Moving home is one of life's biggest milestones. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing for a growing family or starting a new chapter somewhere new, it's an exciting time.
But let's be honest, moving house can also feel overwhelming. There are solicitors to speak to, boxes to pack, utilities to organise and a seemingly endless list of jobs to remember.
The good news? A little planning goes a long way.
At Indigo Greens, we've helped hundreds of people move home across York, so we've created this practical moving house checklist for 2026 to help make your move as smooth and stress free as possible.
Before you move
Create a moving folder
Keeping all of your paperwork together will save you time and reduce stress.
Whether you prefer a physical folder or a digital one, store important documents such as:
Property information forms
Contracts
Warranties and guarantees
FENSA certificates
Instruction manuals
Receipts for major works
Insurance documents
Having everything in one place means you'll be able to answer your solicitor's questions more quickly, and you'll have useful information ready for the new owners too.
Declutter before you pack
Decluttering before you move can make a huge difference to both the cost and stress of moving house. Rather than packing and transporting items you no longer use, take some time to sort your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell or recycle. Not only will this reduce the number of boxes you need to move, but it will also give you the chance to start afresh in your new home with only the things you truly need and love. If you're not sure where to begin, we've shared plenty of practical advice in our other decluttering blogs, including simple room-by-room tips, ideas for letting go of unwanted items and ways to make the process feel much more manageable before moving day.
Book your removals company
Good removal companies can become fully booked, particularly during school holidays and the summer months, so it's worth researching local firms early and obtaining quotes. If possible, wait until contracts have been exchanged before confirming your moving date, as completion dates can sometimes change. A trusted local company such as Jorvik Removals could be a great option if you're moving within York or the surrounding area. If you need extra space before, during or after your move, self storage can also be a useful option. Our recent blog with Inner Space Stations explains how self storage can help make moving home simpler and less stressful.
Arrange your utilities
Once contracts have been exchanged and your completion date is confirmed, contact your utility providers to let them know you're moving.
Remember to update:
Gas
Electricity
Water
Broadband
Mobile provider
Television services
Many providers only need a few days' notice, but checking early can help avoid delays.
Redirect your post and update your address
One of the easiest jobs to forget is changing your address.
Setting up a Royal Mail redirection service gives you peace of mind while you update your details with organisations such as:
Banks and building societies
DVLA
HMRC
Your employer
Insurance providers
GP and dentist
Subscription services
Creating a checklist makes it much easier to keep track.
Your moving day checklist
Moving day always feels busy, but being prepared can make a huge difference.
Pack an essentials bag
Keep a separate bag with everything you'll need during your first 24 hours.
Include:
Medication
Phone chargers
Toiletries
A change of clothes
Important documents
Tea, coffee and snacks
Children's favourite toys if applicable
Pet essentials
You'll thank yourself later when you're not searching through dozens of boxes for your toothbrush.
Label every box
Clearly label each box with:
Which room it belongs in
A brief description of what's inside
Whether it's fragile
This makes unloading much quicker and helps everyone know where things should go.
Take meter readings
Before leaving your current property, take final readings for your:
Gas meter
Electricity meter
Water meter (if applicable)
It's also worth taking photographs for your records.
Check every room
Before locking the door for the final time, walk through the property one last time.
Check:
Cupboards
Loft
Garage
Shed
Under stairs storage
Garden
It's surprisingly easy to leave something behind.
Collect your keys
Before moving day, speak with your estate agent to confirm where and when you'll collect the keys, and who will be collecting them. Having these arrangements in place will help avoid unnecessary delays and make moving day run as smoothly as possible.
After you've moved in
Congratulations, you're in your new home! Now it's time to start settling in.
Prioritise the essentials
There's no need to unpack everything on your first day. Focus on the essentials, such as making up the beds, unpacking kitchen and bathroom items, and getting children's rooms ready if needed. Everything else can wait until you've had a chance to settle in and catch your breath.
Introduce yourself to your neighbours
A friendly hello can be the start of a great relationship and is often the quickest way to learn useful information about your new area.
Check your smoke alarms
Before your first night, take a few minutes to test your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and any security systems. It's a quick and simple check that can give you valuable peace of mind as you settle into your new home.
Enjoy your new home
Once the boxes are unpacked, take a moment to appreciate how far you've come. Order your favourite takeaway, put the kettle on and enjoy the beginning of your next chapter.
Our Final thoughts
Moving home doesn't have to be stressful. With a little organisation and the right support, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
At Indigo Greens, we're here to guide you from your first viewing through to moving day and beyond. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in York, or simply have a question about the moving process, our friendly team is always happy to help.
