Moving house is a major life event, and if you’re not properly prepared, it can quickly become stressful and expensive. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating across the country or simply across Preston, it’s vital that you’re prepared for your move. At Flexi Removals, we’ve supported thousands of homeowners through successful moves across the North West. We’ve learnt a thing or two along the way.. This guide breaks the process down into simple, manageable steps so you can stay in control from start to finish.
Step 1: Start Planning Early
One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving everything too late. Ideally, you should begin planning at least 6–8 weeks before your moving date.
Here’s what to do early on:
- Create a “moving folder” to track quotes, to-do lists, and key dates.
- Book your removal company as soon as your moving date is likely.
- Declutter your home room-by-room and decide what to keep, sell or donate.
- Notify your landlord (if renting), schools, and important contacts of the move.
Need help early in the process? Contact us for a no-obligation quote or advice—we’re always happy to assist.
Step 2: Choose a Reliable Removal Company
Hiring a trusted, professional removal company reduces your workload and protects your belongings during the move. When researching options:
- Look for companies with great reviews and experience in your area.
- Check for services like packing, storage, and furniture dismantling.
- Confirm insurance and what happens in case of delays or damage.
Flexi Removals offers:
- Removals across Preston, Blackburn, and Burnley
- Full and partial packing services
- Furniture dismantling/reassembly
- Secure storage solutions
- Honest, upfront pricing
Book early to secure your preferred moving date—get your quote today.
Step 3: Order Packing Materials
If you’re packing yourself, don’t leave it to the last minute. You’ll need:
- Sturdy moving boxes
- Tape
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Markers for labelling
We supply everything you need. Take a look at our packaging page.
Step 4: Begin Packing Strategically
Start packing non-essentials about 4 weeks before the move. That includes books, seasonal clothing, decor, and rarely used kitchenware. Closer to your move, pack:
- Bedroom and bathroom items
- Kitchen essentials
- Electronics
- Tools and cleaning products
Tips for easier packing:
- Label every box by room and contents.
- Mark fragile items clearly.
- Keep an “essentials box” for moving day (kettle, snacks, chargers, etc.).
Short on time? Consider our professional packing service—we pack efficiently, safely, and quickly.
Step 5: Arrange Key Services and Address Changes
Before moving day, make sure you’ve:
- Updated your address with your bank, insurance, GP, DVLA, and subscriptions.
- Set up or transferred your broadband, electricity, and water.
- Booked time off work if needed.
- Informed neighbours and arranged child or pet care if helpful.
This step prevents unnecessary disruption after you move.
Step 6: Final Week Checklist
With one week to go, things get real. Here’s what to do:
- Confirm all arrangements with your solicitor and estate agent.
- Double-check your booking with your removal company.
- Defrost your freezer and empty the fridge the day before.
- Pack overnight bags for the first night (clothes, toiletries, meds).
- Do a final deep clean or arrange a cleaning service.
If needed, our team can also help with short-term storage if your new home isn’t ready.
Step 7: Moving Day
On moving day, you should aim to:
- Be up early and ready before the movers arrive.
- Keep important documents, keys, and your essentials box with you.
- Take meter readings (photo is best).
- Check each room once cleared before leaving your old property.
- Communicate clearly with your removal team—they’re here to help.
At Flexi Removals, our trained staff will handle the loading, unloading, and logistics—so you can focus on the transition.
Step 8: Settling In
Once the move is complete:
- Check for any damage or missing items and inform your removal company immediately if anything is wrong.
- Begin unpacking the essentials first: kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms.
- Update the electoral roll and register with your new GP or dentist.
- Take a moment to enjoy your new home—you’ve earned it!
Bonus Tip: Have a Backup Plan
Sometimes, property chains fall through or moving dates get changed at the last minute. Having a flexible removal company and a backup plan (like access to storage or delayed packing help) can make a stressful situation more manageable.
We offer flexible scheduling and affordable storage for exactly this reason.
Moving Soon? Let’s Make It Easy.
Whether you’re moving just down the road or across the country, planning is key. The sooner you start, the smoother your move will be.
Flexi Removals is here to:
- Help you plan from the very start
- Offer expert packing and storage services
- Provide everything you need to move confidently
Need help getting started with your move? Speak to the team at Flexi Removals today—we’ll guide you every step of the way.
