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Storage & Moving Tips

Top Moving Tips for a Smooth, Stress-Free House Move 

Moving house is one of the most important and exciting events in your life. But with so much to think about, it can also feel stressful if you don’t prepare properly. At Britannia Willis, we want to make your move simple and hassle-free. That’s why we’ve created this practical guide packed with useful tips to help you plan, prepare, and move with confidence. 

Prepare Ahead: Start Early and Stay Organised 

The earlier you start preparing, the smoother your move will be. Write a checklist of everything you need to do, including: 
 
Arranging childcare or pet care for moving day 
Buying or ordering enough packing materials 
Notifying utility companies, banks, and schools of your new address 
Deciding what to take and what to leave behind 
 
👉 Use the Britannia Willis moving checklist to keep track of each step and avoid last-minute stress. 

Get the Right Moving Boxes and Packing Materials 

Strong, good-quality packing materials are essential. You’ll need a mix of: 
 
Standard moving boxes for general items 
Smaller boxes for heavy items like books 
Wardrobe cartons for clothing 
Bubble wrap and packing paper for fragile items 
Mattress and furniture covers for protection in transit 
 
You can order professional-grade supplies directly from Britannia Willis, ensuring everything is safe and secure for the journey. 

Communicate with Your Moving Company 

Clear communication with your removals team makes everything easier. 
 
Confirm your moving date well in advance 
Share any special requirements (fragile or unusual items, access issues, etc.) 
Reconfirm the details a few days before moving day 
 
At Britannia Willis, we’re here to answer your questions, provide advice, and guide you through the process. 

Plan Access for the Removal Van 

Think ahead about how the removal van will access both your current and new home: 
 
Notify neighbours that a van will be parked outside 
Reserve parking spaces where necessary 
Check if local permits are required 
This preparation helps avoid delays on moving day. 

Decide What to Take — and What to Leave Behind 

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. You won’t want to take everything, especially if you’re downsizing or moving abroad. 
 
Create a list of items you’re definitely keeping 
Offer unwanted items to friends or family 
Donate usable goods to charity shops 
Sell larger pieces online or via a garage sale 
 
If you’re moving internationally, a detailed inventory is not only useful for unpacking but also a requirement for customs clearance. 

Think Ahead About Your New Home 

Draw up a simple floor plan of your new property. If it’s smaller than your current home, you’ll need to be selective about what you bring. Pack with unpacking in mind: box items according to the rooms they’ll go into at your new house. This makes moving in quicker and less stressful. 

Packing: DIY or Professional Help? 

You can choose to pack everything yourself or use a professional packing service. 

When to Choose Professional Packing 

Moving abroad or long-distance 
Lots of fragile or valuable items 
Limited time before moving day 

If You’re Packing Yourself 

Start several weeks in advance 
Pack systematically, one room at a time 
Clearly label every box with contents and destination room 
Avoid overfilling boxes — heavy items in small boxes, light items in larger boxes 

Special Preparation for Appliances & Storage 

Certain items need extra preparation before moving or storage: 
 
Fridges and freezers: Defrost at least one week before storage 
Washing machines and dryers: Ensure they’re clean and dry 
Garden furniture and tools: Thoroughly clean and dry to prevent mould in storage 
Electrical appliances: Check if special preparation is required — ask for expert advice if unsure 

Notify Utilities, Banks & Schools 

Make sure you’ve updated everyone who needs to know: 
 
Gas, electricity, and water suppliers 
Telephone and broadband providers 
Banks, insurance companies, and employers 
Schools and doctors if you’re changing areas 
Royal Mail for a redirection service 
 
Doing this in advance ensures nothing important is lost or disconnected. 

Keep Valuables with You 

Certain items should not go into the moving van or storage: 
 
Personal documents (passports, certificates, insurance papers) 
Jewellery and watches 
Cash, bonds, or coins 
Essentials you’ll need immediately on arrival (toiletries, chargers, medicines) 
Keep these with you in a separate, clearly marked bag. 

Research Your New Area 

If you’re moving abroad, learn as much as possible about your destination country — from local customs to healthcare and schooling. This will make the transition smoother for you and your family. Even within the UK, researching your new town or village in advance helps you settle in faster. Look up local shops, schools, transport links, and community groups. 

Moving Day: Be Present and Prepared 

On the big day, it’s important to be there: 
 
Meet the removals team and run through your moving plan 
Supervise where boxes and furniture should go 
Double-check you’ve packed everything you need 
 
Before you leave your old home: 
 
Check cupboards, lofts, garages, and sheds 
Switch off gas, electricity, and water 
Close and lock all windows and doors 

Final Thoughts 

Moving house is a big step, but with preparation and support, it doesn’t need to be stressful. By following these tips — and with help from Britannia Willis’s professional removals, packing, and storage services — you’ll be well on your way to a smooth move and a happy start in your new home. 
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Tagged as: Moving House
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