Moving house is one of life’s biggest transitions. Whether you are relocating across the street or to another part of London, the process can be daunting. Between packing, organising, and coordinating logistics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that with proper planning and the right removal company, your move can be smooth and stress-free.
At Kensington Man and Van, we have supported countless homeowners, tenants, and businesses through every kind of move. Based in the heart of West London, our experience has taught us one key truth: successful moving comes down to preparation and structure. That’s why we’ve put together The Ultimate Moving Checklist — a step-by-step guide that takes you from four weeks before moving day all the way to settling into your new home.
This checklist is designed to help you plan efficiently, avoid common pitfalls, and stay in control. Whether you are organising a full house removal or just moving a few key items, following this guide will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Four Weeks Before Moving Day: Start Planning Early
The sooner you begin preparing, the easier your moving process will be. The four-week mark is the perfect time to set everything in motion.
1. Book Your Moving Company
Start by researching reputable removal companies in your area. Look for local experience, insurance coverage, and positive customer reviews. At this stage, it’s crucial to secure your booking early, especially if you’re moving at the end of the month or during a busy period.
Kensington Man and Van offers flexible scheduling, transparent pricing, and a highly trained team familiar with the roads and parking restrictions in Kensington and the surrounding boroughs. Booking early ensures your preferred date and allows you to coordinate other arrangements accordingly.
2. Declutter and Downsize
Before packing anything, take a critical look at what you actually need. Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter your home and reduce the number of items to transport. Go room by room and sort belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, or recycle. The fewer items you move, the less time and money you’ll spend on transport.
Consider donating usable items to local Kensington charities or selling unwanted goods online. Not only will this lighten your load, but it also helps others in the community.
3. Gather Packing Materials
You’ll need high-quality boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, and other protective materials. Avoid using worn or damaged boxes that could collapse during the move. You can purchase materials from your removal company or request eco-friendly packing options. Kensington Man and Van offers sustainable packaging solutions for clients who wish to minimise their environmental impact.
4. Notify Key Services and Organisations
Start informing service providers and institutions about your upcoming move. This includes utility companies, internet providers, your local council, and subscription services. Arranging these changes in advance helps prevent service interruptions and ensures your final bills are processed correctly.
Make a list of all the people and organisations that need your new address, from your bank and GP to your insurance providers and employer.
Two Weeks Before Moving Day: Get Organised
By this stage, your plan should be taking shape. With two weeks to go, it’s time to start packing and tying up loose ends.
1. Begin Packing Non-Essential Items
Start with the things you use least often — books, seasonal clothing, decorations, and spare kitchenware. Label each box clearly with both the room it belongs to and a short description of its contents. This will make unpacking far easier later.
Pack heavier items, such as books, in smaller boxes to prevent injury or breakage. Lighter items can go in larger boxes. Remember to use bubble wrap or soft materials like towels to cushion fragile pieces.
2. Arrange Care for Children or Pets
Moving day can be busy and stressful, especially if young children or pets are involved. Arrange for someone to look after them on the day of the move. This ensures their safety and gives you more freedom to focus on logistics.
3. Confirm Parking and Access Arrangements
In Kensington and surrounding areas, parking restrictions and permits are important considerations. Check with your local council to see whether you’ll need a temporary suspension or permit for the moving van. Kensington Man and Van can assist with arranging this to ensure that your removal day runs smoothly without fines or delays.
4. Create a Floor Plan for Your New Home
If possible, measure the rooms in your new property and plan where major items will go. This will save you time when unloading and help your movers place furniture exactly where you want it.
One Week Before Moving Day: Prepare the Essentials
The final week before your move is all about finishing packing, confirming arrangements, and making sure you’re ready for the big day.
1. Pack an Essentials Box
Prepare a separate box or suitcase with the items you’ll need immediately after moving. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, phone chargers, cleaning supplies, snacks, and basic kitchenware. Keep this box with you during the move so you can access it easily.
2. Finalise Cleaning and Maintenance
If you’re moving out of a rented property, ensure everything is clean and in good condition to secure your deposit return. Arrange professional cleaning if needed. Likewise, check your new home’s utilities are connected and ready for move-in day.
3. Defrost and Clean Appliances
Defrost your freezer at least 24 hours before moving to prevent leaks. Clean and dry all appliances, including washing machines and fridges. Leave doors slightly open to prevent mould and odours.
4. Confirm Details with Your Moving Company
Contact your removal company to confirm dates, times, and addresses. Review any special instructions or additional services, such as packing assistance or furniture disassembly. Kensington Man and Van provides comprehensive moving support, ensuring everything is clear before the big day.
Moving Day: Stay Calm and Let the Professionals Handle It
When moving day arrives, organisation is key. If you’ve followed the previous steps, the day should run smoothly.
1. Be Ready When the Movers Arrive
Have everything packed and labelled before your removal team arrives. Walk them through your property, pointing out fragile or valuable items that require extra care. Keep important paperwork and keys in a safe, accessible place.
2. Check Each Room Before Leaving
Before the movers depart, go through each room to ensure nothing has been left behind — including cupboards, lofts, and garden areas. Take final meter readings for utilities and photograph them for reference.
3. Communicate with Your Moving Team
If you have particular items that need to be loaded or unloaded first, let your movers know. Clear communication helps keep the process efficient and prevents confusion.
4. Relax and Focus on Your New Home
Once your belongings are safely loaded, take a moment to relax. Moving can be tiring, but knowing that professionals are handling the heavy lifting allows you to focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter.
Kensington Man and Van takes pride in managing every aspect of the removal process with care, precision, and reliability. Our team ensures that all your belongings are securely transported and delivered on time.
After Moving Day: Settle In and Get Comfortable
The hard part is over — now it’s time to settle into your new space.
1. Unpack Systematically
Start by unpacking essential rooms like the kitchen and bedroom. Avoid rushing to unpack everything in one go. Take time to organise items properly in their new places.
2. Update Your Address
Notify your bank, GP, employer, insurance company, and any other important institutions of your new address. Update online accounts and delivery addresses to avoid missed mail or packages.
3. Recycle Packing Materials
Instead of throwing away boxes, flatten and recycle them, or keep them for future use. Kensington Man and Van can collect used boxes and packing materials for recycling upon request, helping you move sustainably.
4. Check for Damages
If you notice any issues or damages, contact your removal company promptly. A reputable mover will assist you with resolving any concerns. Kensington Man and Van is fully insured for your peace of mind.
5. Explore Your New Neighbourhood
Once you’ve settled in, take time to explore your new surroundings. Kensington and its nearby areas offer excellent shops, restaurants, parks, and community facilities. Familiarising yourself with local services can make your new home feel truly welcoming.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful or disorganised. With the right planning, structure, and professional help, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience. This ultimate moving checklist is designed to keep you on track — from early preparation to settling comfortably in your new home.
If you’re planning a move in or around West London, choosing an experienced local company makes all the difference. Kensington Man and Van offers comprehensive removal services tailored to your needs — from full household moves to small van deliveries and office relocations. Our team handles every job with care, efficiency, and professionalism.
Need a hand with the heavy lifting?
Contact Kensington Man and Van today to book your move. Let our expert movers take the stress out of your relocation so you can focus on what matters most — enjoying your new home.
