Moving Advice
& Expert Tips
Free guidance from the MCK Moves team to help make your move as smooth as possible.
Planning Your Move
A well-planned move is a stress-free move. Start organising at least 6-8 weeks before your moving date. Create a timeline with key milestones — booking your removals company, notifying utilities, redirecting post, and packing room by room. Keep a dedicated notebook or phone note for your moving checklist so nothing slips through the gaps.
Book your removal company as early as possible — popular dates fill up fast, especially weekends and end of month.
Create a room-by-room inventory of everything you own. This helps with quotes, packing, and insurance.
Set up a dedicated folder for important documents: contracts, utility readings, school transfer letters, and vet records.
Notify your landlord, mortgage provider, and council tax office of your moving date well in advance.
Decluttering Before You Move
Moving is the perfect excuse to lighten the load. The less you take, the quicker and cheaper your move will be. Go through each room systematically and sort items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and bin. Be honest with yourself — if you haven't used it in a year, you probably won't miss it.
Start with the rooms you use least — loft, spare room, garage. These are usually full of forgotten items.
Use the 12-month rule: if you haven't used or worn it in the last year, it goes.
List valuable items on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree at least 3-4 weeks before your move to allow time for sales.
Donate good-condition clothing and household items to local charity shops — many will collect for free.
Packing Like a Pro
Good packing protects your belongings and saves time on unpacking day. Start early, work room by room, and label everything clearly. Use proper packing materials — it's worth the small investment to avoid breakages.
Pack heavy items (books, tins) in small boxes and light items (bedding, clothes) in large boxes.
Wrap fragile items individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Fill empty spaces in boxes with scrunched paper.
Label every box on the top AND side with the room name and a brief description of contents.
Pack an essentials box for your first night: kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, toilet roll, phone chargers, basic toiletries, and a change of clothes.
Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes — or leave them on hangers and cover with bin bags tied at the hanger hook.
Take photos of the back of your TV and electronics before unplugging. It makes reconnecting much easier.
Moving Day Survival Guide
The big day is here. With good preparation, moving day should feel organised rather than chaotic. Know what to expect, keep the essentials close, and let the professionals do the heavy lifting.
Be ready before the team arrives. Finish packing the night before and do a final walkthrough of every room.
Keep children and pets safe — arrange for them to stay with family or friends, or designate one room as a safe zone.
Do a final check of all cupboards, the loft, garden shed, and garage before leaving.
Take meter readings at both properties and photograph them as evidence.
Leave keys, remotes, and any instructions for the new occupants in an obvious place.
Keep valuables, important documents, and medications with you — don't put them on the van.
Settling Into Your New Home
Congratulations — you've moved! The hard part is over, but a bit of organisation now will help you feel at home faster. Resist the urge to unpack everything at once. Start with the rooms that matter most and take it one box at a time.
Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first — these are the two rooms you'll need most on day one.
Set up internet as a priority. Most providers need 2 weeks' notice, so order it well before you move.
Locate the fuse box, water stopcock, and gas meter so you know where they are in an emergency.
Introduce yourself to the neighbours. A quick hello goes a long way in a new community.
Update your address everywhere: bank, GP, dentist, DVLA, employer, Amazon, subscriptions, and loyalty cards.
Don't rush to decorate. Live in the space for a few weeks first to see how the light falls and how you use each room.
Common Questions
How far in advance should I start planning my move?
Ideally, start planning at least 6-8 weeks before your moving date. This gives you time to declutter, book a removal company, arrange utilities, and pack without rushing.
Is it worth hiring professional movers?
For most moves, yes. Professional movers have the experience, equipment, and insurance to handle your belongings safely and efficiently. It's almost always faster and less stressful than doing it yourself.
How do I protect fragile items during the move?
Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Use plenty of padding inside boxes and mark them clearly as 'Fragile'. For very valuable items, consider transporting them in your own vehicle.
What should go in my essentials box?
Kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, toilet roll, phone chargers, basic toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and any medications you need. Keep it accessible — don't load it onto the van first.
How can I update my address with all services?
Start with the essentials: bank, GP, DVLA, and employer. Then work through subscriptions, online shopping accounts, and loyalty cards. Set up Royal Mail redirection as a safety net for anything you miss.