The Ultimate Moving House Checklist for London in 2025
Moving house in London is one of the most significant life events you'll face — and with so many moving parts (pun intended), it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This step-by-step checklist breaks the process into manageable stages so you can stay calm, organised, and on top of everything.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Get removal quotes. Contact at least three removal companies. Ask for a fixed price, not an hourly rate, to avoid surprises. You can get a free removal quote from Metro City Moves in under 60 seconds.
- Declutter ruthlessly. Anything you haven't used in a year is a candidate for selling, donating, or binning. Moving less saves money and effort.
- Start collecting packing materials. Boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and marker pens. Supermarkets and off-licences often give away sturdy boxes for free.
- Notify your landlord or mortgage provider of your intended move date.
6 Weeks Before
- Book your removal company. London removal firms fill up fast — especially for Friday and end-of-month dates. Book as early as possible.
- Notify your children's schools and arrange for records to be transferred if you're moving to a new borough.
- Research schools at your new address if needed (use the DfE school finder tool).
- Contact your GP and dentist to arrange transfer of medical records.
4 Weeks Before
- Change your address with: Royal Mail (redirection service), HMRC, DVLA, your bank, pension providers, and any subscriptions.
- Notify utility providers (gas, electricity, water, broadband) of your move-out date. Arrange new providers at your new address.
- Start packing non-essential rooms — spare rooms, loft items, books you won't need before the move.
- Label every box with the destination room and a brief description of contents. Colour-coded labels by room save time on moving day.
2 Weeks Before
- Confirm your booking with the removal company. Confirm arrival time, parking arrangements, and whether packing service is included.
- Pack most of your belongings. Leave out only what you'll need day-to-day.
- Photograph all your electronics showing how cables are connected before dismantling.
- Contact the council to suspend parking bays outside both properties if needed. In London this often requires 5–10 working days' notice.
The Day Before
- Pack an essentials box: phone charger, kettle, teabags, toilet paper, change of clothes, important documents, and anything you'll need the moment you arrive.
- Defrost your freezer overnight.
- Dismantle any furniture that needs it (bed frames, large wardrobes).
- Confirm the removal team's arrival time one last time.
Moving Day
- Be ready when the team arrives — delays cost time and sometimes money.
- Do a final walk-through of every room, cupboard, attic, and garage.
- Take meter readings at both properties and photograph them.
- Hand over keys to the new owners or agents.
- At your new home: check all rooms and tick off boxes as they arrive.
After the Move
- Register with a new GP if you've moved borough.
- Update your driving licence address with DVLA within 30 days (it's a legal requirement).
- Update the electoral register at your new address.
- Check your home insurance covers your new property from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a removal company in London?
For a Friday move or an end-of-month date, book at least 4–6 weeks ahead. Midweek moves can often be arranged with 1–2 weeks' notice. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get your preferred date and time slot.
How much does a house removal in London cost?
Costs vary depending on property size, distance, floor level, and whether packing is included. As a rough guide, a 2-bedroom flat move within London typically costs between £400 and £800. Get a fixed-price quote from Metro City Moves to know exactly what you'll pay.
Do I need to be present on moving day?
Yes — or you should have a trusted person there in your place. Someone needs to be available to direct the team, sign off on the inventory, and hand over or receive keys.
Can the removal company pack for me?
Yes. Metro City Moves offers a full professional packing service. We bring all the materials and pack every room carefully, including fragile items. It's worth adding if you're short on time or packing feels daunting.
Moving to or within London? Get a free, no-obligation quote from Metro City Moves and let our experienced team take the stress out of your move.