What to Do 1 Month Before You Move House – A Pre-Move Checklist

What to Do 1 Month Before You Move House – A Pre-Move Checklist

If you have 1 month before you move house, a pre-move checklist will go a long way in reducing your stress.

Now that moving day is just a month away, it’s normal to feel both excited and a bit overwhelmed.

With careful planning at the four-week mark, you can prevent last-minute stress, minimise unexpected costs, and ensure a seamless move.

Use this pre-move checklist to organise your tasks effectively. Doing so will mean fewer headaches and more confidence as you get ready to transition to your new home.

Planning your move soon?
Contact us today and let us handle the heavy lifting.

Confirm Your Moving Date and Book a Removals Company

Confirm Your Moving Date and Book a Removals Company
Book your BAR-accredited removals company early to secure your preferred moving date and avoid peak-time stress.

If you haven’t already secured your removals company, now is the time to book.

Good companies can get booked up quickly, particularly around weekends and school holidays.

When choosing your removals company:

  • Confirm they’re accredited by BAR (British Association of Removers).
  • Ask if they offer packing and storage services.
  • Discuss your needs clearly: bulky items, fragile possessions, or any challenging access points at either property.

Early booking ensures you get your preferred moving date and time slot.

Declutter Your Home

Declutter Your Home
Streamline your move by sorting your belongings into keep, donate, and dispose categories well before moving day.

The fewer items you take, the easier (and often cheaper) your move will be. Use this month to clear out your home:

  • Sort belongings into three categories: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Dispose.
  • Donate items in good condition to local charities or friends.
  • Sell unwanted furniture or valuable items online.
  • Arrange the disposal or recycling of broken or worn-out items.

This approach streamlines packing and significantly reduces your removal costs.

Start Collecting Packing Supplies

Start Collecting Packing Supplies
Gather sturdy boxes, packing paper, and labels to make the packing process more efficient and organised.

Now is the right time to gather all necessary packing materials, such as:

  • Sturdy packing boxes
  • Bubble wrap and packing paper
  • Packing tape and dispenser
  • Permanent markers for clear labelling

Check with your removals company, as many provide high-quality packing supplies or even offer professional packing services as part of their package.

Begin Packing Non-Essential Items

Begin Packing Non-Essential Items
Start packing infrequently used items like books, out-of-season clothes, and ornaments a month ahead of your move.

You might not feel like packing yet, but doing so gradually reduces stress later. Items to pack early include:

  • Out-of-season clothing
  • Books and ornaments
  • Rarely used kitchen gadgets
  • Items from the attic or storage spaces

Clearly label each box with its intended room and contents. This helps movers place boxes efficiently in your new home.

Notify Utility Companies and Providers

Notify Utility Companies and Providers
Avoid billing issues by informing all utility and service providers of your move in advance.

Inform relevant companies of your impending move. This ensures smooth transitions and no unexpected bills. Notify providers such as:

  • Gas, electricity, and water companies
  • Broadband and telephone providers
  • TV licensing
  • Council tax authorities
  • Bank and insurance companies

Arrange to take final meter readings just before moving day.

Arrange for Post Redirection

Arrange for Post Redirection
Protect against lost post by setting up mail redirection with Royal Mail before you move.

Set up postal redirection through Royal Mail to avoid missed mail. Visit the Royal Mail website to organise your mail redirection service.

Check Insurance Coverage

Check Insurance Coverage
Ensure your possessions are protected during your move by checking your insurance policy or securing removals cover.

Ensure your home contents insurance policy covers the costs associated with the moving process. Contact your insurer to clarify your cover.

Consider specific removals insurance through your moving company for extra protection.

Organise Care for Children and Pets

Organise Care for Children and Pets
Make your moving day smoother by arranging pet care or childcare in advance.

Moving day can be stressful for children and pets. Make early arrangements:

  • Ask family or friends to help on moving day
  • Book childcare or a pet sitter well in advance
  • Check local kennel or cattery availability if needed

Inform Work and Schools

Inform Work and Schools
Notify employers and schools of your move early to avoid last-minute disruptions.

Give notice to your employer that you may need time off for the move.

Also, inform schools if your children will need time off or if they are moving to a new school.

Prepare a Moving Day Essentials Box

Prepare a Moving Day Essentials Box
Pack a moving day essentials box with important documents, toiletries, chargers, and snacks to keep close at hand.

Pack a clearly labelled box containing all the items you’ll need on moving day:

  • Essential documents (passports, birth certificates, moving paperwork)
  • Medication and toiletries
  • Phone chargers
  • Tea, coffee, kettle, mugs, snacks
  • Basic cleaning supplies

This box will ensure you have all the essentials at hand immediately upon arrival at your new home.

Arrange Cleaning Services if Needed

Arrange Cleaning Services if Needed
Secure end-of-tenancy or move-out cleaning services in advance to avoid delays or additional fees.

If you’re moving from a rental property, consider booking an end-of-tenancy professional cleaning service.

Early booking ensures availability and gives you time to compare prices.

Plan Your New Home Layout

Create a simple floor plan of your new home to help movers place heavy furniture and boxes efficiently.

Clearly label boxes with room names to make unpacking easy.

Visit Your New Area

Visit Your New Area
Get to know your new neighbourhood in advance to make settling in smoother and more enjoyable.

If possible, visit your new neighbourhood to familiarise yourself with the layout and amenities:

  • Shops, schools, and healthcare services
  • Parking arrangements
  • Recycling and rubbish collection schedules

Why Choose R.H. Pardy Removals & Storage Ltd?

The Importance of Using a BAR Member For Your Move

At R.H. Pardy Removals & Storage, we understand that moving house is a significant milestone in life, and that planning it can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we offer:

  • Fully trained, professional moving teams with years of experience
  • Personalised packing and storage options
  • Flexible scheduling and transparent pricing
  • Local and long-distance removals, including international moves
  • Full accreditation by BAR for your peace of mind

We treat your belongings with the same care we’d treat our own—and we’re always on hand to help with friendly, practical advice.

Get a Head Start on Your Move with a Pre-Move Checklist

If you’re planning to move house in the next month, now is the time to act.

Let R.H. Pardy Removals & Storage Ltd take the stress off your shoulders.
Contact our team today for a no-obligation quote, and let us help you move with confidence and care.