MOVING DAY5 MIN READ
The single biggest predictor of a smooth move day isn't the crew — it's what the customer did in the 24 hours before we arrived.
The night before
- Finish packing every non-essential box
- Empty the freezer (nothing frozen travels)
- Charge all phones, laptops, cordless tools
- Set aside your "essentials box" (kettle, mugs, PJs, meds, charger)
- Confirm bay suspensions with both councils
- Move your car so the lorry can park
- Photograph the back of every TV, sound system and console
Morning of move day, before crew arrival
- Strip beds (unless we're dismantling them straightaway)
- Take down curtains and blinds
- Empty the fridge into a cool bag
- Empty every drawer (yes, even sock drawers — see why here)
- Disconnect washing machine and freezer at least 24 hours prior
- Lock away anything precious that isn't going in the lorry
- Have keys, cash, jewellery, docs together in one bag for the car
Ready to greet the crew with
- Kettle on for a first cuppa (removals crews run on tea)
- Contact number for solicitor / estate agent
- Both address postcodes written down
- Any known access issues (parking suspensions, lift bookings, key handover time)
What the crew handles
Dismantling, wrapping, loading, driving, unloading, reassembly. You don't have to lift a thing. Your job is the paperwork, the pets, the kids, and the tea.
Two hours of prep saves five on the day
Every hour of tidy prep the night before saves 2–3 hours on move day. It's the single highest-ROI thing you can do to speed up your move.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do before the removal company arrives?
- Finish packing everything except a day-one essentials box, empty the freezer, disconnect appliances 24 hours prior, strip beds, take down curtains, photograph the back of every TV, empty drawers, and move your car so the lorry can park. Have tea and biscuits ready.
- Do I need to be at home when the removal team arrives?
- Yes — either you or a nominated adult with keys, contact details for your solicitor, and authority to direct the crew. Someone must also be at the destination to accept delivery and direct box placement.
- When should I disconnect my washing machine?
- At least 24 hours before move day so the drum has time to drain fully. Removals crews will refuse to load a washing machine that hasn't been disconnected properly — the water damages other items in the lorry.
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