10 Things People Forget When Moving House

When you’re in the thick of a house move, there’s a lot going on – packing, paperwork, coordinating removal vans, forwarding addresses... It’s no wonder things fall through the cracks. And even with the most detailed to-do list, there are still a few things that almost always get forgotten.

At Saint Removals, we’ve helped hundreds of people move house – and we’ve seen the same small oversights catch people out time and time again. So, we’ve rounded up ten of the most common things people forget to do when moving house, so you can steer clear of last-minute stress and settle into your new place without a hitch.

1. Redirecting Your Post

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to set up a mail redirection – until they’re chasing lost bills or missed birthday cards.

Royal Mail makes it easy to set up a redirection service. You can arrange it online, and it can start from the date you choose. It’s worth doing this at least a week before your move to avoid gaps in your post arriving.

Also, make a list of key services you’ll need to update your address with, like:

• Your bank

• Insurance providers

• DVLA (for your driving licence and vehicle logbook)

• GP and dentist

• HMRC and your employer

• Subscription services

2. Defrosting the Freezer

It might seem like a small thing, but forgetting to defrost your freezer can cause all sorts of hassle on moving day – especially if it’s full of food, or you plan to take it with you.

Aim to start emptying your freezer at least a week before your move. Then unplug it and leave the door open 24 hours before moving day. This will give it enough time to defrost and dry out, so you’re not dealing with leaks or ice blocks when the movers arrive.

3. Labelling Your Boxes Properly

You’d think it would be easy to remember what’s in each box – until you’re standing in a room full of cardboard at the new place, trying to find the kettle.

Avoid the chaos by clearly labelling every box. Include both the contents and the room it belongs to. If you want to go one better, colour-code your boxes or number them with a corresponding inventory sheet. Future you will thank you.

4. Setting Aside a Moving Day Essentials Box

Packing everything is the goal, right? But when everything’s taped up and in the van, the last thing you want is to be rooting through boxes for your toothbrush or a phone charger.

Pack a separate essentials box or bag with:

• Toiletries and medication

• Important documents

• Kettle, mugs and tea bags

• Snacks and bottled water

• Chargers and devices

• Loo roll and hand soap

• A change of clothes

  
  

Think of it like a mini overnight kit – just in case unpacking takes longer than expected.

5. Taking Meter Readings

Moving house means you’ll need to close your utility accounts – and to do that, you’ll need final readings for your gas, electric and water meters.

Take clear photos of all your meters on the day you leave. Do the same at your new home when you arrive. These readings will protect you from disputes over bills and make switching suppliers much smoother.

6. Checking the Loft, Shed and Cupboards

Out of sight, out of mind – which is probably why the loft, shed and the tops of kitchen cupboards are often the last places people check.

Make sure you’ve done a full sweep of every room, including those easy-to-miss storage spaces. The same goes for garden items – plant pots, tools, hose reels and outdoor furniture often get forgotten until the van’s already gone.

7. Cancelling or Transferring Regular Services

Do you have a cleaner, gardener or regular deliveries set up at your current address? Don’t forget to cancel or transfer them in advance.

Also check if you’ve got any:

• Milk or grocery deliveries

• Newspaper subscriptions

• Window cleaners

• Broadband or TV services

  
  

Some providers need a couple of weeks' notice to cancel or move your account, so it’s worth tackling this early on.

8. Cleaning the Property Before You Go

In the rush of moving, cleaning can fall off the list – but leaving a tidy home behind is part of good moving etiquette. Some tenancy agreements also require professional cleaning, so make sure you check.

If you’re running out of time or energy, you could always book a move-out cleaning service. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re juggling boxes and goodbyes.

9. Letting People Know You’ve Moved

Friends, family, old neighbours – don’t forget to tell them your new address. Otherwise, you might miss out on Christmas cards, birthday invites or even housewarming gifts.

If you’ve got kids, don’t forget to notify their school. And if you’re registered to vote, update your address on the electoral roll too – it only takes a few minutes online.

10. Preparing for Pets and Children on Moving Day

Moving day can be chaotic, especially for little ones and pets. A lot of people forget to plan how to keep them safe, calm and out of the way during the move.

If you can, arrange for a friend, family member or pet sitter to help out. If that’s not an option, create a “quiet zone” in one room where they can stay while everything else is being packed up. Bring toys, snacks and anything familiar to help them settle.

Ready For a Stress-Free Move?

At Saint Removals, we know that moving house is about more than just boxes – it’s about making life easier during a big transition. That’s why our home removals and storage services are designed to take the pressure off, whether you're moving round the corner or across the country.

From expert packing to secure storage and stress-free transport, we’ve got your move covered. We’ll help you avoid the common pitfalls – like the ones above – and ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Looking for a reliable home removals company in Farnborough or beyond? Get in touch with today to see how we can help.