Planning Ahead

Preparing for Your Move

A Removals Guide

Get a free quote

Planning Ahead

Preparing for Your Move

A Removals Guide

Get a free quote

A stress-free move is mostly decided in the weeks before it. This guide covers what to sort first, how to get an accurate quote, and what to have ready on the day.

A stress-free move is mostly decided in the weeks before it. This guide covers what to sort first, how to get an accurate quote, and what to have ready on the day.

Start with what is actually moving

Walk through every room, plus the loft, garage and shed, and sort things into four piles: keep, donate or sell, recycle, and throw away. Every item you do not move is one less to pack, carry and insure, and it keeps the cost of your move down.

Choose your date carefully

Weekends, school holidays and the end of the month are the busiest times for removals, and they are often the most expensive. If your dates are flexible, a weekday in the middle of the month is easier to book. If your dates are likely to change, tell us when you get in touch. We stay flexible wherever we can.

Get a survey before you accept a quote

A survey means your quote is based on your actual move, not a guess, and you should not be charged for it. We can survey in person, by video call, or from a walkthrough video you record yourself. Show us anything awkward: large furniture, narrow stairs, a long carry to the van.

Ask for the quote in writing, with a clear list of what is and is not included. Our guide prices do not include parking charges, the Congestion Charge or ULEZ where they apply.

Decide how much help you want

We offer full packing and unpacking, fragile only packing, or move only with no packing at all. If you are packing yourself, start earlier than you think you need to, and see our Packing Guide. For the services themselves, see Packing Services.

Sort your parking and access early

Plan where the van will stop at both addresses. In much of London that means a bay suspension from your local council, and we can advise on this at your survey. If you live in a flat, check whether your building requires a booked lift or set moving hours. Our Parking and Access guide explains how it works.

Questions to ask any removals company

  • Is the price based on a survey or just an estimate?

  • What exactly does the quote include and exclude?

  • What does their insurance cover, and what does it not? Valuable items may need separate cover.

  • Are there charges for waiting time, or for cancelling or postponing?

  • What size of van will be used, and how many people will come?

  • When is payment due, and how can you pay?

We are happy to answer all of these before you book. Our Insurance Explained guide goes into the insurance question in more detail.

Be ready for moving day

  • Take photos of your gas, electricity and water meter readings at both properties.

  • Keep keys, passports, laptops, medication and important documents with you, not on the van.

  • Pack an essentials box for the first evening.

  • Be ready for the team to arrive within the arrival window we agree with you.

Ready for a Quote?

Tell us about your move and we will put together a clear written quote, free of charge.

Get a free quote

Move with confidence

Your move, handled with care

Reliable home and office removals across London, UK and Europe.

Contact Us

Move with confidence

Your move, handled with care

Reliable home and office removals across London, UK and Europe.

Contact Us

Move with confidence

Your move, handled with care

Reliable home and office removals across London, UK and Europe.

Contact Us