Advice · moving house
Removals advice for moving house
After nearly fifty years of moving Huddersfield families, we've learned what makes a move go smoothly, and what causes the last-minute panics. Here's our honest, practical advice.
A simple countdown to moving day
Four to six weeks before: book your removal firm as early as you can, good local crews get booked up, especially around month-ends and Fridays. This is the time to start decluttering: a move is the best possible excuse to clear out what you don't want to pay to carry to the next house. Book a video survey so your quote reflects what you're actually taking.
Two to three weeks before: start packing the things you rarely use, the loft, books, out-of-season clothes and the good china. Use proper removal boxes, don't overfill them (books are heavier than they look), and label every box with its room and a note of the contents. Sort out redirecting your post, and give suppliers your move date. If you'd rather not pack at all, our packing service can do it for you.
The final week: run down the fridge and freezer, confirm the details and timings with us, and set aside the things you'll need first, that's your 'first-night box'. Keep valuables, documents and medication with you personally rather than on the van.
Moving day: be ready for us at the agreed time, keep pets and small children somewhere safe and out of the way, and do a final walk-through of the old place before you leave. Then, at the new house, point the crew to which room each box belongs in (that labelling pays off) put the kettle on, and let us do the carrying.
Pack a first-night box
The single best tip we can give: pack one clearly-marked box (or a couple) with everything you'll want on the first night, and keep it with you rather than on the van. Think kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, phone chargers, toilet roll, hand soap, a towel each, bedding, medication, a few basic tools, and something for the children and the pets. It means that when the day's done and the boxes are everywhere, you can still make a brew and get to bed without opening twenty cartons.
Everything else is easier when the packing is done well and labelled clearly. If you'd like a hand with any of it (packing, boxes, or the move itself) we're here.
Removals advice · good to know
Moving house: your questions
How far in advance should I book a removal firm?
Four to six weeks is ideal, and more around busy periods like month-ends. Local crews get booked up, so earlier is safer.
How do I pack fragile things safely?
Use proper boxes, wrap items individually in bubble wrap or paper, don't overfill, and label boxes as fragile. Our delicate items and packing pages have more.
What should go in a first-night box?
Kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, chargers, toilet roll, soap, a towel and bedding each, medication, basic tools, and bits for children and pets. Keep it with you, not on the van.
What should I not put on the removal van?
Keep valuables, important documents, medication and anything irreplaceable with you personally.
Can you do the packing for me?
Yes. Our packing service can pack you fully or in part with professional materials.
Ready to plan your move?
Book early, declutter, label everything, and let us handle the heavy lifting. Get a quote to get started.