The Countdown to Moving House: A Step-by-Step Guide for Sellers
Whether you’re selling for the first time or moving after many happy years in the same home, there is plenty to think about. Packing is only one part of it. There’s paperwork to complete, removals to organise and the small matter of remembering where you put the kettle.
At Love Homes, we help sellers through these practical details every day. This guide breaks the preparations into manageable steps, so you can feel more organised as moving day approaches.
One thing to remember: the countdown below is a planning guide, rather than a fixed timetable. Every sale moves at its own pace. In England and Wales, accepting an offer does not make the sale legally binding; that happens when contracts are exchanged and a completion date is agreed.
Start early: get your paperwork in order
You don’t need to wait until you have a buyer to get organised.
Choose your solicitor or conveyancer when preparing to sell and ask what they need from you. Gathering documents early can help avoid delays later.
Useful paperwork might include guarantees, certificates for building work, boiler servicing records and information about alterations. If your property is leasehold, tell your conveyancer straight away so they can explain what additional information is required.
Complete forms carefully, respond promptly to questions and ask for help if you’re unsure of an answer.
This is also a good time to begin decluttering. Work through one cupboard or room at a time, deciding what you want to keep, sell, donate or recycle. There is little point paying to move things you no longer need.
Around eight to six weeks before your hoped-for move: make a plan
Once your sale is progressing, start thinking about the practical arrangements.
Get removal quotes and check what each includes. Will the company pack for you? Supply boxes? Dismantle furniture? Ask about availability and what happens if your date changes before making a booking.
If you’re moving yourself, consider the size of van you’ll need, who can help and whether either property has parking or access restrictions.
Check notice periods with broadband and other service providers. Find out how much time they need, but keep arrangements flexible while your moving date remains provisional.
Around four weeks before: pack what you can spare
Start with belongings you won’t need over the next few weeks: books, ornaments, seasonal clothes and items stored in the loft.
Label boxes with both their contents and the room they belong in. Keep them light enough to lift safely and give fragile items extra protection.
Keep passports, sale paperwork, valuables and medication somewhere secure and accessible.
Prepare a first-night box too. Tea, coffee, mugs, toiletries, towels, bedding and phone chargers can make the first evening considerably easier.
If you’re buying another home, check that larger furniture will fit through the doors and into its intended room.
Once contracts are exchanged: confirm the arrangements
With your completion date agreed, confirm your removals and other bookings.
Arrange Royal Mail redirection and schedule address changes with your bank, insurers, employer and other relevant organisations. Check your insurance arrangements with your conveyancer and insurer so cover is in place when needed.
Agree how keys will be handed over and ask about the expected arrangements on completion day. Timing can depend on the transfer of funds and any linked transactions.
If you have children or pets, consider arranging for someone to look after them during the busiest part of the move.
In the final week: prepare the handover
Finish packing, leaving out everyday essentials, and clean rooms as they become clear.
Use up food from the fridge and freezer. Arrange to defrost the freezer close to the move, following the manufacturer’s guidance and your removal company’s advice.
Gather spare keys, appliance instructions and any information the buyer may find helpful. A short note explaining the heating controls, bin collection day or where the stopcock is located is a thoughtful touch.
Check what you agreed to leave in the sale. Fixtures, fittings and any furniture included should match the agreed paperwork.
Confirm arrival times with your removal company and keep your phone charged.
Moving day: the final checks
Before leaving, check every room, cupboard, the loft, garage and garden storage. Forgotten belongings have a habit of hiding in places you rarely use.
Take dated photographs of the gas, electricity and water meter readings, where applicable, and follow your providers’ instructions for closing or transferring accounts.
Leave the property in the condition required by your contract and make sure your belongings and rubbish have been removed.
Follow your conveyancer’s instructions about vacating and handing over keys. Your estate agent can coordinate the key release once completion has been confirmed.
Then it’s time to head to your new home—and locate that first-night box.
A little preparation goes a long way
Moving house brings plenty of decisions, but you don’t have to organise everything at once.
At Love Homes Independent Estate Agents, our Sales Progression team keeps in touch with buyers, sellers and solicitors, helping you understand where your sale stands and what needs to happen next.
Thinking about selling? Arrange a free, no-obligation market appraisal with our team. We’ll talk through your home’s potential value, your plans and how we can help you make your next move.
And if you’re still looking for the right home, sign up for our Heads Up Property Alerts to explore current properties and hear about new listings before they reach the portals.
