Planning & Preparation Moving Tips: A Guide from AJ Stephenson Removals & Storage

1. Start Early and Create a Moving Checklist

The earlier you start preparing for your move, the less stressful it will be.

Begin by creating a detailed moving checklist that outlines everything you need to do, from decluttering your home to booking a removal service. Break your tasks down by weeks or days leading up to the move to ensure you stay organised.

Key tasks to include in your checklist:

• Sort through belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard.
• Schedule your removal service in advance, especially if you’re moving during peak season.
• Notify utility companies, banks, and other service providers of your move.

2. Declutter Before You Pack

One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is taking too much with them.

Use your move as an opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need.

Not only will this reduce the amount of packing you have to do, but it can also save you money on moving costs.

Tips for decluttering:

• Go room by room and assess what items you no longer use or want.
• Donate or sell items in good condition, and recycle or dispose of anything that’s no longer useful.
• Consider the size and layout of your new home. Will all your current furniture and belongings fit?

3. Label Your Boxes Clearly

Once you start packing, labelling your boxes is a must. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make the unpacking process much easier and help the removal team place boxes in the correct rooms.

Best practices for labelling:

• Use bold, clear markers for labels.
• Add “fragile” labels to boxes containing delicate items.
• Consider colour-coding boxes by room for even quicker identification.

4. Pack an Essentials Box

5. Prepare Furniture for the Move



Preparing your furniture is a crucial step in ensuring that it arrives safely at your new home. Dismantling large pieces where possible will make the loading process easier and reduce the risk of damage.

Steps to prepare furniture:

Disassemble large furniture like beds, tables, and wardrobes.

Protect fragile pieces with padding or bubble wrap.

Use moving blankets or stretch wrap to cover large items like sofas and mattresses.

6. Notify Service Providers and Update Your Address

Don’t forget to inform important contacts about your change of address. This includes utility companies, banks, insurance providers, and your local council. Additionally, update your address for subscriptions, online orders, and delivery services.

Who to notify:

• Utility companies (gas, electric, water)
• Internet and phone service providers
• Financial institutions (banks, credit cards)
• Medical providers (GP, dentist)
• Subscriptions (magazines, streaming services)

7. Book Your Removal Service Early

Booking your removal service well in advance is crucial, especially during busy moving periods like summer or the end of the month. At AJ Stephenson Removals & Storage, we offer reliable and professional removal services, helping you with everything from packing to transportation and storage. 

We recommend scheduling a pre-move survey with us to discuss the specific details of your move and ensure that we provide the best possible service for your needs.

8. Consider Storage Solutions

If your move involves a temporary transition period or you have items that won’t fit in your new space, consider using a storage service.

AJ Stephenson Removals & Storage offers secure and flexible storage solutions, perfect for keeping your belongings safe until you’re ready to move them into your new home.

9. Get Insurance for Your Move

Even with the best preparation, accidents can happen during a move. To give yourself peace of mind, make sure your belongings are adequately insured. At AJ Stephenson Removals & Storage, we offer a comprehensive removals insurance policy to protect your items while they’re in transit or storage.

10. Stay Calm and Positive on Moving Day

Moving day can be stressful, but staying calm and positive will help the process run more smoothly. Make sure you’ve followed your checklist, packed your essentials box, and let the professionals take care of the heavy lifting.

At AJ Stephenson Removals & Storage, our experienced team is here to handle every aspect of your move, allowing you to relax and look forward to settling into your new home.

Ready to Move? We’re Here to Help!

At AJ Stephenson Removals & Storage, we’re committed to providing a seamless moving experience, whether you’re relocating your home or business. From full packing services to secure storage solutions, we have everything you need to ensure your move is smooth and stress-free.

For more information or to book your removal service, click here or get in touch with our friendly team today!

By following these planning and preparation tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful move. The most simplest way to move is by choosing us here at AJ Stephenson Removals & Storage along with our packing service! You can then concentrate of settling in.