, Stay Organised
Declutter Your Home Thoroughly
Begin by assessing every room. Ask yourself: do I use this? Do I need it? Items can be sorted into four categories:
- Keep: Essential or sentimental items to take with you
- Donate: Unwanted clothes, books, or furniture in good condition can go to local Swindon charities
- Sell: Use Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or local apps for anything valuable
- Dispose: Broken, outdated, or unusable items should be responsibly recycled or taken to the local tip
Decluttering can cut removal costs by reducing volume. It also means less to unpack on the other end.
Create a Moving Folder or Digital Dashboard
Set up a Google Drive folder, spreadsheet, or printed binder to keep track of:
- Removal quotes and booking confirmations
- Utility and change-of-address checklists
- Insurance documents and contracts
- Budget breakdown (moving services, storage, cleaning, etc.)
This ensures everything is in one place if you need to refer to it quickly.
Start Researching Removal Companies
Look for:
- Proven track record (check Google and Trustpilot reviews)
- Services offered (packing, storage, dismantling, etc.)
- Transparent pricing
- Local knowledge (like A. Luckes & Son’s Swindon expertise)
Get at least 2–3 quotes, but aim to book 6–8 weeks in advance if possible.
6 Weeks Before: Secure Services & Notify Important Parties
Book Your Removal Company
Lock in your preferred date and time. Make sure to:
- Ask about insurance coverage
- Confirm what is and isn’t included (e.g. boxes, packing materials, dismantling)
- Provide access info for both properties
Want a tailored quote? A. Luckes & Son offers free home surveys for accurate pricing. Read article on ‘What Happens at a Removals Survey‘
Notify Utility Providers & Organisations
Start changing your address with:
- Water, Gas, Electricity
- Internet & Phone Providers
- TV Licence
- Council Tax (Swindon Borough Council)
- Bank and Credit Cards
- HMRC and DVLA
- Subscription services (Amazon, Netflix, magazines)
Set reminders for services that can only be cancelled or transferred closer to the move date.
Order Packing Supplies
Stock up on:
- Double-walled cardboard boxes in various sizes
- Strong packing tape and dispensers
- Bubble wrap and wrapping paper for fragile items
- Furniture covers and mattress protectors
- Label stickers or coloured markers for organisation
A. Luckes & Son can supply packing materials on request.
4 Weeks Before: Measure, Pack & Prepare
Begin Packing Non-Essentials
Now’s the time to box up items you won’t need for the next month:
- Decorative ornaments, books, photo frames
- Off-season clothing and sports gear
- Guest room and loft contents
- Rarely used kitchen appliances or tableware
Label each box with the room name, contents, and whether it’s fragile. Consider using colour-coded tape for different rooms.
Take Measurements in Your New Home
Make sure your largest items will:
- Fit through doorways, stairwells and corridors
- Be able to turn corners or go up staircases
- Have a clear space waiting in the new property
It’s easier to plan now than deal with awkward furniture later.
Use Up Freezer & Pantry Items
Start planning meals around what you already have. Emptying your fridge/freezer ahead of time will reduce waste and prevent leaks during transport. Read article ‘Expert Tips for Moving Electronics and Appliances‘
2 Weeks Before: Make It Official
Set Up a Mail Redirection
Use the Royal Mail Redirection Service to automatically forward letters from your old address. This covers:
- Government and tax documents
- Bank cards
- NHS and GP communications
- Missed mail from accounts you may have forgotten
Confirm Parking Arrangements
Call your local council or landlord to request:
- Suspension of parking bays outside your home
- Access permissions for large vehicles (especially in narrow streets or flats)
Failure to do this can result in delays, fines, or long carry distances.
Arrange Child & Pet Care
The day of the move can be loud and chaotic. Arrange:
- A playdate or babysitter for small children – Read article ‘Guide to Moving House with Children‘
- Boarding or pet-sitting for dogs or cats – Read article ‘ Moving House with Pets‘
- A quiet room with food and toys if they’re staying nearby
1 Week Before: Final Touches
Pack Remaining Belongings
Leave only essential items for daily use. Pack:
- Clothes for the final week
- Kitchen utensils, toiletries, and cleaning items
- Bedding and towels (place in a clearly marked box)
Now is also a good time to deep clean behind furniture, kitchen appliances, and windowsills.
Disassemble Furniture (If Needed)
Take apart:
- Bed frames
- Dining tables
- Bookshelves and wardrobes
- Garden furniture
Keep screws, bolts and instructions in labelled sandwich bags taped to each item.
Prepare Appliances
- Defrost and clean your fridge/freezer
- Unplug and clean the washing machine
- Secure loose cables and doors
Moving Day: Your Big Day Checklist
Be Ready for the Team
Expect your removal team to arrive early — between 7–9am is common.
- Unlock gates and doors
- Have your phone fully charged and on hand
- Offer a walkthrough of what’s going and staying
- Keep tools available if something needs last-minute dismantling
Keep a Personal Essentials Bag
Pack and keep with you:
- Phone and charger
- Medications
- Snacks and drinks
- Toilet paper
- Clean clothes and basic toiletries
- Important documents (passports, contracts)
- Pet supplies
This will keep you going until you can unpack fully in the new home.
After the Move: Unpack & Settle In
Unpack Essentials First
Prioritise:
- The kitchen (kettle, cups, cutlery, plates)
- Bedding and sleep items
- Toiletries and towels
- Pet food, bowls and bedding
- Baby/child necessities
Check Utilities Are Working
- Lights and electrics
- Hot water and boiler
- Internet and landlines
- Appliances plugged in correctly
Update Any Missed Addresses
- Employer records
- GP surgery
- School records
- Online retail accounts
- Loyalty or membership cards
Then relax — you’ve completed your move.
Why Move with A. Luckes & Son?
Based in Swindon and serving the wider Wiltshire area, A. Luckes & Son offers:
- Full and part house removals
- Short and long-term storage options
- Secure packing services
- Specialist item removals (pianos, antiques, electronics)
With over 25 years of experience and a reputation for reliability, we’re here to make your move easy.
📞 Call us today on
or get a free moving quote online.
