Make sure you're available during packing

If your removals company is packing your items for you, you will need to be available for them to ask potential questions and to look over the inventory. The movers will produce an inventory of everything they pack - make sure you look over the list and check that it is correct and legible before you sign, so as to avoid any discrepancies further down the line if an item is missing from the list or damaged during the move. 

Thank your helpers

If your family and friends are helping you out on the day, it's worth getting organised well in advance. If you're packing yourself, make sure you do this beforehand, as you can't reasonably ask a friend or relative to pay for something they accidentally damage.

It's also a good idea to make sure you have plenty of beverages and snacks on hand, and if the move starts to run into dinnertime, get a takeaway!.

Ensure a safe environment for moving

Whether you're hiring professional movers or your friends and family are helping you move, it's important to keep the environment safe for everyone. Make sure your helpers have clear access from your property to the moving vehicles.

If you can, ask a friend or relative to look after the kids and pets during the day - taking them out of the equation means you can focus on getting the job done.

plan for parking and access

Make sure you consider the needs of the movers by making parking and access as easy as possible.

If you're moving from or into a high-rise building, it is best to see if you can reserve parking space or access point in advance of your move. This will prevent any delays on moving day.

Check to see if lifts can also be reserved to help speed up the process.

Inside the property, make sure nothing is cluttering up the main passageways and in particular near the stairs. Keep internal doors open to allow easier transit between rooms - it's not easy to balance a heavy box on one hand whilst opening a door with the other!

draw up a floor plan

Drawing up a floor plan for your new property will save time and eliminate confusion when moving into your new home. Mark out where your possessions are going before you move, then you can tag each item of furniture with a coloured label which corresponds to the room it is going in. This way, the movers know where to put it and it saves you having to make decisions in a rush about where to put things.  

Moving your washing machine and fridge

Removal teams are legally forbidden to tamper with mains supplies. Should you wish your removal company to transport your washing machine to your new property, you will need to disconnect and drain the machine the day before the removal crew arrives.

To avoid damage, automatic washing machine drums should be secured with the original brackets supplied by the manufacturer.

Fridges and freezers should be washed out with a strong solution of bicarbonate of soda and hot water rather than detergent, as this will avoid unpleasant odours.