Moving house in the UK often feels like a rite of passage – exciting, exhausting, and occasionally, utterly infuriating. While you’ve probably got the big stuff covered (solicitors, removals, endless packing tape), it’s the smaller, easily forgotten blunders that can derail even the best-laid plans.
Don’t let your moving day descend into chaos! Here are seven common mistakes UK movers make, so you can spot them a mile off and enjoy a smoother, stress-free transition.
1. The “Last-Minute Packing Panic”
We’ve all done it: underestimated the sheer volume of our possessions. That spare room, the “miscellaneous” drawer, the loft – they always hold more than you remember.
- What Goes Wrong: You end up frantically shoving items into bin bags, breaking fragile things, or leaving essential belongings behind. Removal teams are delayed, costs can increase, and stress levels hit the roof.
- How to Avoid It: Start early! Create a realistic packing schedule, tackling one room or category at a time, several weeks in advance. Be ruthless with decluttering. Label every box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to at the new house. Consider a “No-Pack Zone” for essentials.
2. The “Forgotten Essentials Box” Fiasco
Imagine this: it’s 8 PM, you’re in your new (cold) house, the removal van has left, and you can’t find the kettle, phone charger, or toilet roll. Panic!
- What Goes Wrong: Vital items are buried deep within random boxes, leading to frustration, unnecessary unpacking, or a desperate dash to an unfamiliar shop.
- How to Avoid It: Prepare a clearly labelled, “First Night/Essentials Box” for each family member. This should contain: kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, milk (UHT), sugar, phone chargers, toiletries, toilet paper, soap, a hand towel, basic cutlery/plates, essential medications, a small tool kit, important documents, and a change of clothes. Keep this box with you in your car.
3. The “Unchecked Utilities” Disaster
Arriving at your new home only to find no electricity, gas, or water is a nightmare. This is especially common when moving into an unoccupied property.
- What Goes Wrong: You’re left without heating, cooking facilities, or even light, potentially for hours or even overnight. Trying to sort this out with utility companies on a Saturday evening is a thankless task.
- How to Avoid It: Contact your new utility providers (electricity, gas, water) at least a week before your move-in date. Ensure accounts are set up and services will be active on your completion day. Take photos of all meter readings at both your old and new properties on moving day itself, sending them to the respective suppliers immediately.
4. The “No Parking Plan” Predicament
Large removal vans need space! Navigating tight UK streets and finding suitable parking can be a major headache.
- What Goes Wrong: The removal team can’t get close to your property, leading to longer carrying distances, increased labour time (and cost), or even parking fines.
- How to Avoid It: Reconnoitre! Visit both properties a week or two before the move. Check for parking restrictions, yellow lines, or resident permit zones. If necessary, contact your local council well in advance to arrange a temporary parking suspension or permit for the removal vehicle. Inform your removal company of any access issues.
5. The “Unsecured Pets & Children” Peril
Moving day is stressful for everyone, but especially for vulnerable family members who don’t understand what’s happening.
- What Goes Wrong: Anxious pets can escape, get underfoot, or hide, causing delays and distress. Young children can get bored, upset, or, worse, become a safety hazard amidst boxes and heavy lifting.
- How to Avoid It: The golden rule: get them out of the house! Arrange for pets to stay with a friend, family member, or a professional pet sitter for the day. Do the same for young children. If not possible, dedicate one quiet, safe, contained room for them, but constant supervision is still key. Don’t forget to update pet microchip details with your new address!
6. The “Ignored Important Documents” Oversight
Passports, birth certificates, house deeds, insurance policies – these are not items to be casually tossed into a random box.
- What Goes Wrong: You could lose irreplaceable documents, face delays accessing essential services, or find yourself in a bind if you need proof of ID or ownership urgently.
- How to Avoid It: Create a dedicated “Important Documents” folder or box. Keep this with you at all times in your car, never in the removal van. Include passports, driving licences, house deeds, insurance policies, bank details, and contact numbers for critical services.
7. The “No Defrosted Freezer” Faux Pas
If you’re taking your fridge and freezer, you can’t just unplug them on moving morning.
How to Avoid It: Start eating down your freezer stock a couple of weeks before the move. Crucially, defrost your freezer at least 24-48 hours before the movers arrive. Place towels inside to absorb any remaining water. Similarly, ensure your washing machine is completely drained and the drum secured according to manufacturer instructions.
What Goes Wrong: Melting ice can soak and damage other items in the removal van, or worse, cause water damage to the appliance itself. You might also have to leave behind perfectly good food.
Stress-Free Relocation Starts Here.
Whether you’re moving your family across town or relocating your entire operation, CTY TRANSPORT SERVICES provides dependable, professional removal solutions tailored to your needs.
We handle all the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling in.
Our Relocation & Removals Expertise Includes:
- Household Removals
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- House Clearance
Our Full Range of Services:
Beyond removals, we offer comprehensive transport solutions:
- Express Courier Service
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Moving soon? Contact CTY TRANSPORT SERVICES today for a free, no-obligation quote!
