6 weeks before
Plan ahead — book early.
- Get 3–5 quotes from verified UK removals partners
- Check insurance: Goods in Transit & Public Liability
- Book mid-week dates for the best prices
- Notify your landlord, employer and utilities providers
- Order packing materials — boxes, tape, bubble wrap
- Start de-cluttering room by room
2 weeks before
Pack smart, label everything.
- Pack one room at a time — label boxes by destination room
- Mark fragile boxes clearly on all sides
- Photograph electronics before disconnecting
- Keep an 'essentials' box for day one (kettle, mugs, chargers)
- Use suitcases for clothes — less weight in cardboard
- Defrost the freezer 48 hours before move day
Move day
Make life easier for your crew.
- Park the van as close to the door as possible
- Have tea, coffee and water ready for the crew
- Walk the property with the lead mover before loading
- Keep keys, IDs and documents in your essentials bag
- Take final meter readings and photographs
- Check the empty property before signing off
Money-saving tips
Cut hundreds off your moving bill.
Move mid-week
Tue–Thu can be 10–20% cheaper than Fri/Sat. Avoid month-end where possible.
Pack yourself
Doing your own packing typically saves £150–£400 on a 3-bed home — but let partners handle fragile and bulky items.
De-clutter first
Less volume = lower quote. Sell, donate or recycle before you measure.
Combine services
Bundling packing, storage or end-of-tenancy cleaning with the move is usually cheaper than booking separately.
Be flexible on dates
Many partners offer 'gap-fill' discounts for moves that flex by a day or two.
Compare 3+ quotes
Getting at least three quotes typically saves 15–25% versus accepting the first one.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
How early should I book a removals company?+
Aim for 3–6 weeks ahead during peak season (May–September) and 1–2 weeks for off-peak moves. Short-notice slots are often available — just ask.
What should I pack myself?+
Pack personal documents, jewellery, medication and laptops yourself. Let the partner pack fragile and bulky items — their insurance covers items they pack.
What day of the week is cheapest to move?+
Mid-week (Tue–Thu) is usually 10–20% cheaper than Friday or Saturday. Avoid month-end if you can.
Do I need to empty drawers and wardrobes?+
Empty drawers of heavy or fragile items. Lightweight clothing in wardrobes is usually fine for short moves — confirm with your partner.