Planning
Moving house: a visual checklist from 8 weeks out
6 min read · Updated
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Moving is stressful because the date is fixed, many people are involved and information is scattered.
- Keep the countdown, timeline, contacts, quotes and rooms on one board.
- Follow a timeline from eight weeks before to moving day.
- Number every box and pack a first-night box.
The quote from the movers is in your email. The paint colour is a photo on your phone. Your partner thinks the internet is sorted. It isn't.
"Where did I save that quote?"
Moving is a project with a fixed date and a hundred small pieces. Seeing them all in one place makes it a lot calmer.
What makes moving so stressful?
- The date can't move. Everything has to fit before it.
- Many people involved: movers, landlords, internet, utilities, schools, family helping out
- Things live everywhere: quotes in email, photos on your phone, lists on paper
What goes on a moving board?
- Countdown: days until moving day
- Timeline: what to do when (below)
- Contacts: movers, landlord, utilities, with numbers
- Quotes and budget: what's quoted, what's paid
- Rooms: one card per room with what goes where, plus photos
Everything in sight. On one board.
Tasks, notes, photos and plans as cards on one calm board. No charge today. Cancel anytime.
Start 7 days freeOr see all templates →The moving timeline
8 weeks before
- Get two or three quotes for movers or van hire
- Set a rough budget
- Start clearing out: one room a weekend
6 weeks before
- Book the movers or van
- Give notice where needed
- Start collecting boxes
4 weeks before
- Arrange internet at the new place
- Make a list of everyone to tell your new address
- Pack what you don't use: books, out-of-season clothes, decorations
2 weeks before
- Arrange meter readings
- Confirm movers, times and parking
- Plan meals for the last week: use up the freezer
The last week
- Pack room by room, label every box with room and contents
- Pack a "first night" box
- Confirm who helps when
Moving day
- Read the meters, take photos
- Check every room before you leave
What goes in the "first night" box?
Everything you need before you've found anything else:
- Chargers and a power strip
- Toilet paper, soap, towels
- Bedding for everyone
- Kettle, mugs, tea or coffee
- Basic tools and scissors
- Snacks and something for breakfast
Who do I tell my new address?
Make it a checklist so nothing gets missed. Think: bank, work, doctor, dentist, insurance, subscriptions, school, and the family group chat.
Can we plan it together?
Yes. Share the board with your partner or the friends who help. Everyone sees the same timeline, and "did you book the van?" has an answer without asking. People you invite to a PAPEPPE board don't pay anything.
The full board
Your moving checklist
Screenshot this:
- Countdown to moving day
- Quotes, budget and contacts in one place
- The timeline, ticked off week by week
- Every box numbered, one line each
- A first-night box
Tonight, put the moving date and the three quotes on one board. Start there.
Questions
When should I start planning a move?
About eight weeks before: get quotes, set a budget and start clearing out one room at a time.
What should be on a moving checklist?
Quotes and bookings, notice periods, internet, meter readings, address changes, packing room by room and a first-night box.
How do I keep track of moving boxes?
Number every box and keep one line per box with the room and what is in it.
What goes in a first-night box?
Chargers, toilet paper, soap, towels, bedding, a kettle with mugs and coffee or tea, basic tools and snacks.
Can I plan a move together with others?
Yes. Share the board with your partner or helpers so everyone sees the same timeline. People you invite to a PAPEPPE board do not pay anything.
Try it on your own board.
No charge today. Cancel anytime.
Start 7 days free