Quick answer
Start eight weeks out, book the movers six to eight weeks ahead for a peak-season move, and keep every document, key and charger in one box you carry yourself. Expect $800–2,500 in the US and £400–1,200 in the UK for a two-bedroom local move.
Eight weeks out
Get three quotes from removal companies, based on a video or in-person surveyCheck your lease or completion date and confirm the handover timeBook time off work for moving day and the day afterStart using up freezer food and cleaning productsSix weeks out
Book the movers and get the confirmation in writingDeclutter room by room: sell, donate, recycleMeasure large furniture against doorways at the new propertyArrange parking permits or lift bookings at both ends if neededFour weeks out
Notify your address change: bank, employer, insurer, doctor, school, subscriptions, vehicle registration, electoral roll or voter registrationArrange mail redirectionBook broadband installation at the new address — this is the one with the longest lead timeConfirm buildings and contents insurance for the new address, effective from the move dateTwo weeks out
Start packing non-essentials, labelling each box with room and contentsBook a cleaner for the property you are leavingArrange childcare and pet care for moving dayConfirm the mover's arrival window and access detailsOne week out
Pack everything except daily essentialsDefrost the freezerSet aside valuables, documents and jewellery to transport yourselfPrepare a first-night box: bedding, towels, toiletries, phone chargers, kettle and mugs, basic tools, medicationMoving day
Take meter readings — gas, electricity, water — and photograph themWalk the property with the movers before they startCheck every cupboard, loft and outbuilding before the van leavesHand over all keys and get confirmationAt the new property, direct boxes to the right rooms as they come inFirst week in the new home
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarmsLocate the water shut-off, fuse box and thermostatRegister with a local doctor and dentistChange the locks if you did not receive every keyCosts
| Move | US | UK |
|---|
| 1 bed, local | $400–1,200 | £250–600 |
| 2 bed, local | $800–2,500 | £400–1,200 |
| 3 bed, local | $1,200–3,500 | £600–1,800 |
| Packing service | +$300–1,000 | +£200–600 |
Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance in the US and by volume and distance in the UK. Mid-month, mid-week dates are consistently the cheapest.
