1. Make a plan before packing
Write down likely dates, addresses and any flexibility. Walk through each room, list larger furniture and estimate boxes. Check parking and access at both properties.
2. Pack by room
Start with items used least. Put books and other heavy objects in smaller boxes, wrap fragile items separately and label the top and two sides with the destination room.
3. Set essentials aside
Keep medication, keys, documents, chargers and overnight essentials with you. Confirm arrival times, key collection and contact numbers.
4. Settle the important things
At the new property, point out destination rooms and access limitations. Check belongings, keep your inventory handy and raise concerns promptly.
5. Confirm the practical arrangements
A few days before the move, confirm arrival time, parking, keys and the work included in the quotation. Tell the mover promptly if your inventory or access has changed. Make sure phones are charged and that the contact person at each property is easy to reach.
6. Avoid common moving-day problems
Do not leave loose bags blocking walkways or pack keys and essential paperwork into the main load. Empty, defrost and dry appliances as agreed. Keep children and pets away from loading areas, and check every cupboard, loft, shed and garage before leaving the property.
7. Build a useful inventory
Start with furniture and appliances, then add an estimated box count for every room. Include lofts, sheds, garages, balconies and external storage. Note items that are heavy, fragile, awkward or likely to need dismantling. Keep one copy with you and update it if belongings change. An inventory is useful for requesting a quotation, checking the load and organising rooms at the destination. It does not need to list every spoon, but it should give an honest picture of the volume and practical handling involved.
8. Check access and parking
Walk the full route from each property to the likely vehicle position. Look for steps, narrow gates, low entrances, controlled parking, loading restrictions, long corridors and lifts that require booking. Ask landlords or managing agents about moving rules. Confirm who will arrange permits or reservations and keep any approval available. Repeat the checks at the destination. Good access information reduces uncertainty and helps avoid a situation where the planned vehicle cannot stop close enough or a building will not allow the move to proceed.
9. Prepare an essentials plan
Keep medication, keys, identification, legal or tenancy papers, chargers, valuables, basic toiletries, clothing and refreshments with you. Add anything needed by children or pets. Consider what you would require if keys were delayed or you could not unpack immediately. Mark a small group of first-night boxes separately, but do not let them disappear into the main load if they are genuinely essential. Share contact numbers with the people coordinating each property and keep phones charged throughout the day.
10. Review everything before leaving
Check every cupboard, drawer, loft area, shed, garage and outdoor space. Read meters or complete property handover tasks where relevant, secure windows and return keys as agreed. At the destination, direct larger furniture before rooms fill with boxes and keep walkways clear. Compare belongings with your inventory and check the removal vehicle and accessible storage areas when unloading is complete. Raise concerns promptly. Finish by updating addresses with the organisations that need them, using secure official channels rather than links from unsolicited messages.