3 Weeks Before Your Move
Arrange Childcare and Pet Care
Moving day can be stressful for young children and pets. To keep things calm, arrange for children to stay with friends or relatives, and make similar arrangements for pets. Ask your vet for advice on reducing stress for animals during a move.
Declutter and Donate
Don’t take unnecessary clutter to your new home. Use this opportunity for a fresh start:
Donate clothes, books, and ornaments to local charity shops
Sell larger unwanted items online or locally
Recycle what you no longer need
Empty and Defrost Your Freezer
Start running down your freezer contents. By moving day, it should be completely defrosted and dry to avoid leaks or damage during transport.
2 Weeks Before Your Move
Notify Utility Providers
Contact your gas, electricity, and water companies to:
Arrange final meter readings
Organise service disconnection at your old home
Ensure connections are active in your new property
Telephone and Internet
If you still use a landline, arrange to transfer or cancel your number. Notify your internet provider to ensure your broadband is ready for use when you arrive.
Check TV and Satellite Needs
Your aerials or satellite dish may not be suitable in your new area. Seek advice in advance — sometimes it’s cheaper to install new equipment rather than move existing systems.
Redirect Your Post
Apply for a Royal Mail redirection. You’ll need at least 5 working days’ notice. You can set this up for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months — or up to 2 years if needed.
Begin Packing Non-Essentials
Start boxing up items you don’t use daily. This spreads the workload and avoids a last-minute rush.
2 Days Before Your Move
Defrost Fridges and Freezers
Ensure fridges, freezers, and fridge-freezers are fully defrosted at least 24 hours before moving day. Moving them while frozen can cause serious damage.
Cancel Deliveries
Remember to cancel milk, newspapers, or any other regular deliveries to your old address.
The Day Before Your Move
Pack as Much as You Can
Where possible, pack the bulk of your belongings the day before. This helps the moving day itself run faster and more smoothly.
Drawers can usually be left full — but avoid delicate or heavy items.
Place oils, paints, or liquids in sealed containers.
Drain fuel from petrol mowers, strimmers, or heaters — flammable items cannot be transported.
Prepare Curtains, Blinds, and Plants
Remove curtains and blinds (unless arranged with your moving team). Move household plants in protective containers — though delicate plants may be at risk from temperature changes in transit.
Secure Keys and Small Items
Attach furniture keys securely to each unit.
Create a “do not remove” pile with essentials such as coats, handbags, snacks, and cleaning supplies.
Keep jewellery, cash, bonds, and valuables with you — they’re not covered under removers’ insurance.
Moving Day
The big day is here! While your Britannia Willis removals team takes care of the heavy lifting, here are the essentials you’ll need to manage yourself:
Take final meter readings and leave a copy for the new occupants. Keep a record for your own files.
Switch off power and hot water if the property will be empty.
Lock all doors and windows securely.
Leave keys with the estate agent or new owners as arranged.
Share contact details with the removals team and confirm the meeting time at your new property.
Download Our Moving Day Guide & Checklist
Stay on track with a printable moving day checklist. Tick off each task as you go to make sure nothing is forgotten.
Why Plan with Britannia Willis?
Over 90 years of experience in home removals, storage, and international shipping
Local expertise across Yorkshire, backed by the Britannia Movers International network
Free pre-move surveys and personalised moving plans
Packing services and secure storage options to make moving easier
Your move is a big milestone — and with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow this guide and let Britannia Willis handle the rest.
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