Moving day checklist: the two weeks before, and the morning of

Two weeks before

Book your van and confirm your arrival window if you haven't already — the earlier you lock in a date, the more likely you'll get the exact time slot you want, especially for weekend moves.

Start collecting boxes and packing materials now rather than the week of. If you're not sure how much you'll need, our packing materials bundle (10 boxes, tape, bubble wrap and two wardrobe boxes) is a reasonable starting point for a one-bedroom flat — double it for a house.

Use up food from the freezer and pantry rather than moving it — frozen goods rarely survive a move well, and it's one less thing to pack.

One week before

Start packing rooms you use least first — spare rooms, garages, out-of-season clothing. Label every box with the room it's going to, not just its contents; your driver will thank you, and so will you when you're unpacking.

Arrange parking or a loading bay booking if your building requires one, and check whether your new place needs the same. If either address involves lift access, confirm the lift is available and booked for your moving day.

Redirect your mail with Royal Mail and update your address with your bank, employer, and any subscriptions — this is easy to forget once moving day itself takes over.

Two to three days before

Confirm your booking details are still correct — date, time window, addresses, stairs at each end — especially if anything has changed since you first booked. Update it via Track a booking if needed.

Pack a 'first night' box separately from everything else: toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, basic kitchen items, and any medication. This box travels with you, not in the van.

Finish packing everything except what you'll use in the final 24 hours. Disassemble any furniture you're taking apart yourself, or make a note of what needs disassembly so it's ready for your driver if you've added that as an extra.

The morning of

Do a final walkthrough of every room, including cupboards, under beds, and the garage, to make sure nothing's been missed. Check both properties are clear of anything you're not taking.

Have a clear path from the door to wherever the van will park — move any obstacles out of the hallway or driveway before your driver arrives.

Be ready and available for your entire arrival window, not just the start of it — a two-hour window means the driver could reasonably arrive at any point within it.

Keep your phone charged and reachable — if there's a delay on either end, this is how your driver will reach you.

When the van arrives

Walk your driver through what's being moved and point out anything fragile, heavy, or requiring special care before loading starts. This is also the moment to flag anything you didn't declare at booking, like an extra item or a piece of furniture you decided to keep after all.

If you've booked helpers, they'll work alongside your driver rather than separately — let them know your labelling system so boxes end up in the right rooms at the other end.

Once everything's loaded and you're happy nothing's been left behind, you're on your way — and the balance is paid to your driver once everything's safely delivered.