A Four-Week Checklist for Moving Home in London

A family move involves more than deciding what goes into boxes. You may be arranging school runs, keeping up with work and waiting for the date you can collect your new keys. A written plan helps everyone see what needs to happen next.

Whether you are moving from Wimbledon, Putney or another part of London, use this four-week checklist as a starting point. If you have less time, work through the same priorities and tell your moving company which arrangements are still uncertain.

Four weeks before the move

Make a room-by-room list of what is coming with you. Include belongings in the loft, garage, shed and garden, and identify furniture that may need dismantling. Note anything particularly delicate, heavy or awkward to carry.

Request a quote with both addresses, your preferred date, the floor at each property and details of any lift. Photographs of larger furniture and access routes can help explain the job. If your date is provisional, say so and ask how changes are handled.

Decide whether you want professional packing, help with selected items or transport for belongings you have already packed. Ask what is included in the quote so you can compare the same scope of work.

Three weeks before the move

Decide what you are keeping, donating or disposing of before the packing begins. Reducing the number of decisions left for moving day helps you and the crew focus on the belongings that are actually moving.

Check arrangements at both properties. Ask the building manager about lift bookings and loading access, and check parking requirements with the relevant council. Agree who will arrange any permissions and confirm the lead times. Mention narrow stairs, restricted entrances or a long walk from the vehicle to the door.

Two weeks before the move

Agree the packing plan with your movers. If you are packing some items yourself, label each box with its destination room and a short description of the contents. Mark boxes that need particular care and tell the crew about them as well.

Separate belongings that must stay with you, including important documents, keys, chargers and anything your household will need that day. Arrange updates to utilities and regular deliveries, and keep the relevant contact details together.

If your collection and delivery dates do not line up, discuss storage now. Explain how long you expect to need it and whether you may need particular items back before the rest.

The final week and moving day

Confirm the addresses, arrival arrangements, contact numbers and any changes to the inventory. Tell the crew when you expect access to the new property and identify one person who can answer questions during the move.

Prepare an essentials bag with clothes, toiletries, drinks, chargers and the items your children or pets need. Keep it clearly separate from the load. On moving day, walk through the property with the team, point out anything requiring extra care and show them where furniture should go at the destination.

Plan your move with experienced packers and movers

Polish Man & Van helps households across London with removals, professional packing and storage. Our trained team brings years of practical moving experience, including experience gained with major London removals companies. Send us your addresses, preferred date and a description of what needs moving so we can discuss a suitable plan.