How to Prepare Your Home Before Moving Day

Start Early with a Moving Checklist

Create a detailed checklist several weeks before moving day. Include tasks such as:

• Confirming your moving company booking
• Notifying utility providers and updating your address
• Scheduling time off work for moving day
• Gathering packing supplies like boxes, tape, and markers

A written checklist keeps you organised and ensures nothing is forgotten.

Declutter and Sort Before Packing

Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
Reducing unnecessary items means fewer boxes, less time packing, and potentially lower moving costs.

Pro Tip: If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s probably not worth moving.

Organise Packing Supplies

Before you begin packing, gather all your supplies:

• Sturdy boxes in different sizes
• Packing paper or bubble wrap
• Strong tape
• Permanent markers
• Labels or colour stickers
• Furniture blankets or covers

Having everything in one place saves time and helps maintain momentum.

Begin Packing Non-Essential Items First

Start packing rooms you use less frequently.
Examples: guest rooms, storage areas, lofts, or spare bathrooms.
Keep essentials—like toiletries, basic kitchenware, and clothes for the week—available until the final days.

This staggered approach helps you stay organised without feeling overwhelmed.

Label Everything Clearly

Label each box with both its contents and destination room (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans”).
If possible, use colour-coded labels for each room.
This small effort saves massive unpacking time and helps your movers place boxes in the correct areas at your new home.

Disassemble Furniture in Advance

If your moving company isn’t handling dismantling, take apart large furniture pieces like beds, tables, and wardrobes before moving day.
Keep screws, bolts, and fittings in labelled plastic bags taped securely to the furniture they belong to.

This prevents delays and ensures safe, efficient transport.

Relevant Articles:

How to Handle Complex Furniture Disassembly Safely

How to Disassemble Furniture Before a Move

Protect Floors and Walls

When preparing for movers, protect your floors, door frames, and walls from scratches and scuffs.
Use:

• Floor runners or old blankets
• Corner guards
• Doorway covers

This is especially important if you’re in a rented property and want to avoid damage charges.

Empty and Defrost Appliances

A day or two before the move, unplug and defrost your fridge and freezer.
Drain washing machines and dishwashers and leave their doors open to dry.
Clean appliances thoroughly so they’re fresh and ready to reinstall at your new home.

Create an Essentials Box

Pack a separate “Essentials Box” for the first day and night at your new home.
Include:

• Kettle, mugs, and basic snacks
• Toilet roll and cleaning supplies
• Bedding and towels
• Chargers, remotes, and documents
• Change of clothes

Keep this box with you so you’re not searching through multiple boxes later.

Double-Check with Your Moving Company

A few days before the move, confirm all arrangements with your movers.
Discuss:

• Arrival time and estimated duration
• Parking arrangements or permits (especially in London)
• Fragile or high-value items that need special care
• Access details for both properties

If you’re using Brilliant Removals, our team will guide you through this process and help plan your move with efficiency and professionalism.

Clean Your Home Before Leaving

Once everything is packed, do a thorough clean—especially if you’re renting.
Focus on:

• Kitchen surfaces and cupboards
• Bathroom tiles and fixtures
• Carpets and floors
• Walls and skirting boards

This ensures you leave the property in good condition and improves your chances of getting your full deposit back.

Prepare for Moving Day

The night before:

• Charge your phone and keep the movers’ contact handy
• Set aside important documents (IDs, contracts, etc.)
• Pack snacks and water for the day
• Get a good night’s rest

On the day, do a final walkthrough of your home to ensure nothing is left behind.

Summary

Preparing your home before moving day can seem like a huge task, but following a structured plan will make it manageable. Declutter early, pack smart, label boxes clearly, and coordinate with your movers for a seamless experience.

If you want a stress-free move, Brilliant Removals offers comprehensive packing, moving, and storage services across London and the UK — ensuring your moving day runs smoothly from start to finish.

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