Moving house is a major life event that can quickly become overwhelming without the right preparation. From sorting through years of belongings to packing up each room, there's a lot to manage. But with a clear, step-by-step plan, you can make the process far more organised—and even satisfying. Whether you're relocating across the street or working with removalists in Newcastle for a bigger move, this detailed checklist will help you stay on track from start to finish.
4–6 Weeks Before Moving: Start Sorting and Letting Go
The earlier you begin, the better. This stage is all about clearing the clutter and preparing for a smoother packing process.
Take a room-by-room approach. Break your home into manageable zones and work through each area methodically. Create five piles: keep, donate, sell, recycle, and bin.
Tackle clutter-prone areas first. Start with places like the garage, attic, storage cupboards, wardrobes, and kitchen drawers. These spaces often contain items you’ve forgotten about or haven’t used in years.
Be ruthless when decluttering. If you haven’t used it in the last year, ask yourself if you really need it. Moving is the perfect time to cut down on unnecessary belongings.
List furniture and bulky items early. Selling second-hand furniture or appliances can take time. Use online marketplaces or local Facebook groups, and be sure to include measurements and clear photos.
Arrange donation pickups. Contact local charities or community groups early to schedule collection of good-quality items. This ensures they’re gone before the last-minute rush.
Stock up on packing materials. You’ll need sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, ziplock bags, butchers paper, labels, and permanent markers. Consider buying a few plastic tubs for things you’ll need access to quickly.
2–3 Weeks Before Moving: Pack Non-Essentials and Declutter Again
Now that the clutter is mostly sorted, it’s time to start boxing up the items you won’t need in the coming weeks.
Start with infrequently used items. Pack away books, board games, decorative items, seasonal clothing, spare bedding, and any kitchen gear you don’t use daily.
Label every box clearly. Write the room and a brief summary of contents on each box. For example: Bedroom – Winter Clothes or Kitchen – Baking Supplies. This will save you hours of confusion when unpacking.
Colour-code boxes by room. Use coloured tape or stickers to quickly identify which room each box belongs in at your new place.
Do a second declutter pass. As you handle items again, take the opportunity to let go of anything you're still unsure about. Chances are, if you hesitated to pack it, you probably don’t need it.
Safely dispose of hazardous items. Paint, gas cylinders, cleaning chemicals, and batteries should not be packed with household goods. Check your local council’s disposal guidelines.
1 Week Before Moving: Essentials Only
With most of your items packed, focus now shifts to daily necessities and preparing the house for handover.
Pack everything except the essentials. This includes the last of your clothes, kitchenware, and toiletries. Leave out only what you'll need over the next few days.
Prepare a “moving essentials” box. Include items like medication, important documents, chargers, toilet paper, snacks, water bottles, paper towels, tools, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. Keep this box easily accessible during the move.
Protect fragile and valuable items. Use extra padding for glassware, electronics, and heirlooms. Clearly mark boxes as "FRAGILE" and list their contents.
Take photos of electronics setups. Snap a few quick photos of the backs of your TV, Wi-Fi router, or computer to make reconnecting cables easier at the new house.
Disassemble furniture early. Beds, tables, and shelving units can take time to dismantle. Keep screws, bolts, and Allen keys in labelled ziplock bags and tape them securely to the furniture.
Redirect your mail and update your address. Notify your bank, utility companies, and any subscription services.
Final Day Before Move: Quick Sweep and Last-Minute Items
The big day is here. All that’s left is tying up loose ends and making sure nothing’s forgotten.
Pack up remaining daily-use items. Things like your toothbrush, phone charger, kettle, and bedding should be the last to go. Use a separate bag or container for these.
Do a thorough walkthrough. Check behind doors, inside wardrobes, under the bed, and in all drawers. Don’t forget sheds or outdoor storage.
Empty the fridge and freezer. Use up or dispose of food. Defrost the freezer the night before if needed.
Confirm donation pickups or tip runs. Double-check that anything you're not taking with you has been picked up or dropped off.
Clean as you go. Take out rubbish, wipe benches, vacuum floors, and leave the place in a good condition—especially if you’re handing it back to a landlord.
Prepare for the handover. Ensure all keys, remotes, and manuals are ready for the next occupants or your agent.
Moving house doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right preparation and organisation, it can be a surprisingly smooth experience. By following this phased checklist, you’ll reduce the stress and avoid that last-minute scramble.
And if you’re working with removalists in Newcastle, being organised will help everything run more efficiently on the day—saving you time, money, and hassle.
