Two to four weeks before
Set the scope before packing begins.
Confirm the moving date, both addresses and who is responsible for each task. Decide what will be moved, sold, donated, disposed of or carried personally before asking for a final quotation.
Check the rules at both properties. Apartments and managed buildings may require advance notice, lift reservations, deposits, loading-bay bookings or an approved moving window.
- Create a room-by-room inventory
- Confirm the moving date and backup contact
- Send movers the full addresses and access details
- Measure large furniture, doors, lifts and stairs
- Reserve service lifts and loading areas
- Arrange packing help if needed
- Plan utility, internet and address changes
- Separate items that will not be moved
One week before
Pack by room and by priority.
Pack items that are used least often first. Mark each carton with the destination room and a short description rather than using a vague label such as miscellaneous.
Do not pack identity documents, money, jewellery, medicines, keys or essential electronics into the moving load. Keep those under your control.
- Label the top and at least one side of every box
- Mark fragile items clearly
- Keep fittings with the furniture they belong to
- Back up computers and important files
- Empty and clean cupboards and drawers
- Use smaller boxes for books and other dense items
- Plan food, pet and child arrangements for moving day
The final 48 hours
Remove the avoidable surprises.
Reconfirm the arrival time, addresses, contact numbers and agreed scope with the mover. Walk the route from each property to the planned vehicle position and remove anything that blocks safe carrying.
Check the weather and protect items that should not be exposed to rain. Confirm keys, building permissions and access contacts before offices or management desks close.
- Reconfirm the mover, date and arrival window
- Verify parking and loading access
- Defrost and dry appliances where appropriate
- Charge phones and power banks
- Photograph valuable items and existing damage
- Prepare water and basic refreshments
- Pack a first-night essentials bag
Moving day
Keep one person responsible for decisions.
Choose one person at each address to answer questions and check rooms. Too many conflicting instructions slow loading and increase the chance of an item being placed incorrectly.
Before the vehicle leaves, inspect cupboards, balconies, storage areas and parking spaces. At the new address, direct large furniture to the correct rooms first so boxes do not block access.
- Keep the agreed inventory and contact numbers available
- Point out fragile, heavy and priority items
- Keep children and pets away from carrying routes
- Check every room before departure
- Record utility readings where relevant
- Direct final placement at the destination
- Check the vehicle before the crew leaves
First night essentials
Keep the first evening out of the main load.
Prepare one clearly identified bag or box that travels with you. The aim is to avoid opening ten cartons to find a charger, medicine or clean clothes after a long day.
- Identity documents, keys and payment information
- Medicines and basic first aid
- Phone chargers and a power bank
- Water, simple food and essential utensils
- Toiletries, towels and a change of clothes
- Basic cleaning supplies and rubbish bags
- Bedding or anything needed for sleep
- Pet food, leads and child essentials
After arrival
Unpack in the order the home needs to work.
Start with safety, beds, bathrooms and the kitchen basics rather than opening every carton at once. Use the room labels to keep boxes near their final destination.
Report any concern promptly and keep relevant photos and the agreed scope. Once the essentials are working, unpack one room at a time and remove empty cartons from walkways.
- Check doors, windows, water and electricity
- Assemble or position essential furniture first
- Inspect fragile and high-value items
- Keep entrances and corridors clear
- Update remaining address records
- Save the mover's details and leave an honest review