Moving into your first owned home brings practical decisions about dates, keys, packing and access. Start preparing the move before every detail is settled, while keeping your removal company informed about what is confirmed and what may change.
This guide focuses on the move itself. Ask your conveyancer, lender or regulated adviser about the purchase, mortgage and financial decisions.
Keep the moving date and key handover separate
When requesting quotes, explain the date you are aiming for and whether it is confirmed. Ask the removal company how it handles booking changes and what notice or charges may apply. Do not assume a provisional date reserves a crew or vehicle.
Confirm who will tell you when the new property is available and how you will receive the keys. Pass relevant updates to the moving team. If you also need to leave a rented property, plan its handover and cleaning separately so that both sets of arrangements are covered.
List what you are taking before choosing a service
Create a room-by-room inventory and include belongings in cupboards, outdoor areas and any other storage location. Decide what you will leave, sell or dispose of before the list is finalised. Keep any disposal arrangement separate from the removal quote unless it is expressly included.
A smaller load may suit man-and-van. A larger load, substantial packing or difficult access may require a fuller removals plan. Send the inventory and access details so the team can assess the work.
Check access at your new home
Measure large furniture and the narrow points on its route into the property. Photographs of entrances, stairs and lifts help identify questions before moving day. If the property is in a managed building, ask about loading areas, lift bookings, contractor sign-in and permitted hours.
Tell the movers about parking restrictions at both addresses. Agree who will organise any permissions or loading arrangements. Our London parking guide sets out the points to investigate.
Agree packing and preparation responsibilities
Decide which rooms you will pack and whether you want professional packing help. Label boxes with their destination room and keep a separate bag for the things you will need immediately: keys, essential documents, chargers, basic toiletries and any personal essentials.
List furniture that may need dismantling and appliances that need preparing. Arrange any specialist disconnection in advance. Our appliance and heavy-furniture preparation guide explains what to check with the team and the manufacturer.
Plan for a gap between properties
If your belongings cannot go directly into the new home, ask about storage and the transport needed at each end. Explain the likely duration and whether you need access. Keep essential items with you, and confirm what happens if the dates change.
Check the scope of each quotation
- The inventory, addresses and date assumptions.
- The packing, dismantling and reassembly included.
- The crew and vehicle arrangement.
- How waiting for keys and changes to the job are handled.
- Storage, extra journeys and any other services.
- The applicable terms and cover options.
Compare the same scope rather than only the headline price. Ask for unclear items to be explained before booking.
Prepare for the first evening
Give the movers a clear room plan and label boxes to match. Identify items you need first and check the agreed delivery is complete before the team leaves. Arrange appliance reconnection and any work needed to make the home usable with the appropriate professionals.
Use our moving-home checklist for the remaining tasks. When you are ready, send an enquiry with your inventory, postcodes, access information and current date plans.