Moving day has arrived. The planning is done, and now it's about keeping things moving. Here's what to do and when.

The night before

  • Pack a bag with chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, medication, important documents, snacks, and tea and coffee supplies. It's the last thing you pack and the first thing you open.
  • Make sure the fridge and freezer are defrosted and dry.
  • Charge your phone, and save your removal company's number.
  • Get some sleep. Tomorrow is a long day.

Morning, before the crew arrives

  • Strip the beds and pack the bedding in a clearly labelled bag.
  • Take meter readings for gas, electricity and water, and photograph them.
  • Clear a path to the door and make sure the van has somewhere to park.
  • Put children and pets somewhere safe and quiet. See our guide to moving with children and pets.

When the removal crew arrives

  • Walk the team leader through every room and point out fragile, heavy or valuable items.
  • Show them anything that isn't going: items to leave behind should be clearly marked.
  • Explain your labelling system for the new house.
  • Keep the kettle out. A tea round goes a long way.

Before you leave

  • Check every room, cupboard, the loft, the garage and the garden.
  • Close and lock windows, turn off lights, and check the boiler and appliances are off as agreed.
  • Leave keys with your estate agent, landlord or the new owners as arranged.
  • Check the van's inventory or paperwork before it leaves.

At your new home

  • Take meter readings straight away, before you use anything.
  • Stand by the door and direct boxes to the right rooms.
  • Check items off as they come off the van, and note any damage on the paperwork before the crew leaves.
  • Get beds built first so you can rest that evening.
  • Find the fuse box, stopcock and boiler controls.

The first evening

Don't try to unpack everything. Make up the beds, unpack the essentials bag and the kettle, and order a takeaway. The rest can wait until tomorrow. Our list of things to do after moving covers the first few weeks.