
How to Move Flat in One Day: The Speed Movers Guide
Sometimes life doesn’t give you the luxury of time — your new tenancy starts tomorrow, your lease ends today, or plans simply changed last minute.
Whatever the reason, moving flat in one day is absolutely possible with the right approach.
At Brilliant Removals, we’ve helped hundreds of Londoners complete fast, efficient moves — even same-day relocations.
This guide covers everything you need to know to move your flat in just one day, without chaos or stress.
Start with a One-Day Moving Plan
Time is your biggest challenge, so planning is non-negotiable.
Here’s a quick breakdown of your 24-hour moving plan:
| Time Slot | Task | Details |
| 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Final packing | Seal all boxes, label essentials |
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Movers arrive | Quick walk-through, instructions |
| 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Loading | Prioritise heavy furniture first |
| 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Travel | Ensure parking and route are ready |
| 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Unloading | Boxes by room, reassemble furniture |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Setup essentials | Unpack kitchen, bedding, toiletries |
Pro Tip: Pre-pack essentials (like kettle, charger, bed sheets, toiletries) in one “first-night box”.
Declutter Before Moving Day
The key to a quick move is less stuff to carry.
If possible, declutter in advance:
- Donate or sell unused furniture or clothes.
- Dispose of old paperwork or broken items.
- Set aside essentials only.
Every unnecessary item you skip saves minutes of packing and van space.
Choose a Man and Van or Full Removal Service
For a one-day move, time is money.
Choose the service that best fits your situation:
| Type | Best For | Advantage |
| Man and Van | Students, small flats | Quick, affordable, flexible |
| Full Removal Service | Families, large homes | Movers handle packing + loading |
Brilliant Removals offers same-day Man and Van service in London, ideal for small to medium moves where speed and efficiency matter most
Relevant Articles:
How to Choose Between a Man and Van and a Full Moving Service
Prepare Parking and Access in Advance
The last thing you want on moving day is your van parked three streets away.
To avoid delays:
- Reserve parking close to your entrance the night before.
- Inform your movers of any staircases or no-lift access.
- Get a temporary parking permit if needed.
Tip: London boroughs allow short-term moving permits for vans. Contact your local council early.
Pack Like a Pro (and Fast!)
Speed-packing doesn’t mean messy packing — it means smart organisation.
Here’s how to do it:
Essentials to Prepare:
- Small, medium, and large boxes
- Packing tape
- Labels and markers
- Bubble wrap or blankets
Quick Packing Rules:
- Room-by-room approach — focus on one room at a time.
- Heavy items in small boxes — easier to lift and stack.
- Label boxes clearly — especially fragile items.
- Use suitcases for clothes and linens.
- Wrap fragile items with towels or clothing to save space.
Speed Trick: Colour-code boxes by room — this cuts unpacking time in half.
Relevant articles:
Pack Fragile Items Safely for Transport
Pack Clothes Efficiently for a Move
Use Packing Materials the Right Way
Dismantle Large Furniture Early
Beds, tables, and wardrobes take the most time to move.
If you can, dismantle them before movers arrive.
Keep screws and small parts in labelled bags taped to the item.
For complex furniture, let professionals handle disassembly — it’s faster and safer.
Relevant Articles:
How to Handle Complex Furniture Disassembly Safely
Communicate Clearly with Your Movers
Good communication = smooth, fast move.
When your movers arrive:
- Walk them through the property.
- Point out fragile or heavy items.
- Clarify what goes first (e.g., sofa before boxes).
A clear plan saves unnecessary back-and-forth.
Protect Floors, Walls, and Corners
Speed shouldn’t mean carelessness.
Use corner guards, blankets, or old rugs to protect staircases and flooring during quick moves.
Movers with experience (like Brilliant Removals) come prepared with padding and straps to move fast without damage.
Travel Smart — Know Your Route
If you’re moving within London, always consider:
- Traffic hours (avoid 7–10 AM and 4–7 PM)
- Congestion charge zones
- Road width for vans
Pro Tip: Share the destination postcode with your movers in advance for the fastest route planning.
Unpack Essentials First
When you reach your new flat, unpack only what you need for the first 24 hours:
- Bedding
- Kitchen essentials
- Toiletries
- Chargers and work items
You can handle the rest once you’ve settled.
Example One-Day Move Essentials List
| Category | Items |
| Packing | Tape, boxes, labels, markers, bags |
| Essentials Box | Kettle, mugs, chargers, snacks |
| Furniture Tools | Screwdriver, Allen key, pliers |
| Cleaning | Wipes, bin bags, paper towels |
| Safety | Gloves, first aid kit |
Keep Calm and Stay Focused
Fast moves can feel hectic — but a calm mind saves more time than rushing.
Delegate tasks, follow your checklist, and trust your movers.
Brilliant Removals specialises in quick same-day moves across London, offering expert packing, van loading, and careful handling — all within tight timeframes.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can move a flat in one day — and do it well.
With preparation, efficient packing, and a skilled moving team, even the tightest schedules can run smoothly.So if you’re facing a same-day flat move, don’t panic.
Call Brilliant Removals, London’s trusted experts in speedy, reliable, and stress-free moving services.











