Before the movers arrive: how to prepare for removal day

One to two weeks before

• Parking: work out where the van will park at both homes. In busy streets, apply for a parking suspension or ask neighbours to leave space.
• Access: tell your mover about stairs, lifts, narrow doors and long walks from the van. Book the lift or loading bay if your building needs it.
• Measure: check large furniture will fit through doors and up stairs at the new home.
• Confirm: the date, arrival time, what is included and how payment works.

Two to three days before

• Defrost and dry the fridge freezer at least 24 hours before.
• Book a Gas Safe engineer if a gas cooker needs disconnecting.
• Drain the washing machine and fit the transit bolts.
• Take apart furniture you are dismantling yourself, and bag the fittings.
• Finish packing, and label each box with the room and contents.

The day before

• Pack an essentials box: kettle, mugs, tea, toilet roll, phone chargers, medicines, bedding and a change of clothes.
• Keep valuables and documents with you: passports, keys, jewellery, laptops and important papers.
• Arrange care for children and pets on moving day.
• Charge your phone and keep the mover's number handy.

On the morning

• Take meter readings and photos at both homes.
• Show the crew round and point out fragile items and anything not going.
• Keep doorways and corridors clear.
• Do a final check of cupboards, the loft, the garden and the shed before the van leaves.

See our moving day timeline and free moving checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Useful pages

• Moving house checklist
• Moving day timeline
• Do you tip removal men?

Plan week by week

• Week-by-week moving checklist