Moving house for the first time can feel a little scary, but it doesn’t have to be.
There is a mountain of things to do in such a little amount of time.
However, with the proper preparation and a little insight into what to expect, your moving day can run like clockwork even if it is your “first rodeo.”
From early morning van arrivals to unloading at your new place, every step will feel smoother when you know what’s coming next.
Our simple guide walks you through each stage of the day, offering helpful advice to ease your nerves and set you up for success.
Whether you’re moving from a one-bedroom flat or a family-sized home, these practical step-by-step tips will help you feel confident and in control when the big day arrives.
1. Early Start: Expect the Removal Team to Arrive Promptly
Most removals begin early, often around 8 am, so be ready for the team to arrive on time.
Make sure you’re up, dressed, and have had breakfast before the crew rings the bell.
Ensure that you have left the access clear for the removal van to park as close to your home as possible.
Ensure that all walkways are clear of potential tripping hazards so that the crew can work safely and unhindered.
Ensure pets and children are safely out of the way, and valuables are packed separately, so you can easily locate them.
Placing them in your car is a good idea, so they won’t be accidentally packed.
Keeping your phone fully charged and your essentials handy will help you stay organised throughout the day.
If you’re using a professional company like Curtiss Moving & Storage, we will arrive with a clear plan in place based on your pre-move survey.
Our team leader will liaise with you before packing begins so that you are aware of exactly how the day will proceed.
Using an experienced removal company is vital. At Curtiss Moving & Storage, house moves are all in a day’s work for us.
There is very little we have not encountered over the years, so don’t worry, try to relax and leave the hard work to the experts.
2. Final Checks Before the Van is Loaded
Before loading begins, take a moment to walk through your home.
Because there is so much happening all at once, it is very easy to forget things.
Have you emptied the fridge? Taken down the curtains? Disconnected appliances?
Check all cupboards and remaining wardrobes. Loft spaces are often overlooked, as are sheds; these are easy to forget in the rush.
Conducting a final sweep of every room now saves stress later and ensures that nothing gets left behind.
If you have been renting your home, take date-stamped photos to document the property’s condition.
Ensure it is clean and returned in the same condition as when you first rented it.
Many landlords will deduct or withhold your deposit completely if they are not happy with the cleanliness of the rental upon departure.
Even if you are selling, you want to leave your home as clean as possible.
It isn’t a legal requirement, but it is good etiquette to do so.
Lastly, all you need to do now is secure the property – make sure windows and doors are locked, and lights are off and say goodbye to your old home.
3. Watching the Loading Process: What’s Normal?
It’s natural to feel nervous seeing your life packed into boxes and wheeled into a van by strangers.
But don’t worry, our removal team knows precisely what they’re doing.
Boxes will be loaded in a specific order to protect fragile items and maximise space.
You don’t need to micromanage; be available in case they need clarification.
An inventory will be taken as each box or item is loaded, and boxes will be numbered and labelled with the room in which they were packed, i.e. kitchen, lounge, main bedroom etc.
If you have more than one bedroom and children living at home, it is helpful to put a note on each bedroom door with your child’s name on it, so our team can label each packed box with their name.
NOTE: Don’t forget to ensure your important documents – passports, new home keys, and essentials like a box with tea, coffee, mugs, milk, loo roll, phone chargers, and other items you will need immediately upon arrival at the new home.
Our bloggers have written an article entitled “13 Helpful Home Moving Tips”, you might find it very helpful.
4. Time to Go: Be Ready to Leave
If you’re part of a property chain, timing is everything.
You’ll need to vacate your home on schedule to let the new owners move in.
Once the van is loaded, it’s time to go.
Before locking up for the last time, take final meter readings and have keys ready for your agent or landlord.
If you’re driving, check your route and allow for traffic, especially on longer journeys. Inform the removal crew if you encounter any issues.
Confirm where the removal lorry can park at the new address.
In some cases, you may need to apply to your local council for a parking permit.
It is a nice gesture to inform the new neighbours you are moving in and apologise for any inconvenience they may encounter whilst your belongings are being unloaded.
5. Unloading at Your New Home
At the other end, your removal team will unload your belongings with the same care and attention to detail.
This is where your labelling system pays off, helping boxes go straight into the correct rooms.
Let them know if large furniture needs to be reassembled or if narrow staircases might cause issues.
Keep children and pets in a safe room or with a friend to avoid extra chaos.
Before you start using any utilities, take the meter readings as soon as possible.
The removal crew will work very quickly; it’s a good idea to be visible and guide them if anything needs a particular spot.
6. Setting Up the Essentials First
Once you’re through the door, resist the urge to tear open every box at once.
Focus first on creating a functional and comfortable safe space.
Start by assembling the beds.
After a long day, you’ll want somewhere to rest.
Plug in the fridge and freezer to keep food fresh and get the kettle on for a well-earned tea break.
This is where your “open-first” box comes into play.
It should include toiletries, chargers, mugs, tea bags, snacks, loo roll, bin bags, and perhaps a change of clothes.
Keeping this box clearly labelled and within reach will make those first few hours so much smoother.
If staying connected is a priority, ensure your broadband is active and ideally arranged in advance.
Comparison sites like Uswitch can help if you still need to pick a provider.
Prioritising comfort early on will help you feel settled more quickly, even amid the chaos.
Once the removal team has left, you will have plenty of time over the coming days and weeks to get yourself organised and unpacked.
7. Spotting and Reporting Any Damage
Accidents are rare, but it’s good practice to check for breakages as you unpack.
Most removal companies have a policy that allows you a specific period to report any damage incurred while your belongings are being packed and transported.
If you used a reputable moving company, such as Curtiss Moving & Storage, we offer insurance or a claims process for any issues that may arise.
Don’t delay in reporting damage; ideally, do it within 24 hours.
For guidance on moving insurance options and what to expect, the British Association of Removers provides useful consumer advice.
Alternatively, you can contact the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman – an independent, not-for-profit, government-approved organisation set up to help resolve disputes and raise standards.
8. End-of-Day Wrap Up & Final Thoughts
Once the last box is unloaded and everything is in the right room, your removal team will typically collect any leftover packing materials, leaving you with a bit less mess to clean up.
If you’re satisfied with the service, we would appreciate it if you could leave a review on Trustpilot or Google.
Your feedback not only supports local businesses like Curtiss Moving & Storage but also helps others find trusted movers for their own journey.
And finally, take a deep breath. You did it. Welcome to your new home!
Need more moving advice? Our expert bloggers have you covered:
- Moving House with Kids: 30 Tips for Making the Transition Easier
- Why Hiring a Professional Removals Company Saves You Time and Money
- 13 Helpful Home Moving Tips
Curtiss Moving & Storage has over 140 years of experience in Portsmouth and beyond.
We are easy to get in contact with; you can call us on 023 9298 5830 or fill out our quick and easy form for a quote.
We look forward to hearing from you.
