The ultimate guide to moving house
So, you've found your dream Redrow home. This guide is designed to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible, updated for 2026 with the latest insights into the housing market, modern buyer priorities, and our newest digital tools. We'll walk you through every stage, from initial planning and packing to settling into your new energy-efficient home.
From figuring out how to get your house on the market and navigating estate agent terminology, to packing up all your belongings and sorting out that change of address paperwork – there's lots to remember. We've put together our top tips on how to prepare for moving house to help make sure you have the best move possible.
What modern homebuyers want in 2026
The priorities for homebuyers have evolved, with a strong focus on sustainability, low running costs, and flexible living. Energy efficiency is now a paramount concern for buyers, with research showing it's an important feature for 87% of those seeking a new-build home.
At Redrow, we've responded to this by making our homes more sustainable. Since January 2023, our new 'Eco Electric' developments feature air-source heat pumps as standard, providing low-carbon heating and hot water. Combined with enhanced insulation and a 'fabric-first' approach, our homes typically achieve a high EPC rating of B, far exceeding the UK average of D for existing properties.
With the rise in remote working, functional internal space is also a top priority. Many of our house types feature dedicated home offices, and we offer flexible designs and furniture packages through My Redrow to help you create the perfect workspace.
Before you move house
This period is all about planning and organisation. It's a good idea to research the costs involved, from Stamp Duty to mortgage fees. If you're selling your current home, our Help to Sell scheme can make the process of buying and selling at the same time much simpler. We work with trusted local estate agents with the aim of securing a sale on your property within approximately six weeks.
To make the legal process as smooth as possible, we can recommend solicitors from our approved panel of independent specialists who are familiar with all our procedures. Once you've exchanged contracts, you can start the final countdown. To keep everything on track, download our handy moving house checklist.
The countdown: packing and essential admin
With the move date approaching, it's time for action. To minimise last-minute stress, experts recommend starting the packing process 6-8 weeks before you move. Begin with non-essential and seasonal items from the loft, garage or spare rooms, then gradually work your way through the rest of the house.
Who to inform when moving house
A crucial step is notifying everyone about your change of address. Allow plenty of time for this, especially for services that require notice. Key organisations to inform include:
- Utilities & services: gas, electricity, and water suppliers (for final meter readings), your local authority (for council tax), broadband and phone providers, and TV Licensing.
- Financial: your bank, credit card companies, pension providers, and any loan companies.
- Official bodies: the DVLA (for your driving licence and vehicle logbook), HMRC, and the electoral roll to register to vote at your new address.
- Personal & professional: your employer, doctor, dentist, optician, and any subscription services.
- Mail: arrange a Royal Mail Redirection service for 3, 6, or 12 months as a safety net for any post you may have missed.
Don't forget to arrange buildings and contents insurance for your new home from the day of completion.
On the day of your move
The big day is here! Before you leave your old property for the last time, run through these final checks:
- Take final meter readings for gas, electricity, and water – a time-stamped photo is a great record.
- Make sure all appliances are switched off and windows and doors are secure.
- Do one last sweep of every room, cupboard, and loft space to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Leave any spare keys, manuals, or notes for the new owners.
We recommend packing an 'essentials kit' to keep with you for the first few hours in your new Redrow home. This should include:
- Important documents: ID, contracts, solicitor details, and insurance papers.
- Refreshments: kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, milk, and bottled water.
- First-night basics: toilet roll, basic toiletries, phone chargers, and bed linen.
- Practical items: a small tool kit, batteries, cleaning supplies, and washing-up liquid.
- Food & drink: simple plates, cutlery, and some snacks.
Once you've moved in
Congratulations, you're home! Once the kettle is on, you can start the satisfying process of turning your new house into a home. Prioritise getting curtains or blinds up for privacy and making up the beds for a comfortable first night.
As you unpack, take meter readings at your new property and provide them to your chosen suppliers to ensure your first bill is accurate. Now is also the time to complete any final admin, like updating your driving licence with the DVLA and registering with a local GP and dentist.
Finally, take some time to get acquainted with the smart, energy-efficient features of your new Redrow home. You can view our Homeowner Support Guides to get everything set up and running perfectly, ensuring you can relax and enjoy your beautiful new space from day one.
What to know when buying with Redrow
- Redrow’s Sale Experts will be on hand every step of the way to make your moving process as smooth as possible.
- Our schemes like Help to Sell and Prime Position make securing and moving in to your dream property easier than ever .
- Ultrafast broadband is included with every Redrow home.
Moving house checklist
Wondering how to move house with the least amount of stress? How long it takes to buy a house will depend on lots of things, including how organised you are, so it's definitely worth keeping a checklist of the steps you've completed in the lead-up to moving home. Download our handy moving house checklist to keep track of everything as you start your journey.