Moving & Packing Tips

Question 1

How far in advance should I book a removal company?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks before your move date, and even earlier if you're moving at the end of the month, over a bank holiday, or during the summer peak season. Popular dates fill up quickly and leaving it late limits your options.

Question 2

How do I create a moving timeline?

Accepted Answer

Work backwards from your move date. Eight weeks out: sort, declutter, and book your removal company. Six weeks: order packing materials and start packing non-essentials. Four weeks: notify utilities, banks, and the DVLA of your new address. Two weeks: pack most rooms, leaving out only daily essentials. Moving week: finish packing, confirm arrangements with your removal company, and prepare an essentials box.

Question 3

What should I do before I start packing?

Accepted Answer

Declutter first. Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or dispose of. Moving fewer items saves time, reduces costs, and means you're not unpacking things you don't need. Charity shops, Facebook Marketplace, and local recycling centres are all useful here.

Question 4

Should I take time off work on moving day?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and ideally the day before too. Moving is physically and mentally demanding. Having a clear day means you can supervise the move properly, deal with any unexpected issues, and avoid the stress of trying to work at the same time.

Question 5

How do I notify everyone of my change of address?

Accepted Answer

Start a list early and work through it systematically: HMRC, DVLA, your bank, pension providers, insurance companies, your GP and dentist, subscriptions, and online shopping accounts. Royal Mail's redirection service is a useful safety net — set it up for at least three months to catch anything you've missed.

Question 6

What packing materials do I need?

Accepted Answer

Stock up on: double-walled cardboard boxes in a range of sizes, packing tape and a dispenser, bubble wrap, packing paper or newsprint, foam pouches for fragile items, wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, and marker pens for labelling. It's always better to have too much than too little — leftover materials can be recycled or passed on.

Question 7

How should I pack fragile items?

Accepted Answer

Wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap, then place it upright in a box with crumpled paper at the bottom and between each item. Never leave empty space — fill gaps with paper or foam to prevent movement. Mark the box clearly as FRAGILE on all sides and the top, and always load fragile boxes last so they travel on top.

Question 8

What's the best way to pack books and heavy items?

Accepted Answer

Use small boxes for heavy items like books, tools, and kitchen equipment. A large box packed with books becomes impossible to lift safely and risks the base giving way. Fill small boxes no more than two-thirds full and reinforce the base with extra tape.

Question 9

How do I pack clothes efficiently?

Accepted Answer

Wardrobe boxes let you move hanging clothes without folding — ideal for suits, dresses, and anything that creases easily. For folded clothes, use suitcases and holdalls first before reaching for boxes. Vacuum storage bags are excellent for bulky items like duvets, pillows, and winter coats.

Question 10

Should I disassemble furniture before the move?

Accepted Answer

Disassemble what you can — bed frames, flat-pack wardrobes, and large shelving units. Keep all screws, bolts, and fixings in clearly labelled zip-lock bags taped to the relevant piece of furniture. Take photos before disassembly so you have a reference when reassembling at the other end.

Question 11

How should I label my boxes?

Accepted Answer

Label every box with the destination room and a brief description of contents — for example 'Kitchen — pots and pans' or 'Bedroom 2 — books and bedding'. Add FRAGILE or THIS WAY UP where needed. Colour-coded labels by room make it easy for the removal team to place boxes in the right rooms without having to ask.

Question 12

What should I do the night before moving day?

Accepted Answer

Finish all packing and have everything boxed and ready to go. Prepare an essentials box or bag with everything you'll need on the day and the first night: kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and any medication. Confirm the arrival time with your removal company and make sure you know where to park the van at both addresses.

Question 13

How do I prepare my home for the removal team?

Accepted Answer

Clear a path through the house — remove rugs that could be a trip hazard, prop doors open, and protect floors with dust sheets or cardboard if needed. Defrost the fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before the move. Disconnect and drain washing machines and dishwashers the day before.

Question 14

What should I keep with me on moving day?

Accepted Answer

Keep your essentials bag, important documents (contracts, passports, insurance), valuables, and anything irreplaceable with you rather than on the van. This includes jewellery, laptops, hard drives, and sentimental items that can't be replaced.

Question 15

How do I manage children and pets on moving day?

Accepted Answer

If possible, arrange for children and pets to stay with family or friends for the day. Moving day is busy, noisy, and full of open doors — it's safer and less stressful for everyone. If that's not possible, designate a safe room that gets packed last and cleared first, with familiar toys and bedding to keep them settled.

Question 16

What checks should I do before leaving my old home?

Accepted Answer

Do a final walk-through of every room, including loft, garage, and garden. Check all cupboards, drawers, and built-in storage. Take meter readings for gas, electricity, and water, and photograph them. Return all keys to the estate agent or new owners. Turn off the water at the stopcock and switch off the electricity at the consumer unit if the property will be empty.

Question 17

What should I do first when I arrive at my new home?

Accepted Answer

Before the van is unloaded, do a quick walk-through to check the condition of the property and note anything that needs attention. Locate the stopcock, fuse box, and boiler. Take meter readings for gas, electricity, and water straight away and photograph them — you'll need these to set up your utility accounts.

Question 18

In what order should I unpack?

Accepted Answer

Start with the essentials: beds, bedding, and the kettle. Getting beds made up on the first night makes a huge difference to how you feel. Then tackle the kitchen so you can cook a proper meal. Children's rooms are worth prioritising early so they have a familiar, settled space. Leave less-used rooms and storage areas until last.

Question 19

How do I update my address after moving?

Accepted Answer

Work through your change-of-address list systematically: HMRC, DVLA (update your driving licence and V5C), your bank and building society, pension and investment providers, insurance companies, your GP and dentist, and any subscriptions or regular deliveries. The electoral roll can be updated online at gov.uk. Keep Royal Mail redirection running for at least three months as a safety net.

Question 20

How do I get to know my new area?

Accepted Answer

Introduce yourself to neighbours early — a friendly relationship makes a real difference. Walk or drive around the local area in the first few days to find the nearest supermarket, GP surgery, pharmacy, and schools. Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor are useful for recommendations and local knowledge.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Planning Your Move

Packing Like a Professional

Moving Day Preparation

Settling Into Your New Home

Your Moving Checklist

Ready to Book Your Move?