The 10-Step Professional Guide to Home Move Packing and Preparation

Prepping for a House Move: 10 Steps to Avoid Stress & Delays

Updated October 2025

Moving house can feel like chaos with a checklist; every cupboard a surprise, every item a decision. But the difference between a smooth, stress-free move and a long, expensive one usually comes down to preparation.
Our partners — the professional house removal companies you find on our platform — say that getting your home ready before the first box is taped is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays, and extra costs.

This 10-step guide uses their expert feedback to help you get your space ready, manage supplies, and keep everything organised. Following it will help you avoid the stress of blocked hallways or lost essentials on moving day.

Quick Guide: 4 Key Prep Tasks

• Declutter First: Only pack what you are keeping.
• Create a System: Use clear labels and an inventory list.
• Set Up a Station: Keep all tape, pens and packing supplies in one place.
• Stage Boxes: Keep packed boxes in a dedicated, out-of-the-way corner.

1. Decide What's Moving and Clear Out the Rest

Our partner firms report that many quotes are higher than necessary because clients pay to move items that are thrown away on arrival. Don't pay for van space or loading time for things you don't need.

• Bag up rubbish and recycling first.
• As you move room to room, keep a "get-rid-of" box for donations or sales and a bin bag handy for items to throw.
• List or photograph what's definitely coming with you as you go.

This process of decluttering before your move is critical. Reducing the total volume of your belongings is one of the most effective ways to save money on your move.

2. Create a Labelling and Inventory System

A clear system prevents confusion and makes both packing and unpacking more logical. More importantly, a good inventory and evidence are essential if you need to make an insurance claim.

• Choose your format early (e.g., Room + Contents + Priority or colour coding).
• Print labels in advance or get different coloured pens for marking boxes.
• Use a simple spreadsheet or a shared notes app to track boxes and key furniture.

3. Photograph Furniture and Electronics Setups

Movers often see people waste time during reassembly because they can't remember how things fit. Snapping photos now prevents that frustration and helps you check for damage before the van doors close.

• Take photos of cable connections, shelving layouts, and fittings.
• Keep screws, bolts, and small parts together in labelled bags taped to the item they belong to.

4. Set Up a Packing Supplies Station

Keeping all tools in one place keeps packing efficient. It also stops your scissors and tape from disappearing into half-sealed boxes.

• Gather tape, pens, scissors, stretch-wrap, zip bags, and labels.
• Give the kit a fixed home (or make two kits) so it's available when you need it.

5. Plan Where Packed Boxes Will Go

Keeping boxes in the room where they're packed helps you stay organised and keeps hallways safe. Our partner movers warn that piles in corridors are one of the most common trip hazards on moving day and can create fire hazards in the meantime.

• Stack boxes neatly in one corner of each room as you finish packing.
• If you're lucky enough to have a garage, spare room, or utility area, use it as a central zone once space allows.
• Keep doorways clear for safety and smoother loading later.

6. Clean as You Go

Cleaning during packing is part of moving-day prep, not an afterthought. It keeps dust and clutter from travelling with you to your new home. It also helps you spot any minor repairs that might be needed before inspection, and ensures you leave the property in good condition.

• Wipe cupboards and drawers as you empty them.
• Vacuum rugs and furniture before they're moved (you might even find enough spare change for a first-night takeaway).

7. Check Access, Parking, and Permissions

Access and parking issues are the most common cause of last-minute stress and extra charges. Our partners can't stress this enough: confirm the logistics.

• Where will the removal van park? Can it get close to the entrance?
• Do you need to book a residents' parking bay suspension?
• Do you need to reserve a building's service lift?

Sorting these details early is a critical part of handling your house move and avoids costly, stressful surprises on the day.

8. Prepare Important Documents and Valuables

Critical paperwork is the one thing you can't replace. Keeping it with you avoids lost contracts or ID delays on move-in day.

• Gather IDs, contracts, and insurance papers.
• Keep them in a folder you'll carry personally on moving day.

9. Stage the "Last to Load" Essentials Corner

This is your first-night safety net. Having basics like food, chargers, and cleaning gear in one place makes the first night manageable.

• Kettle, mugs, snacks, chargers, cleaning kit, medications, pet supplies, and basic toiletries.
• Tell the removal team this box goes "Last On, First Off." or better yet, keep it with you.
• This box is the core of a smart moving day survival kit and prevents that 10 PM panic-search for a toothbrush.

10. Brief Your Movers or Helpers

A quick walkthrough keeps the move running smoothly. Our partner movers recommend this short briefing at the start of every job—it keeps the loading order efficient and prevents breakages.

• Do a 2-minute walkthrough when the team arrives.
• Point out fragile boxes, the "Essentials" corner, and any known access issues.
• This simple step is a key part of what to expect on moving day when using a professional service.

Often Forgotten (Final Checks)

The last 24 hours are when details slip. Double-check these tasks before closing the door behind you.

• Defrost Fridge/Freezer: Start this at least 24 hours before the move. Movers cannot move a freezer that is still iced-up or leaking water.
• Take Meter Readings: Photograph your gas, electric, and water meters after your final use.
• Pack Last-Minute Items: Keep a small box for bedding, towels, and a few plates and cutlery for your last meal.
• Empty Bins: Do one last rubbish run.

If you are working against the clock, our last-minute moving tips can help you prioritise what's essential.

Where to Go Next

For a complete overview of the entire process, from your first thoughts of moving to settling into your new home, see our Complete Moving House Survival Guide.

Book with Find My Man and Van

Find My Man and Van connects you with trusted, UK-based movers offering instant quotes and flexible booking. Once your home is ready, you can get instant prices from vetted, local movers on our platform. Compare flexible options that fit your schedule and find the right team. Explore our professional house removal services for a stress-free moving experience.