There is nothing more stressful than moving house. Hiring a professional and experienced removals company is one of the best ways to ensure your move goes smoothly. However, there are a number of things to consider before moving day arrives.
1) Choose an experienced and recommended removals company. Make sure to book your removals company well in advance to ensure they are available for your preferred moving day time.
2)Get organised and start packing early.
Start packing your belongings 1–3 weeks before you think you need to. Packing often takes much longer than expected, and this will help avoid delays on moving day.
3) Change your address.
Notifying everyone about your change of address can take days or even weeks, so it’s best to start as early as possible.
We recommend changing your address at least two weeks before moving day — don’t leave it until the last minute.
Alternatively, you can complete a Royal Mail Redirection form, available online or at your local Post Office branch.
4) Arrange parking for the removals van in advance.
If parking permits are required, it is usually the customer’s responsibility to arrange them.
If you do not have a driveway, you may be able to reserve space outside the property by placing bins or cones on the road and informing your neighbours that a removals van or lorry will need access on moving day. This can save a significant amount of time during loading and unloading.
5) Think carefully about how much you need to move.
Check all storage areas thoroughly, including the loft, attic, shed, garage, and cupboards. Making a list of your belongings can help ensure nothing is left behind.
It is also important to make sure your removals company has arranged enough vehicles to transport everything in one trip, especially if someone is moving into your old property on the same day or if you are relocating to another city.
Getting quotes from several removals companies before making a decision is always a good idea, and having a backup option can also be helpful.
6) Packing tips.
Keep important items such as passports, house keys, car keys, wallets, documents, medications, and chargers in a safe place to avoid accidentally packing them away.
Avoid overfilling or underfilling boxes. Use the correct box sizes, make sure they are securely taped, and keep the weight manageable.
Wrap fragile items carefully using bubble wrap, packing paper, towels, or newspapers, and clearly label boxes as “Fragile” so the removals team can handle them appropriately.
Using coloured labels or numbering boxes by room can also make unloading much quicker and more organised.
You can also use empty suitcases, bags, and storage containers for packing, which helps save space instead of leaving them empty in the loft or storage areas.
Useful packing materials may include:
• Strong bin liners
• Empty suitcases
• Plastic or cardboard boxes
• Wardrobe boxes with hanging rails
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Packing tape and marker pens
7) Think about large furniture and access.
Consider larger items such as beds, wardrobes, sofas, and dining tables, and make sure they will fit through doorways, staircases, and hallways.
If you plan to dismantle furniture yourself, ensure it is done before the removals team arrives and keep all screws, bolts, and fittings together in a clearly labelled bag.
Alternatively, confirm in advance whether furniture dismantling and reassembly are included in your quotation to avoid misunderstandings or additional charges on moving day.
8) Prepare appliances before moving day.
Make sure all appliances are disconnected, drained, and ready for transport before the removals team arrives. Fridge freezers should be defrosted and cleaned in advance, especially if they are going into storage.
9) Garden items and plants.
If you have a large number of garden items or plants, it may be advisable to transport them separately from your household belongings. This helps prevent dirt, moisture, or damage to furniture and other items during the move.
10) Take photos if you are renting.
If you are moving out of a rented property, take clear photos of both the old and new property once cleaned. These can be useful as evidence for your landlord or letting agency if needed.
11) Do a final check before leaving.
Once the removals van has been fully loaded, walk through the entire property one final time to ensure nothing has been forgotten.