Moving day is not the time to figure out that something wasn't ready. Here are five things that genuinely make the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.
Sounds obvious, but it's routinely overlooked. Before the crew arrives, make sure the path from the front door to the van parking spot is completely clear. Move your car, ask neighbours to move theirs if needed, remove trip hazards, prop doors open. Your removal team will work significantly faster — and safer — if they're not navigating obstacles.
Every single box should be labelled with its destination room and a brief note of contents. "BEDROOM 2 — BOOKS" and "KITCHEN — FRAGILE PLATES" are your removal crew's navigation system. Unlabelled boxes slow everything down and increase the chance of things ending up in the wrong room at the new property.
Set aside a bag — not a box — with everything you'll need before the van is unloaded. Phone charger, keys, wallet, medication, basic toiletries, children's essentials. This bag stays with you, not on the van. Don't assume you'll be able to access it during the move.
Photograph your gas, electricity and water meter readings before you leave the old property and when you arrive at the new one. Email them to yourself with a timestamp. This protects you from being charged for usage you didn't make — a simple step that can save a surprising amount of hassle months later.
If there's a wardrobe that needs special handling, a doorframe that's unusually narrow, a staircase that requires furniture to be tilted a specific way — tell the crew when they arrive. They deal with this all the time and won't be phased, but knowing in advance means they plan the right approach from the start rather than improvising mid-job.
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