Countdown to Moving Day – Stay Organised, Stress Less
Moving internationally (or even locally) can feel overwhelming with so many things to organise. To make it easier, we’ve put together a handy week-by-week moving checklist. Print it out, stick it on the fridge, and tick things off as you go!
5–6 Weeks Before Moving
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Check passports and visas are valid
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Confirm if you need permits (residency, work, or vehicle)
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Double-check travel documents and tickets
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Gather personal records (birth, marriage, medical certificates)
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Notify solicitor, bank, doctor, dentist, insurers, building society
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Cancel subscriptions (clubs, magazines, streaming services)
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Advise schools of your move
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Keep invoices for new purchases (handy for customs/imports)
3–4 Weeks Before Moving
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Complete insurance forms for your shipment
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Declutter – donate, sell, or dispose of unwanted items
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Provide a contact number for after the move
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Share your new overseas address and phone number
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Request final accounts from utility providers (gas, water, electricity)
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Clear any outstanding credit agreements
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Cancel rental agreements if applicable
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Start using up pantry and freezer food
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Confirm your removal date with BBC Removals
1–2 Weeks Before Moving
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Arrange mail redirection
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Clean garden tools, bikes, BBQs, and outdoor items
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Organise childcare and pet care for moving day
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Schedule disconnection of mains services
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Settle accounts with local services (newsagent, milkman, subscriptions)
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Empty school/work lockers
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Return borrowed items
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Drain fuel from mowers or power tools
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Dispose of plants and perishables
1–2 Days Before Moving
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Keep essential items separate (keys, passports, tickets, cash, clothes, documents)
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Disconnect, clean, and dry appliances before shipping
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Arrange parking access for the removal truck
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Pack an “essentials box” with tea, coffee, snacks, and cleaning supplies
On Moving Day
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Stay available to answer any questions from the movers
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Walk through every room, cupboard, loft, garage, and shed
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Check nothing is left behind before the truck leaves
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Then relax — let BBC Removals handle the rest!
Notification Checklist
Here’s a list of organisations and people you may need to notify about your move:
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Doctor & Dentist
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Health, house & car insurers
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Electricity, water, and gas providers
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Phone & internet providers
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Bank, building society, Inland Revenue
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Post Office (mail redirection)
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School/college, local council, library
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Sports/social clubs, milkman, newsagent, subscription services
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Roadside assistance or motoring organisations
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Satellite/cable TV providers
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Church/place of worship
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Vet