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Dated preparation, not legal confirmation

Turn a target date into a moving plan.

Organise practical tasks for buying, selling or renting. Always confirm completion, tenancy, keys and removals timing with the responsible people.

01

Move profile

Use the best current target date and update it when arrangements change.

Extra planning
Due by 30 Sep 2026

Four weeks or more before

  • Get written removal quotes or plan vehicle, access, parking and lifting help.
  • Create a room-by-room packing plan and identify items needing specialist handling.
  • Build an address-change list without redirecting sensitive post too early.
  • Confirm when buildings insurance must start for this transaction with the insurer and conveyancer.
Due by 14 Oct 2026

About two weeks before

  • Confirm utility and broadband closing or opening arrangements using the actual address.
  • Plan an essentials box with medicines, chargers, documents, food and overnight items.
  • Check access dimensions, parking restrictions, lift bookings and key-collection arrangements.
  • Prepare keys, manuals, guarantees and agreed fixtures or fittings for handover.
Due by 26 Oct 2026

Final 48 hours

  • Confirm the latest agreed timing with the conveyancer, landlord, agent and removals provider.
  • Keep identity, contracts, key contacts and payment evidence accessible rather than packed.
  • Photograph valuable items and separate anything travelling with you.
  • Do not set off or release funds based only on an expected completion time; wait for confirmation from the conveyancer or agent.
Due by 28 Oct 2026

Moving day

  • Record meter readings and photographs at the properties you are responsible for.
  • Check every room, cupboard, loft, garage and outside store before leaving.
  • Secure doors and windows and hand over or collect keys only through the agreed arrangement.
  • Leave the property in the condition and with the contents agreed in the contract.
Due by 04 Nov 2026

First week after

  • Register for council tax and update utilities using confirmed readings and dates.
  • Update priority addresses, electoral registration and insurance details as appropriate.
  • Test accessible smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and record urgent maintenance concerns.

Timing and safety boundaries

  • Exchange, missives, completion and key release follow the transaction's legal process—not this checklist.
  • Do not cancel essential services or insurance until responsibility and dates are confirmed.
  • Keep money-transfer instructions independently verified; do not rely on changed bank details sent only by email.

A target date can move

Removal bookings, mail redirection and service changes may need lead time, but a proposed completion date or tenancy date can still change. Keep flexible arrangements where practical and confirm responsibility before cancelling cover or services.

Commonly forgotten details

Access restrictions, lift bookings, parking, medicines, chargers, meter evidence, manuals, spare keys, pet safety and overnight essentials are easy to miss. This checklist cannot interpret a contract or confirm when funds, ownership, possession or keys transfer.

Use the moving-cost planner for the budget and GOV.UK’s buying-a-home guidance for an official overview. Reviewed 15 August 2026.