Your moving house checklist

Moving to a new home? This moving house checklist will help you get organised with a breakdown of everything you need to do before, during and after your move. From your budget and packing, to your address updates and the new utilities to sort out. 

There might even be some unexpected “hidden fees” to handle, but you’re not going to let that overshadow the excitement. Instead, you’re going to take control and make it happen. 

So, grab a coffee (or maybe even a cheeky glass of bubbly) and let’s put together a moving house checklist so good, your friends will want to copy it. Feel confident about the cost of your move: from mortgage fees to moving day. You’re in charge, and with the right plan, nothing will stand in your way. 

Here are your key takeaways:

• Start your moving house checklist 6–8 weeks before your move to stay organised and reduce stress
  

• Break tasks into stages: before, during and after moving day
  

• Budget for all costs, including hidden fees like removals, surveys and Stamp Duty
  

• Update your address with banks, employers and service providers
  

• Prepare essentials for moving day, including documents, chargers and basic supplies (like snacks and your pillow!)
  

• Set up utilities and take meter readings when you move in
  

• Building your credit score and savings ahead of time can make moving more affordable
  

6-8 weeks before moving: Here’s what to plan for

How much does it cost to move house?

The average total cost of moving house in 2026 is £13,018. Often much higher than people expect! While the deposit and mortgage are usually the highest costs, moving to a new house also comes with a bunch of “oh, I didn’t think of that” expenses. From stamp duty and council tax, to the humble (but essential) cardboard box, it all adds up.

What to do before you move in

With your offer accepted (YES!), it’s time to plan for the costs that come before you set foot in your new home. Add these to your checklist:

1. Consider the extra mortgage costs

While you’re hunting for the lowest mortgage rates, don’t forget about the extra costs. Lenders often charge an “arrangement fee” to set up your mortgage, ranging from a fixed fee to a percentage of your loan amount. And, if you use a mortgage broker, they’ll generally charge a fee for the service. Channel your inner bargain hunter and shop around — because every pound saved is a pound closer to your dream sofa.

2. Get a property survey

Nobody wants to discover hidden issues like a leaky roof or dodgy wiring after moving in. That’s why getting a property survey is a must. 

Mortgage providers often require a basic survey, but for peace of mind, consider investing in a more thorough one. Basic surveys start at around £400, but if you want the full story, detailed reports can climb above £1,500.

3. Prepare for Stamp Duty

When buying property in England or Northern Ireland, you’ll likely pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), so make sure to prepare for the costs early. Wales and Scotland have their own equivalent taxes. 

The cost varies based on your property price and whether you’re a first-time buyer. If you are, you might be eligible for a discount. Currently, Stamp Duty is only charged on your main home if it costs over £125,000.*

*This table reflects the Stamp Duty rates for primary residential properties as published on gov.uk, accurate as at 15th April 2026. Certain discounts may apply, such as for first-time buyers. Note: Stamp duty is not currently charged on primary residences costing £125,000 or less. Please refer to gov.uk for the most up-to-date information.

4. Conveyancing fees

Conveyancing, the legal process of transferring property ownership, is a key part of your home-buying journey. Your conveyancer (or solicitor) handles things like searches, contracts, and the finer details of the sale. 

Solicitor fees for buying a house typically range from £1,000 to £2,500. 

‍You can find out more about the difference between conveyancers and solicitors in our guide on the full process of buying a property here.‍

5. Estate agent fees

If you’re selling a home to buy your new one, estate agent fees are part of the deal. The seller usually pays these fees, which vary depending on things like the property type, location and level of service.

6. Building insurance

Building insurance isn’t just a smart idea; it’s usually a requirement from your mortgage lender. The cost varies based on the size, age, and location of the property, but you can expect to pay £230–£500 annually for a standard policy.

2 weeks before moving: Let’s get organised

How to prepare for moving day

You’ve signed the contracts, the keys are almost yours, and it’s time to prepare for your move-in. Is it chaotic? Probably. But you? You’re going to crush it with your checklist in hand.

Packing

Packing is a mission. Borrow boxes and tape to save cash, or splurge on professional movers to handle it. It’s your call. 

Our best tip for packing? Label your boxes with what is inside. It sounds simple, but it makes life so much easier once you’ve moved. No one wants to be rummaging through 10 boxes to find their toothbrush after a long day of moving.

What are your removal options?

The cost of removals depends on how much stuff you own, how far you live from your new home, and how you want to handle the process. 

Here are some options:

• Hiring a van: Cheap and cheerful, costing around £100.

• Friends with cars: Keep them happy with pizza and snacks, and they’ll come through.

• Professional movers: Pricey but easy. They’ll do the heavy lifting while you sip coffee and supervise. They’ll even do the packing for you if you’ve got the budget to spare.

Moving day

What do you need on moving day?

The day has finally arrived. Here is a list of things you might need on moving day:

• Your ID and any important documents (just in case)
  

• Phone charger
  

• Snacks and drinks to keep your energy up

• Cleaning supplies, as your new place may need a spruce up when you arrive

• Toiletries

• Bedding for the first night

• Your takeaway order is already decided for dinner (you’ve earned it)

After moving house: How to make it a home

Now that the moving boxes are in, it’s time to transform your new space into a home. Here are some costs to plan for:

1. Get your bills sorted: Think broadband, utility bills and council tax. The boring stuff, but you’ve got to do it. 

2. Change your address: Update your bank accounts and bill providers to ensure you don’t miss payments. Check with your bank, credit card and loan provider, your mobile network, and insurers. Find out how this could affect your credit here. 

3. Register your new address on the electoral roll: This helps the credit reference agencies (CRAs) keep your credit report up to date, which is good for your score

4. Consider redirecting your post: You can pay Royal Mail to ensure your important letters and parcels reach you, starting at around £40 for three months. 

5. Keep up all existing credit repayments: Things can get chaotic during a move, so make sure you keep an eye on upcoming repayments

6. Update your address with HMRC, DVLA and your employer: This helps to protect your identity.

7. Try not to make lots of new credit applications at once: They can cause your credit score to dip temporarily, so space them out if you can

8. Plan for the essentials: Don’t let small fixes become big headaches — get your boiler serviced and handle the little repairs early. 

9. Make it cosy: Forget Pinterest-perfect. Focus on small, personal touches like hanging pictures or adding new cushions to make it feel like home. 

10. And last but not least, check your credit report after you’ve moved to spot any wrong information 

How Loqbox makes all of this easier

Planning a move isn’t just about packing boxes; it’s about getting your finances sorted, too. Loqbox helps you build your credit history while you save, so you’re in a stronger position to manage your homebuying costs and access better financial options when you need them. Whether you’re saving for the cost of moving or planning those finishing touches, your membership is here to help you turn dreams into reality, one smart money move at a time.

‍Find out more about how you can build your credit and save with confidence here.‍

‍Improvements to your credit score are not guaranteed.

Moving house will feel like a win

Every box you pack, every cost you plan for, and every step you take brings you closer to something incredible: a place that’s yours. 

This is your moment. Let’s make it happen.