Moving house is often listed as one of life’s most stressful experiences — but it doesn’t have to be. At Carry Crew, we’ve helped hundreds of families move smoothly across Croydon, Bromley, Sutton, Lewisham, and beyond. We’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t), and we’ve pulled together the ultimate moving checklist to help you plan and pack like a pro — even if it’s your first time.

This isn’t just another generic list — it’s been refined from real moving day experiences, packed with insights we’ve learned on the job, and tailored specifically for families and individuals moving across South London.

4–6 Weeks Before the Move

✅ Create a Moving Folder

Start with a digital or physical folder to keep quotes, receipts, contracts, and checklists in one place. Keep everything related to your move easily accessible.

✅ Start Decluttering Early

Now’s the time to be ruthless. Go room by room and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or recycle. The fewer items you move, the lower your costs — and the less time you’ll spend packing and unpacking.

✅ Book Your Moving Company

Good movers get booked quickly — especially at the end of the month or on weekends. If you’re moving within or out of Croydon, Lewisham, Merton, or Lambeth, secure your slot early with a reliable local mover (that’s us 😉).

2–3 Weeks Before the Move

✅ Start Packing Non-Essentials

Pack items you use infrequently: out-of-season clothes, books, decor, spare linens. Label boxes by room and include a short list of contents.

✅ Notify Change of Address

Update your address with banks, subscriptions, the DVLA, HMRC, your GP surgery, and any delivery services you regularly use.

✅ Plan for Utilities and Internet

Set up disconnection dates for your current property and arrange installations at your new home. A cold, Wi-Fi-less house is not the welcome you want.

1 Week Before

✅ Prepare an Essentials Box

Pack a box or bag with your moving day essentials: toiletries, phone chargers, snacks, a kettle, a few mugs, important documents, and a basic toolkit.

✅ Dismantle Furniture in Advance

If you’re handling disassembly yourself, start early. Or better yet, choose a moving company that offers professional dismantling and reassembly — it’s a game-changer for beds, wardrobes, and large desks.

Moving Day

✅ Do a Final Walkthrough

Check cupboards, drawers, and behind doors — don’t leave your charger or your favourite mug behind.

✅ Keep Keys and Documents On You

Have your new keys, ID, contracts, and contact details of your mover with you at all times.

✅ Let the Movers Do Their Thing

If you’ve chosen professionals, trust them to manage the heavy lifting (literally). You’ll thank yourself late

Bonus Tip: South London Traffic & Timing

Moving in South London requires a bit of local knowledge. Congestion zones, restricted parking, and school-run traffic can delay even the most organised move. A local team like Carry Crew knows how to plan around it — from early load-ups in Croydon to quick drops in Sutton or Dulwich.

Final Thoughts

A well-prepared move reduces stress, prevents damage, and saves time. Whether you’re relocating across town or just around the corner, a clear plan (and a great team) can make all the difference.

If you’d like expert support from a local team that knows South London inside out, feel free to get in touch for a no-pressure quote or some friendly advice. We’re always here to help.