What to Do the Week Before Your Move in Manchester: Complete Checklist

Moving to a new home can be exciting, but the week leading up to the big day often feels like the most stressful part of the process. From packing to paperwork, there’s a lot to get done in a short amount of time. Whether you’re relocating within the city or leaving Manchester for another area, having a clear plan makes the process far smoother.

To help, we’ve created a complete checklist for the week before your move, answering the most common questions people have at this stage. With the right preparation and help from trusted Manchester moving companies, you can step into your new home with confidence and far less stress.

1. When should I start packing?

Packing should ideally start several weeks before your move, beginning with non-essential items. However, during the final week, you’ll want to make sure everything is nearly ready to go.

• Start of the week: Pack items you won’t use again before moving day—books, seasonal clothes, and decorative pieces.
• Midweek: Focus on kitchenware, fragile items, and electronics that aren’t in daily use.
• End of the week: Finish with essentials like toiletries, everyday clothing, and key household items.

By dividing tasks this way, you avoid the last-minute rush. Properly labeled boxes also help your Manchester movers unload quickly and place everything in the right rooms at your new home.

2. What tasks should I check off before moving day?

The week before your move is the time to finalize important tasks. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Confirm all details with your moving company in Manchester.
• Complete most of your packing.
• Organize utility transfers or cancellations.
• Reserve parking for the moving van if necessary.
• Use up or donate perishable food.
• Notify banks, employers, doctors, schools, and the post office of your new address.
• Prepare your moving day essentials box.
• Keep valuables and important documents separate to travel with you.

Crossing these off ensures that when your moving crew arrives, you’re fully prepared.

3. Should I confirm my move with the Manchester movers?

Yes, confirming with your movers is a vital step. A few days before the move, call your chosen Manchester movers to verify:

• The date and arrival time.
• Parking or building access arrangements.
• Any special handling required for fragile or oversized items.
• Payment methods and final costs.

Having everything confirmed avoids miscommunication and ensures the moving team shows up prepared. Reliable moving companies in Manchester often do this proactively, but it’s smart to double-check yourself.

4. How do I prepare appliances for a move?

Large appliances require special attention to prevent damage during transport:

• Refrigerator/Freezer: Defrost 48 hours before moving day. Clean and dry thoroughly to prevent mold.
• Washing Machine: Drain water, disconnect hoses, and secure the drum if possible.
• Dishwasher: Empty, disconnect, and leave the door ajar to avoid mildew.
• Oven/Stove: Clean inside, disconnect from power or gas, and remove loose parts.

If you’re unsure about disconnecting appliances safely, ask your Manchester moving company if they offer appliance preparation services.

5. What utilities need to be transferred?

To avoid interruptions, arrange for utilities to be transferred or set up in advance:

• Gas and Electricity: Book a final meter reading for moving day and start service at your new address.
• Water and Sewer: Notify the provider of your move and update billing information.
• Internet and TV Services: Schedule installation so you’re not left without service.
• Waste Collection: Contact Manchester City Council or your local authority to ensure bins are available at your new home.

Completing this the week before ensures you won’t arrive at a new house without power, heat, or internet.

6. When should I stop grocery shopping?

You should reduce grocery shopping about five to seven days before moving. Focus on finishing what you already have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry.

• Plan meals around perishable items.
• Avoid bulk purchases.
• Donate unopened non-perishable food to local Manchester charities or food banks.

Some Manchester moving companies even partner with charities to collect donations on moving day, so ask if this option is available.

7. Do I need to reserve parking for the movers?

Yes. In Manchester, parking can be difficult, especially in city-center flats or terraced houses with limited access. Check whether you need a temporary permit from Manchester City Council.

• Reserve the closest available space to minimize loading distance.
• Notify your movers of potential access issues so they can plan accordingly.

Securing parking ahead of time prevents unnecessary delays on moving day.

8. Should I donate or throw out items before moving?

Yes, decluttering before moving is one of the best ways to save time and money. The week before your move is perfect for sorting items into keep, donate, recycle, or discard.

• Donate: Furniture, clothing, or household goods in good condition.
• Recycle: Old paperwork, electronics, or materials.
• Discard: Anything broken, damaged, or unusable.

Since many moving companies in Manchester base costs on weight or volume, downsizing can reduce expenses while also making your new home feel more organized.

9. How do I set up a moving day essentials box?

A moving essentials box ensures comfort and convenience during your first day or two in your new home. Include:

• Important documents like IDs, passports, and financial papers.
• Toiletries, basic cleaning supplies, and medications.
• A first-aid kit, snacks, and bottled water.
• Chargers, small electronics, and a change of clothes.
• Pet supplies if needed.

Clearly label this box and keep it with you instead of loading it onto the moving truck. This way, you’ll have everything you need without searching through multiple boxes.

10. Should I clean the house before leaving?

Yes. Cleaning your home before leaving is courteous for the new occupants and, in many cases, required by tenancy agreements.

• Vacuum, dust, and mop floors.
• Wipe down kitchen counters, cabinets, and appliances.
• Scrub bathrooms.
• Take out all rubbish and recycling.

If you’re renting in Manchester, a thorough clean will also help you secure the return of your deposit.

Final Tips for a Smooth Move in Manchester

The last week before moving day is about organization and preparation. Keep these extra tips in mind:

• Write a checklist and cross off tasks as you go.
• Label every box with both contents and destination room.
• Use plenty of padding for fragile items.
• Keep cash handy for tipping movers or covering unexpected expenses.
• Try to rest the night before moving day.

Hiring trusted Manchester moving companies makes the entire process much less stressful. Professionals can handle the heavy lifting, logistics, and transport, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.

Conclusion

The week before moving is your final chance to get everything in order. By following this complete checklist, you’ll stay organized and reduce last-minute stress. From confirming your booking with a Manchester moving company, preparing appliances, and transferring utilities to setting up an essentials box and donating unwanted items, these steps ensure you’re fully prepared.

With experienced Manchester movers by your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing every detail is covered. That way, your focus can shift from moving tasks to enjoying your new home and starting the next chapter of your life in Manchester or beyond.

Granite State Movers: Reliable Moving Services You Can Trust

Granite State Movers is dedicated to making every relocation stress-free, whether you’re moving locally or long distance. With experienced crews, modern equipment, and a customer-first approach, we handle everything from careful packing and loading to safe transportation and on-time delivery. Our commitment to reliability, affordability, and personalized service makes them a top choice for families and businesses alike.

Ready to Move?

Contact Granite State Movers today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let our professional team take the hassle out of your next move—so you can settle into your new home with ease.