Moving in London involves more than just packing boxes and hiring a vehicle. It can get chaotic with the need to organise, deal with heavy traffic, navigate stairs, secure parking permits, and realise you have more belongings than you expected. Without thoughtful planning, moving can become complicated and costly.
According to a recent report from Compare My Move the average cost of moving house is £1,350. Prices can differ widely, from £409 for a one-bedroom apartment to £2,700 for a four-bedroom home.
This guide will help you approach your move with a clear plan. Whether you are moving to London or leaving the city, these tips will save you time, reduce stress, and help you protect your security deposit.
We, at Europe Movers, are here to help you with every step of your move. We want you to feel in control and confident from the start. Here’s the essential checklist you need to begin your journey.
Key Moving Checklist for London Homeowners
Here are the six key moving checklist for London homeowners to check out:
- Declutter Early, Most People Wait Too Long
Every project starts with good intentions, but often ends up with you filling a drawer full of old batteries and random cords. Let’s avoid that.
Start your project now. Three weeks ago was a good time to begin. Focus first on items you don’t use often: books, seasonal clothes, and that sandwich maker you thought you would use weekly.
Make three piles: keep, give away, and throw away. If you haven’t used something in a year and it doesn’t bring you pleasure or serve a real purpose, it doesn’t belong in your moving box.
Check local donation centres or use apps like Freecycle to give items away.
- Label Like You Mean It
Remember, you might think you’ll remember what’s in “box 12” at 8 pm on moving day, but you probably won’t.
Clearly label each box with:
- The room it belongs to
- A short description of what’s inside
- Whether it’s crucial to unpack right away or not
In 2025, 92% of UK homeowners who used checklists reported a successful move. This shows how important being organised is during the moving process.
Using colour-coded stickers is a wonderful idea. Use red for the kitchen, green for the bedroom, and blue for the bathroom. Also, don’t forget to label tech parts and screws from furniture. It’s frustrating to put together a bed and realise you have the wrong Allen key.
- Set Aside a ‘Survival Box’ (Kettle Chargers, Bog Roll)
The box is essential for your survival.
Pack one box with everything you need for the first hours after you arrive. This should include the following:
- Kettle and cups
- Mobile chargers and power strips
- Toilet paper, liquid soap, and toothbrushes
- A screwdriver and scissors
- Garbage bags and cleaning wipes
Keep this box in your vehicle or label it clearly to be the last thing loaded in the van. You will appreciate it when you are tired and want a cup of tea without searching for your slippers.
- Get the Kids or Pets Out of the Way
Moving day can be hectic, and it isn’t the best time for little children or pets.
If you can, ask a friend, grandparent, or babysitter to take care of the kids for the day. For pets, consider a daycare or a trusted home where they can relax while you move.
This makes everything easier, keeps everyone safe, and lets you focus on the move without worrying about who is chewing the packing tape.
- Don’t Underestimate How Much Junk You’ll Uncover
Even the tidiest homes have their hidden messes. You might find these in places like under the stairs, in the attic, or in that drawer that hasn’t been opened for a decade.
Things accumulate quickly. You might uncover worn-out shoes, broken kitchen tools, six unfamiliar remote controls, and old cables from devices you no longer use.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll discover an ungodly amount of junk hiding in cupboards, under the stairs, or in the garden shed. Booking a skip from a local service like Proskips is a game-changer – no tip runs, no bin bags piling up, just throw it in and crack on.
This cleanup is especially helpful if you’re remodelling, getting rid of garden waste, or dealing with years of items you’ve kept thinking, “We might need this”, but never used.
- Check Your New Street for Parking Access or Logistics
In London, it’s a mistake to think you’ll find a parking space outside your new home.
First, check if your new home is in a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ). Many areas need a temporary parking suspension or a permit for moving vans. Contact your local council beforehand; some require at least five working days’ notice.
Also, if you’re moving to an apartment, make sure to find out if there’s an elevator, if you can only access it by stairs, or if there are specific delivery hours. The worst scenario is getting your couch stuck in the hallway with no place to park the van.
You can redirect your mail and update your council tax information ahead of time. This way, you can avoid surprises with official matters.
Apart from moving to a new home, if you’re moving into a rented space, you may have to deal with issues like negotiating parking with your landlord, accessing your property, and handling other logistical problems. To deal with these challenges, a comprehensive guide can help you out with solutions.
Conclusion
Moving can be a challenging task, but with a good plan and a checklist, it doesn’t have to be chaotic.
Start early, label your boxes, and gather your emergency supplies. Organise your kids and pets, arrange for a skip to dispose of your waste, and make sure to secure parking for the moving truck ahead of time.
Take a deep breath. You can do this. Once the hard work is done, your new home will be ready for you, filled with new chances and fresh beginnings.
Now, it’s time to enjoy the journey ahead; best wishes on this new chapter of your life.
