Moving day itself goes smoothly or badly based almost entirely on what you do before it. Here’s what’s worth sorting in advance.
There’s a version of moving day where everything is ready, the van gets loaded quickly, and you’re in your new home by mid-afternoon. There’s another version where things are still in drawers, the washing machine is still plumbed in, and the mirror nobody mentioned doesn’t fit through the door. The difference between the two usually comes down to the week before.
Tell us everything when you book
When you describe the job to us, mention everything – including the things that seem insignificant. The awkward corner sofa. The wardrobe that has to come apart to leave the room. The chest freezer in the garage. Small details that seem obvious to you are things we need to know about in advance so we can plan the load properly and bring the right equipment.
Sort access at both ends
Does the property have allocated parking? Is there a lift in the building? Are parking permits required on the street? Let us know when you book, and if possible make arrangements in advance. If you’re in a residents-only parking area, contact whoever manages it at least a week before to arrange a space for the van. The closer we can park to the entrance, the faster and cheaper the job will be.
Notify your neighbours if needed
If you’re on a narrow street or in a shared building, it’s worth giving neighbours a heads up about your moving date – especially if the van will need to block access temporarily. In some cases it may be worth contacting the local council to arrange a temporary parking suspension to keep the space clear. Seven days’ notice is usually the minimum required.
Disassemble furniture before we arrive
Unless you’ve arranged for us to dismantle furniture as part of the job, it helps to have large items broken down in advance – bed frames especially. It speeds up loading considerably and reduces the risk of damage to door frames and stairwells. If you’re not sure what needs taking apart, give us a call and we’ll advise.
Sort the washing machine the night before
Unplumbing a washing machine on the morning of moving day is one of those jobs that always takes longer than expected. Do it the evening before. Drain the waste pipe carefully – it will smell, fair warning – and secure it into the drum along with any removable pipes. Empty the drum while you’re at it.
Empty the fridge
We mention this because it gets forgotten more often than you’d think. A fridge full of food is heavier, harder to move, and significantly messier if anything shifts in transit. Clear it out, defrost it if needed, and leave it propped open the night before.
Have cash ready if you're paying by cash
If you’ve agreed to pay in cash, sort it before moving day rather than on the morning. A last-minute trip to a cash machine while the van’s being loaded is an unnecessary stress.
Planning a move in Leeds or across Yorkshire? Get in touch with the Yorkshire Van Man team – we’ll take the hassle out of it.