Moving home in 2026? From digital checklists to sustainable packing and end of tenancy cleaning, here's your complete guide to a stress-free move.
Let's be honest – moving home is rarely anyone's idea of a good time. Between the packing, the paperwork, and the panic of realising you've left something behind, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But here's the thing: with the right approach, a home move can actually be… well, not terrible.
We've helped hundreds of tenants and homeowners across South London with the cleaning side of moving, and we've picked up a thing or two about what makes a move smooth (or stressful). Whether you're renting in Brixton, buying your first flat in Croydon, or upsizing to a family home in Bromley, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The 2026 Moving Mindset: Digital, Sustainable, Organised
Moving has changed. Gone are the days of paper checklists and relying solely on word of mouth. Today's movers are:
- Digital-first – Using apps to track inventory, compare removal quotes, and manage timelines
- Eco-conscious – Seeking sustainable packing materials and donating unwanted items
- Time-smart – Outsourcing the heavy lifting (both literally and metaphorically) to professionals
If you're moving in 2026, you have more tools and options than ever before. The key is knowing which ones actually help.
The 4-Week Countdown: Your Moving Timeline
- Book removals – good companies get booked up weeks in advance
- Start sorting: what's coming, what's being sold, what's donated
- Gather packing materials – but consider eco-friendly options (more on that below)
- Notify landlord if you're renting – check your notice period
- Change of address: bank, council tax, DVLA, subscriptions
- Book internet and utilities for your new home
- If you're a tenant, book your end of tenancy clean – slots fill quickly
- Start packing non-essentials (off-season clothes, books, decorative items)
- Pack room by room, label everything clearly (be specific – not just "kitchen")
- Take photos of electronics setups before disconnecting
- Confirm dates with removals and cleaners
- Arrange parking permits for moving vehicles if needed (especially in Wandsworth and central areas)
- Pack a "first night" box – kettle, tea, toiletries, phone chargers, bedsheets
- Defrost the freezer (this takes longer than you think – do it 24h before)
- Clean as you go – the less left for the final day, the better
- Confirm key handover times with landlord or new homeowners
- Stick to your timeline – removals work to a schedule
- Do a final walk-through before leaving
- Take meter readings and photos of the empty property
- Hand over keys and breathe
Sustainable Moving: Less Waste, More Sense
One of the biggest trends in 2026 is sustainable moving. The days of mountains of bubble wrap and packing tape are fading. Here's how to move with a lighter footprint:
Towels, bedding, and clothes make excellent padding for fragile items.
Companies now offer reusable crate hire – they're sturdier than cardboard and better for the planet.
If you do use boxes, break them down and recycle properly. Your local council in Lewisham or Greenwich will thank you.
Charity shops, British Heart Foundation, and local Freecycle groups will take good-quality items.
♻️ Pro tip:
Check if your removal company offers a crate hire service. It saves cardboard, and the crates stack better in the van.
Digital Tools That Actually Help
Your phone is your best moving tool. Here are the apps and digital resources that make a difference:
- Sortly or MagicPlan – Create digital inventories of your belongings (great for insurance too)
- Google Keep or Notion – Shared checklists that everyone in the house can update
- Nextdoor or Olio – Give away items you don't need to neighbours
- Compare My Move – Compare removal and cleaning quotes in one place
And don't underestimate the humble WhatsApp group – create one for your move, add everyone involved (including removals and cleaners), and keep all communication in one thread.
The Cleaning Chapter: End of Tenancy vs. Moving In
Cleaning is the part of moving that everyone dreads. But it's also the part where outsourcing makes the most sense – both financially and emotionally.
If You're Renting: End of Tenancy Cleaning
If you're a tenant, you're almost certainly required to leave the property "professionally clean" – even if your contract doesn't explicitly say it, the expectation is there. Letting agents in Lambeth, Southwark, and across London know exactly what to look for, and they will check.
A professional end of tenancy clean covers:
- Oven, hob, and extractor – inside and out
- Limescale removal in bathrooms (crucial in hard-water areas)
- Inside cupboards and drawers
- Skirting boards, window sills, and light switches
- Floors vacuumed and mopped
The cost? Usually less than a week's rent – and way less than losing your deposit. Plus, most professional cleaners offer a 48-hour re-clean guarantee, so if the agent finds anything, it's sorted.
If You're Buying: Moving-In Cleaning
If you've just bought a property, you might be tempted to clean it yourself to save money. But after weeks of solicitors, surveys, and stress, do you really want to spend your first weekend scrubbing someone else's grime?
A deep clean before you move in means you start fresh. We're talking ovens, carpets, inside cupboards – everything. It's a one-off cost that makes moving day infinitely better.
🧼 The smart move:
Book your clean for the day after the previous occupants move out, and the day before your furniture arrives. That way, the property is spotless for your new life.
The London Factor: Parking, Permits, and Practicalities
Moving in London comes with its own set of challenges. Here's what you need to know:
- Parking permits: Many boroughs (like Wandsworth and Lambeth) require permits for moving vans. Apply at least two weeks in advance.
- Congestion Charge: If you're moving in or out of central London, check whether your van will be liable. Some removal companies include this in their quote.
- Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs): Know the routes – your removal company will thank you.
- Stairs, lifts, and access: Tell your removals and cleaners about any access issues (narrow staircases, lift dimensions, parking restrictions).
What to Do on Moving Day
Moving day itself can feel chaotic, but a few simple habits keep things under control:
- Stay hydrated and fed – It's easy to forget, but you'll need energy
- Keep important documents with you – Passports, contracts, keys – don't let them go in the van
- Do a final check – Before you lock up, check every room, cupboard, and drawer
- Take photos – Of the empty property (for your deposit) and of the van loaded (for insurance)
- Be nice to your movers – A cup of tea and a tip go a long way
The First Night: Settling In
Your first night in a new home is always a bit strange. Make it easier with:
- Your "first night" box (you packed one, right?)
- Bedding and towels easily accessible
- Basic toiletries and medicine
- Phone chargers and a torch
- Tea, coffee, and something easy to eat
Don't worry about unpacking everything on day one. Focus on making your bed and finding the kettle. Everything else can wait.
After the Move: The To-Do List
Once you're in, there's still a bit of admin:
- Update your address on all accounts (bank, driving licence, electoral roll)
- Register with a local GP and dentist
- Check your council tax band – you might be due a refund
- If you rented, chase your deposit – it should be returned within 10 days
- Leave a review for your removal and cleaning teams – they'll appreciate it
The bottom line? Moving home is always going to involve some stress, but the right preparation makes all the difference. Start early, use the tools available, and don't be afraid to outsource the parts you hate.
And if you need help with the cleaning – whether you're moving out of a rented flat in Clapham or into a new house in Kingston – we're here to help. One less thing to worry about.