How to Prepare for Moving Day: Advice From the Professionals

Moving home doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach and support, you can make moving day a smooth and manageable experience. From packing and planning to coordinating the day itself, a professional removals team can make all the difference. Here’s what the experts at Three Counties Moves recommend to help you prepare for your big day with confidence and peace of mind.

Start Early and Get Organised

The earlier you start, the less pressure you’ll feel as the day approaches. Begin by reviewing your entire home and planning how to tackle each room. Decluttering before you pack means less to move and a cleaner start in your new property.

Helpful steps to follow:

• Tackle one room at a time to avoid overwhelm
• Create clearly labelled boxes or bags for ‘keep’, ‘donate’, ‘sell’, and ‘discard’
• Start packing non-essential items several weeks before your move
• Use a calendar to set weekly packing goals
• Notify your bank, broadband provider, GP surgery, and other services of your change of address

A moving checklist will also help you stay on top of key dates and ensure you don’t forget anything important. Assign tasks to other household members so that responsibilities are shared.

Use Quality Packing Materials

Using proper materials is essential for protecting your belongings and making your move efficient. Cheap boxes can collapse, and poor-quality tape won’t hold up under pressure.

What you’ll need:

• Double-walled cardboard boxes in various sizes
• Bubble wrap or foam sheets for delicate items
• Packing paper or newspaper for wrapping and filling gaps
• Heavy-duty tape and a dispenser
• Coloured markers or printed labels
• Zip-top bags for small hardware like screws and bolts

Packing tips from the pros:

• Use smaller boxes for books, tools, and other heavy items
• Pack soft furnishings and clothing in large boxes or vacuum bags
• Wrap glassware individually and stack plates vertically
• Fill gaps with towels, clothing, or crumpled paper to prevent movement
• Label each box with the destination room and note if it contains fragile items

You can also number each box and keep a running inventory list. This can save time when unpacking and helps locate essential items quickly.

Pack a “First-Day” Essentials Box

Your first night in the new property may not allow for full unpacking, so having an essentials box ready ensures you can settle in comfortably without rummaging through boxes.

What to include in your essentials box:

• Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper)
• Tea, coffee, mugs, snacks, and bottled water
• Chargers, extension leads, and power banks
• A toolkit with screwdriver, scissors, and measuring tape
• Nightwear, fresh clothes, and towels
• Medication and first-aid supplies
• Pet food, leads, and bowls if applicable
• Important paperwork such as contracts, passports, and tenancy agreements

Consider keeping this box in your personal vehicle rather than the removals van for easy access.

Prepare Your Home for the Movers

A well-prepared home speeds up the loading process and reduces the risk of damage. Creating space and communicating with your movers helps everything go more smoothly.

Before moving day:

• Disassemble larger items of furniture to make transport easier
• Disconnect white goods such as fridges, freezers, and washing machines
• Keep wires and screws in labelled bags attached to the item they belong to
• Remove anything from garden sheds or outdoor storage areas
• Ensure all walkways, staircases, and entryways are clear
• Protect floors with coverings if it’s wet or muddy outside
• Let your movers know about any tight corners or oversized items that may require special handling

Make Arrangements for Children and Pets

Moving day can be busy and unfamiliar, which may unsettle small children and animals. Planning ahead can help keep them safe and reduce disruption.

Consider the following:

• Arrange for children or pets to stay with a friend or family member
• Prepare a dedicated safe room with toys, snacks, or bedding
• Keep pets secured with familiar items to help them stay calm
• Pack a separate bag with pet food, water bowls, and leashes
• Inform your movers in advance if any pets will be on the property

This approach will give you one less thing to worry about and make the day more manageable.

Double-Check the Logistics

The days before your move are your last chance to double-check details and reduce the chances of something being overlooked. A simple checklist can help keep everything running on time.

Here’s a moving-day preparation checklist:

Stay Calm and Focused on Moving Day

The big day has arrived, and your preparation will pay off. Staying calm and focused will help keep everything on track.

Tips for staying in control:

• Get up early and dress in comfortable, practical clothing
• Have a good breakfast to stay energised
• Keep important documents and your essentials box nearby
• Be available to direct the removals team if needed
• Check off boxes and items as they’re loaded
• Walk through the house once it’s empty to ensure nothing is left behind
• Take photographs of meter readings before leaving

Don’t forget to leave keys or instructions if new owners or tenants are moving in later that day.

Settling Into Your New Home

Moving into your new space is exciting, but it’s also the start of another process: unpacking and settling in. The first few hours and days can set the tone for how quickly you feel at home.

To settle in quickly:

• Set up beds and fresh bedding first so everyone can rest after a long day
• Turn on the fridge and freezer and plug in major appliances
• Confirm gas, water, and electricity are working correctly
• Unpack your essentials box and kitchen basics
• Identify safe spaces for children and pets as they explore
• Plan your unpacking room by room over the next few days
• Dispose of packing materials responsibly or reuse boxes where possible

It’s perfectly fine not to unpack everything at once. Focus on making your new home liveable, then take your time to organise everything as you go.

Speak to the Moving Experts

At Three Counties Moves, we’re proud to offer professional, reliable, and stress-free removals across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. Whether you’re moving locally, relocating across the country, or downsizing to a smaller home, our experienced team will ensure a safe and efficient move tailored to your needs.

We provide packing services, storage options, and friendly support every step of the way. For expert advice, free quotes, or to book your move, contact us on 0800 699 0001 or email [email protected].

Let us take care of the heavy lifting—so you can look forward to your new beginning.