Moving Out? Your Complete Checklist for Packing, Cleaning and Leaving Your Home
Moving Out? Your Complete Checklist for Packing, Cleaning and Leaving Your Home
Moving out can feel like a huge job, especially when you're trying to remember everything from packing the last box to taking your final meter readings.
The good news is that a little organisation can make moving day much less stressful. Whether you're moving into a new home, leaving a rental property or simply moving on to your next chapter, this guide covers the key things to do before you hand over the keys.
Start Packing Early
One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving too much packing until the last few days.
Start with things you don't use regularly. Seasonal clothing, books, ornaments, spare bedding and rarely used kitchen equipment can all be packed well in advance.
As moving day gets closer, work through each room systematically rather than packing everything at once.
Pack a moving-day essentials bag
Keep the things you'll need immediately after moving somewhere separate. This might include:
Phone and charger
Wallet, keys and important documents
Toiletries
Medication
A change of clothes
Basic cleaning supplies
Toilet roll
Snacks and drinks
Kettle, mugs and tea or coffee
Basic tools
Pet supplies, if needed
Label this bag clearly so you don't have to search through boxes when you arrive.
It's also worth labelling boxes by room and adding a brief description of what's inside. You'll thank yourself when you're faced with a pile of boxes at the other end.
Don't Forget the Meter Readings
Taking your final meter readings is one of the most important things to do when leaving a property.
On moving day, take readings for your:
Electricity meter
Gas meter, if you have one
Water meter, if your property has one
Take a clear photograph of each meter showing the reading and, ideally, the meter itself. Keeping a dated record can be useful if there is ever a disagreement about your final bill.
You'll usually need to provide the final readings to your energy or water supplier and let them know that you're moving. If you're renting, you may also need to provide details to your landlord or letting agent.
Give the Property a Good Clean
If you're renting, leaving the property clean and tidy can be particularly important. Check your tenancy agreement for any specific requirements about the condition the property should be left in.
Even if you're not renting, a final clean makes the handover easier and gives the next occupants a better start.
Pay particular attention to areas that are easy to overlook:
Kitchen
Clean the oven, hob, extractor hood and microwave. Wipe down cupboards and drawers, including inside them, and clean worktops, sinks and appliances.
Remember to empty and clean the fridge and freezer if they're staying with the property.
Bathroom
Clean the toilet, sink, bath and shower thoroughly. Remove limescale where appropriate and wipe down mirrors and other surfaces.
Floors and carpets
Vacuum or sweep throughout the property and mop hard floors. If carpets need additional cleaning, check your tenancy agreement before arranging professional cleaning.
Cupboards and storage
Have one final look inside built-in wardrobes, cupboards, drawers, loft spaces, garages and sheds. These are some of the easiest places to accidentally leave belongings behind.
Sort Out the Rubbish
Don't leave yourself with a mountain of rubbish on moving day.
Use your normal household collections where possible and take recyclable items to the appropriate recycling facilities. For larger items that can't go in your normal collection, arrange collection or disposal in advance.
If you're leaving a rental property, avoid simply putting unwanted furniture or belongings outside. Check with your local council or landlord about the correct disposal arrangements.
Do One Final Walk-Through
Before you lock the door for the last time, take a few minutes to walk through the property slowly.
Check:
Have all your belongings been removed?
Are all cupboards and drawers empty?
Have you checked the loft, garage, shed and garden?
Are all windows closed and secure?
Are taps turned off?
Are unnecessary lights switched off?
Is the heating off?
Have you removed any rubbish?
Have you taken your final meter readings?
Do you have all the keys you're supposed to return?
It's surprisingly easy to leave something behind when you're concentrating on getting boxes into the removal van.
Redirect Your Post
You don't want important letters continuing to arrive at your old address after you've moved.
Consider arranging post redirection and update your address with organisations that regularly send you correspondence.
It's also worth checking your email accounts and online shopping accounts, as old delivery addresses can easily remain saved and accidentally be selected when placing an order.
Don't forget to update your address with relevant organisations too. Depending on your circumstances, this could include your bank, insurance provider, GP, employer, subscriptions and the DVLA.
Moving Day: Keep Calm and Work Through the List
Moving day rarely goes perfectly. There may be delays, forgotten boxes or a last-minute problem you hadn't anticipated.
Try to keep your essential items separate and make sure you have access to your phone, important documents and keys throughout the day.
Once the property is empty, take your final photographs and meter readings before leaving.
Then, after one last check, hand over the keys and you're done.
Final Moving-Out Checklist
Before you leave your old home, run through this list:
Everything has been packed and removed
Cupboards and drawers have been emptied
Loft, garage, shed and outdoor areas have been checked
Kitchen has been cleaned
Bathroom has been cleaned
Floors and carpets have been cleaned as required
Rubbish has been removed
Electricity meter reading taken
Gas meter reading taken, if applicable
Water meter reading taken, if applicable
Photos of meter readings taken
Photos of the property's final condition taken
Energy and water suppliers have been notified
Relevant organisations have been given your new address
Post redirection arranged if required
Windows and doors checked
Taps and appliances checked
All keys, fobs and permits accounted for
Keys returned as instructed
One Last Tip
Don't underestimate the value of doing a final check when the property is completely empty.
Once the furniture and boxes are gone, you'll be able to spot things you might otherwise have missed. Take your time, check every room, take your readings and photographs, and make sure you've completed the handover properly.
Moving out is a lot of work, but having a simple checklist to follow can take much of the pressure off. Once that final door closes behind you, you can focus on settling into your new home and the next chapter ahead.