Guide

Moving Home Checklist (Kent Edition)

A week-by-week moving home checklist for Kent, from instructing your solicitor about eight weeks out to handing over the keys on completion day. Follow it to keep your move and your conveyancing on track.

By the Conveyancing Solicitors Kent teamUpdated September 20263 min read

Key takeaways

  • 8 weeks out: instruct your solicitor and start decluttering.
  • 4 to 6 weeks: book removals and arrange buildings insurance from exchange.
  • 2 weeks: tell utilities, council tax and broadband providers.
  • Moving day: take meter readings and confirm completion with your solicitor.

About 8 weeks before moving

  • Get a conveyancing quote and instruct a Kent solicitor, so searches are ordered promptly
  • If you rent, give notice in line with your tenancy agreement
  • Research removal firms; good ones book up early, especially in summer
  • Start decluttering: sell, donate or recycle what you won’t take

4 to 6 weeks before moving

  • Book your removal firm once you have a provisional date
  • If buying, arrange buildings insurance to start from exchange of contracts, as most lenders require
  • Pack non-essentials: books, spare bedding, seasonal clothes
  • Tell schools or childcare providers if you’re changing area
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2 weeks before moving

  • Tell gas, electricity, water and council tax providers your moving date
  • Arrange to transfer broadband and TV; installation slots can fill up
  • Confirm timings with your removal firm
  • Check in with your solicitor on searches, enquiries and your mortgage offer

The final week

  • Pack an essentials box: documents, ID, medication, chargers, toiletries and kettle
  • Label boxes by room
  • Set up post redirection with Royal Mail
  • Defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before moving
  • If selling, leave the home clean and ready for the buyer

Moving day: completion

  • Take photos of final meter readings
  • Check every room, cupboard, loft, shed and garage
  • Hand over keys as the estate agent or solicitor instructs
  • Wait for your solicitor to confirm completion before collecting your new keys

Completion usually happens by early afternoon, once the money has reached the seller’s solicitor. Your solicitor then registers you as the owner with HM Land Registry.

Why use a moving home checklist?

A checklist cuts stress and stops small things slipping, from forgotten meter readings to insurance that starts too late. It also keeps your move in step with your conveyancing, so you’re ready when exchange and completion dates are set. Council search times and property types vary across Kent, so local help makes a difference.

Written by the Conveyancing Solicitors Kent team

We help home movers across Kent find a regulated local conveyancing firm at a fixed fee. Our guides are general information, not legal advice; your solicitor will advise on your own move.

FAQs

Moving home FAQs

When will I know my moving date?

The completion date is agreed at exchange of contracts, usually one to two weeks beforehand. Book removals provisionally until then.

When should buildings insurance start?

From exchange of contracts, because you’re committed to buying from that point. Most lenders require it.

What time can I get the keys?

Usually early afternoon on completion day, once your solicitor confirms the money has arrived.

Related

Conveyancing costs in KentLegal fees and disbursements.Buying a home in KentStep-by-step guide.Selling a home in KentWhat to expect.When to instructWhy starting early helps.
Moving Home Checklist (Kent Edition) – key facts at a glance

Official links for your moving home checklist: Council Tax (GOV.UK) · Find an energy certificate (GOV.UK) · Buying or selling your home (GOV.UK)

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