Complete Moving House Survival Guide: From Planning Ahead to Settling In

ransform moving house from stressful to manageable with our complete guide. Packed with expert planning timelines, packing strategies, and settling-in tips to make your next move smoother from start to finish.

Moving home is hard. Despite the excitement of a new chapter in your life, there’s definitely no shortage of stress involved. The average UK renter moves about every 3-4 years, and homeowners around every 15-18, so it’s pretty safe to say that it’s something we’ll all go through at some point.

But don’t worry too much: there are ways to reduce stress levels. Whether you’re moving for work, moving in with a partner, upsizing to accommodate a growing family, or just looking for a fresh start, planning effectively can transform what could be an organisational nightmare into a manageable—even enjoyable—experience. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything from creating a moving home checklist to settling into your new space.

Creating Your Moving Timeline: The Earlier, The Better

Even if you’re unsure of your exact moving date, starting early is the most effective way to stay on top of things. Ideally, begin planning about 2 - 3 months in advance.

A well-structured timeline of things to do when moving house might look like this:

8 weeks before: Research and book your movers. Begin to pack non-essentials
6 weeks before: Begin decluttering and make lists of who to notify - people and utilities. Set up Royal Mail Redirection so you have plenty of time to get confirmation.
4 weeks before: Start packing non-essential items and notify relevant services like Council Tax, utilities, and TV licence and start cancelling regular deliveries.
2 weeks before: Confirm moving arrangements and pack less frequently used household items.
Final days: Pack essentials, take meter readings and do final checks. prepare a “first-day” box of essentials. Don't forget to create a moving day checklist to make sure all the final checks are done.

Top Tip: Setting calendar reminders for moving milestones will help keep you on track.

The Art of Decluttering: The Pre-Move Purge

The equation is simple: fewer items = less packing, lower moving costs and easier unpacking in your new home.

We’ve picked our favourite decluttering tips to help you streamline your belongings:

When deciding what stays and what goes ask yourself three questions:

Have I used this in the past year?
Will it serve a specific purpose in my new home?
Does it hold genuine sentimental value?

For items that don't make the cut, consider eco-conscious options:

Sell: List valuable or good-quality items on eBay, Vinted, or local online marketplaces.
Donate: Give usable items to charity shops, shelters, or local community groups that accept household goods.
Recycle: Use council recycling points or responsible disposal services for anything that can't be reused.

Packing Strategies That Actually Work

The key is to start early and pack as you go. A staggered approach prevents your chaos while giving you the satisfaction of making steady progress.

Start with seasonal items and decorative pieces you won't miss in the weeks before moving. Set aside a place to leave these boxes to keep them out of the way. Leave everyday essentials, important documents, and clothes until the end.

Kitchen:Use towels or tea towels to cushion breakables Pack a "first-night" box with essential cookware, dishes, utensils, tea, snacks and a kettle. Label boxes not just by room but by contents ("Kitchen - Everyday Dishes")
Bedroom:Keep clothes on hangers and group them in wardrobe boxes or bin bags with holes cut for hangers Use vacuum storage bags for bulky bedding and out-of-season clothes
Living Areas: Take photos of electronics setups and tie cables together before disconnecting them. Label them with masking tape or a sticker so you know what they fit. Keep screws and small components in labelled sandwich bags and keep them together.

While eco-friendly moving supplies are ideal, sometimes new boxes provide necessary protection for valuable items. Consider a mix of second-hand boxes for sturdy items and new ones for fragile. Organising for a move becomes much easier when you have a system in place. For more information, see our guides on the right boxes.

Professional Movers vs. DIY: Making the Right Choice

Time efficiency With seasoned movers, your belongings are packed and transported in a fraction of the time it would take you.
Reduced physical strain: Letting someone else take care of the heavy lifting lets you conserve your energy—both physical and mental—for settling into your new place.
Insurance coverage: Trustworthy movers provide robust protection for your possessions during transit.
Equipment and expertise: Professionals bring specialised tools and techniques to handle akward and heavy items.

For many people, man and van services offer the perfect middle ground between full-service moving companies and completely DIY approaches.

The flexibility and lower cost point make this option particularly appealing with the current cost of living. Many offer help packing and as an extra service, giving you options, and a Luton van can comfortably fit the contents of a 3-bedroom house.

If you don’t have a vehicle of your own or don’t drive, you can even ride with the driver in the van if needed.

Choosing between professional help and a DIY approach is ultimately a personal choice and a DIY move might make perfect sense if you're moving from a room, a small flat or a studio.

The key to success is planning – book your van rental well in advance and consider making multiple smaller trips rather than overloading the vehicle. Remember to use proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries, and don't underestimate how time-consuming the process can be.

Regardless of your choice, having a clear plan of what to do when moving will make the process smoother and less stressful.

The Emotional Side of Moving: Managing the Transition

The psychological impact of moving is often overlooked but just as important as the logistics. Leaving a familiar environment—even for positive reasons—can trigger feelings of loss and anxiety. Creating a new home checklist can help you focus on the positive aspects of the move.

Maintain routines where possible during the moving process
Make sure friends know how to contact you in your new place
Focus on the opportunities your new home offers
Prioritise setting up spaces that provide comfort first.

The Home Straight: Settling In

Give yourself permission to take time with non-essential unpacking and remember that feeling settled takes time. Create small comfort zones within your new space rather than trying to perfect everything at once. If you’re not sure where to start, there is a wealth of easily customisable new home checklists online for a comprehensive guide on what to do when moving into a new house.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey.

At Find My Man and Van, we understand that moving house isn't just about boxing up possessions—it's a fresh chapter in your life story. Plan the move to your new home mindfully, and what seems overwhelming now will soon become an exciting new beginning.

Remember that life is unpredictable, and that's okay. Build flexibility into your timeline, acknowledge both the practical challenges and emotional impact, and don't hesitate to call in professional help when needed. Whether you're relocating solo, as a couple, or with little ones in tow, your new space is waiting to become home—complete with all the memories you'll create there.