Six weeks out: decisions
Book the removals company first — good dates go early, especially month-end Fridays. Then start the declutter: every room, three piles (keep, sell/donate, bin). Every box you don't move is money saved and unpacking avoided.
If you're renting, check your notice period now, not later. If you're buying, this is when to chase solicitors about realistic completion dates.
Two weeks out: admin
Redirect your post with Royal Mail (it takes five working days to activate). Update your address with the bank, DVLA, GP, dentist, school, insurers and your employer's HR. Sort broadband for the new address — installation lead times are the thing everyone forgets.
Confirm parking for the removal van at both ends. A suspension or permit arranged now costs a phone call; a van parked 80 metres away on the day costs hours.
The final days: packing order
Pack rooms in reverse order of use: spare room and books first, kitchen last. Label every box with its destination room in the NEW house. Pack an essentials box (kettle, chargers, medication, toilet roll, kids' or pets' favourites) and keep it with you, not in the van.
Moving day itself
Strip beds early, keep documents and keys on you, and walk the crew round the house before loading starts — thirty seconds per room, pointing out anything fragile or staying. Final sweep of loft, shed and cupboard tops before the doors close. At the new place, direct boxes by their labels and check the inventory with the crew before they leave.