Moving house checklist: what to do and when
Moving house comes with a lot of moving parts.
Some tasks are legal. Some are financial. Some are practical. Some are emotional. And most of them seem to arrive at once.
A moving checklist helps you turn the whole process into smaller, more manageable steps.
This guide gives you a simple overview of what to think about and when.
After your offer is accepted
This is the point where the move starts becoming real.
You may need to:
instruct a solicitor or conveyancer
confirm your mortgage application
arrange a survey
send ID and proof of funds
complete property forms if you are selling,
start gathering important documents,
create a list of key contacts.
If you are selling, your solicitor may ask you to complete forms such as property information and fixtures and fittings details.
If you are buying, your solicitor will usually review documents, order searches and raise enquiries.
During the legal and mortgage process
This stage can take time, especially if there is a chain, leasehold property, mortgage delay, search delay or unresolved enquiry.
You may need to:
respond quickly to solicitor questions
check mortgage offer progress
review survey findings
decide whether to ask further questions
keep track of searches
chase updates where appropriate
start researching removals
check notice periods if you rent
review buildings insurance requirements
Searches, enquiries and contract work are normal parts of the conveyancing process before exchange and completion.
When exchange starts getting close
Exchange is the point where the sale becomes legally binding.
Before exchange, your solicitor will usually need to be satisfied that the legal work is complete, your mortgage offer is in place if needed, deposit arrangements are ready, and the completion date has been agreed.
You may need to:
agree a completion date
transfer your deposit if requested
arrange buildings insurance if buying
confirm removals
start packing non-essential items
prepare for utility transfers
check broadband and service provider timings
Between exchange and completion
Once contracts are exchanged, the completion date is fixed.
There is no single legal maximum period between exchange and completion; the timing is agreed between the parties.
You may need to:
finish packing
confirm removals
redirect post
take meter readings
notify utility providers
update addresses
prepare keys
organise cleaning
keep essential documents handy
On completion day
Completion is when the money is transferred, ownership changes hands and the keys can usually be released.
The seller’s solicitor confirms receipt of funds and the estate agent is normally authorised to release the keys.
You may need to:
wait for confirmation from the solicitor or estate agent
collect keys
take meter readings
check the property
keep phone access available
avoid booking too many time-sensitive appointments too early in the day
How Settli can help
Settli helps you break your move into clear stages, tasks and next steps.
Instead of carrying the whole checklist in your head, you can track what needs doing now, what is coming up next, and what is still outstanding.
Stay on top of your move, from key tasks to awkward chasers.
Navigate
Resources
Legal
Copyright 2026. Settli. All Rights Reserved.