Moving Day Preparation Guide
Moving day is the moment all your planning comes together.
Whether you’re moving house in Plymouth, relocating elsewhere in Devon and Cornwall, or completing a nationwide move, good preparation can make the difference between a smooth, organised move and a stressful experience.
Many moving day problems are completely avoidable with the right preparation. This guide explains exactly what to do before, during and after moving day to help your move run as efficiently as possible.
At PERERA Movers, we’ve helped hundreds of families, homeowners, tenants and businesses relocate successfully. These are the same moving day tips we share with our customers every day.
Why Moving Day Preparation Matters
Moving day can involve:
➢ Removal Vehicles
➢ Property Chains
➢ Key Collections
➢ Utility Readings
➢ Furniture Transport
➢ Family Logistics
➢ Pets
➢ Children
Without proper planning, small issues can quickly become stressful.
Preparing in advance helps:
➢ Save Time
➢ Reduce Stress
➢ Prevent Delays
➢ Protect Belongings
➢ Improve Organisation
➢ Make The Day Run Smoothly
One Week Before Moving Day
The final week is critical.
Now is the time to:
➢ Confirm Moving Dates
➢ Confirm Removal Booking
➢ Complete Most Packing
➢ Arrange Childcare
➢ Arrange Pet Care
➢ Organise Parking
➢ Confirm Utility Transfers
➢ Prepare Essential Documents
Avoid leaving important tasks until the last minute.
Confirm Your Removal Company
A few days before moving day, confirm:
➢ Collection Address
➢ Delivery Address
➢ Contact Numbers
➢ Access Details
➢ Parking Arrangements
➢ Special Moving Requirements
➢ Estimated Arrival Times
➢ Payment Arrangements
Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings.
Finish Packing Early
Ideally, packing should be completed before moving day.
Only leave out:
➢ Toiletries
➢ Bedding
➢ Medication
➢ Phone Chargers
➢ Daily Essentials
➢ Children’s Items
➢ Pet Supplies
➢ Important Documents
Last-minute packing is one of the most common causes of moving day delays.
Prepare A Moving Day Essentials Box
An essentials box is one of the most useful things you can prepare.
Include:
➢ Phone Chargers
➢ Medication
➢ Kettle
➢ Tea & Coffee
➢ Snacks
➢ Bottled Water
➢ Toilet Paper
➢ Cleaning Supplies
➢ Important Documents
➢ Basic Tools
This helps avoid searching through dozens of boxes after arrival.
Organise Important Documents
Keep important paperwork with you.
Examples include:
➢ Passports
➢ Driving Licences
➢ House Sale Documents
➢ Tenancy Agreements
➢ Insurance Documents
➢ Mortgage Information
➢ Removal Quotations
➢ Contact Numbers
Never pack essential paperwork inside removal boxes.
Prepare Large Appliances
Several household appliances require preparation.
Fridges & Freezers
➢ Empty Contents
➢ Defrost Completely
➢ Dry Thoroughly
Washing Machines
➢ Disconnect Safely
➢ Drain Water
➢ Secure Hoses
Dishwashers
➢ Empty Completely
➢ Drain Remaining Water
Preparing appliances properly helps prevent leaks and damage.
Dismantle Furniture In Advance
If possible, dismantle:
➢ Beds
➢ Large Tables
➢ Wardrobes
➢ Shelving Units
➢ Office Furniture
➢ Garden Furniture
This can significantly reduce loading times.
If you’re unsure, professional movers can often assist.
Arrange Parking For The Removal Vehicle
Parking is often overlooked.
Consider:
➢ Permit Restrictions
➢ Narrow Roads
➢ Apartment Access
➢ City Centre Parking
➢ Visitor Restrictions
➢ Loading Zones
Good access can make a huge difference on moving day.
This is particularly important in:
➢ Mutley
➢ Lipson
➢ Plymouth City Centre
➢ Stoke
➢ Devonport
➢ Crownhill
Prepare Children For Moving Day
Moving can be exciting and stressful for children.
Helpful ideas include:
➢ Explain The Moving Process
➢ Pack Favourite Toys Separately
➢ Maintain Routines
➢ Keep Snacks Available
➢ Arrange Childcare If Needed
A calm environment often makes the day easier for everyone.
Prepare Pets For Moving Day
Pets can become anxious during house moves.
Consider:
➢ Keeping Pets In A Quiet Room
➢ Arranging Temporary Care
➢ Updating Microchip Details
➢ Packing Pet Essentials Separately
➢ Maintaining Feeding Schedules
This helps reduce stress for your pets.
On The Morning Of Moving Day
Before the removal team arrives:
➢ Wake Up Early
➢ Eat Breakfast
➢ Pack Final Essentials
➢ Check Every Room
➢ Secure Valuables
➢ Keep Documents Accessible
➢ Keep Mobile Phones Charged
➢ Prepare Keys
Starting calmly sets the tone for the day.
During Loading
While movers load the vehicle:
➢ Stay Available For Questions
➢ Confirm Fragile Items
➢ Check Storage Areas
➢ Check Cupboards
➢ Check Loft Spaces
➢ Check Garden Sheds
➢ Check Garages
Many forgotten items are discovered at this stage.
Waiting For Keys
Property transactions don’t always happen instantly.
Some customers may need to wait for keys before accessing their new property.
If this happens:
➢ Stay In Contact With Your Solicitor
➢ Keep Your Removal Team Updated
➢ Remain Flexible
➢ Have Refreshments Available
At PERERA Movers, we’re experienced in managing moving days that involve waiting for keys.
Before Leaving Your Old Property
Complete a final walk-through.
Check:
➢ All Rooms
➢ Cupboards
➢ Drawers
➢ Loft
➢ Garage
➢ Shed
➢ Garden
➢ Utility Readings
This final inspection can prevent forgotten belongings.
Arriving At Your New Home
Once you arrive:
➢ Confirm Room Layouts
➢ Direct Furniture Placement
➢ Check Delivered Items
➢ Inspect Fragile Items
➢ Locate Essentials Box
➢ Check Utilities
➢ Secure The Property
Good organisation now makes unpacking easier later.
First Night In Your New Home
Focus on the essentials.
Prioritise:
➢ Bedrooms
➢ Bathroom
➢ Kitchen
➢ Children’s Rooms
➢ Pet Areas
Avoid trying to unpack everything immediately.
Common Moving Day Mistakes
Avoid:
➢ Leaving Packing Too Late
➢ Forgetting Parking Arrangements
➢ Not Preparing Appliances
➢ Losing Important Documents
➢ Overloading Boxes
➢ Forgetting Utility Readings
➢ Not Packing Essentials Separately
➢ Poor Communication
Preparation prevents most problems.
Why Use Professional Movers?
Professional movers help:
➢ Reduce Stress
➢ Save Time
➢ Protect Furniture
➢ Improve Efficiency
➢ Handle Heavy Items
➢ Reduce Physical Strain
➢ Manage Logistics
➢ Simplify Moving Day
Many customers find professional removals are one of the best investments they make during a move.
Why Choose PERERA Movers?
PERERA Movers provides:
➢ House Removals
➢ Packing Services
➢ Storage Solutions
➢ Office Removals
➢ Man And Van Services
➢ Nationwide Removals
➢ Hourly Rate Options
➢ Fixed Price Quotations
➢ Fully Insured Services
➢ 200+ Verified 5-Star Reviews
Helping customers enjoy stress-free moving days throughout Plymouth and the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Moving Services
If you’re planning a move, you may also find these services useful:
➢ House Removals
➢ Packing Services
➢ Storage Solutions
➢ Office Removals
➢ Areas We Cover
➢ Get A Free Quote
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Planning a move in Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall or anywhere in the UK?
PERERA Movers provides professional house removals, packing services, storage solutions and nationwide moving services.
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