The night-before-the-move checklist we give every customer

This is the checklist we give every customer for the night before their move: what to pack last, which appliances to deal with, and how to set the house up so our crew can start the moment we arrive. A calm moving morning is mostly made the evening before. The jobs below take about an hour all told, and they are the difference between a smooth start and a scramble.

Pack the essentials box you’ll live out of

We suggest packing one clearly labelled box or bag that stays with you rather than going into the main load. It should contain everything you are likely to need on the first evening and the following morning, such as toiletries, medicines, chargers, a change of clothes, basic crockery and the kettle. Keep important documents, keys and valuables with you as well.

Think about everyone in the household when you pack it. Children may need a favourite toy or bedtime item, while pets will need food, bowls and anything that helps them settle. Add tea, coffee, snacks and loo roll, then put the box somewhere separate so our crew knows not to load it by mistake.

Sort out the fridge freezer and washing machine

Empty the fridge and freezer in good time, and avoid leaving defrosting until moving morning. Switch the appliance off, allow any ice to melt, dry the inside thoroughly and leave the doors slightly open overnight. Towels around the base can catch any remaining water, but remove them before the appliance is moved.

The washing machine should be empty, drained and disconnected from the water supply. Secure the hoses so they cannot trail or drip, and fit the transit bolts if you still have them. If you are unsure about disconnecting an appliance safely, arrange for a qualified person to do it rather than trying to work it out late at night.

Meter readings, bins and the small jobs people forget

Before we leave your old home, we suggest photographing the gas, electricity and water meters. Make sure each display is clear, and keep the pictures on your phone with the date and address. Do the same when you arrive at the new property, even if someone else has already taken readings. It gives you a straightforward record of where one account ends and the next begins. Put the bins out if collection day is close, or arrange a final collection so rubbish is not left behind.

This is also the time to return anything you have borrowed, including tools, spare keys and library books. Unplug chargers, lamps and small appliances, then coil and label their cables so they do not become tangled or separated in transit. Give houseplants a light watering, but avoid soaking them, as wet pots are harder to move and may leak. Finally, set aside any curtains, curtain poles, lampshades or light fittings that are staying with the property, so nothing is packed that should remain for the next occupants.

Prepare the house for the crew

Check the parking arrangements and make sure the space agreed for our vehicle will be available. Keep gates, entrances, hallways and stairs clear, and move any cars that might block access. Put all keys together, including those for sheds, garages and side gates, and tell us about tight corners or awkward entrances when we arrive.

On moving morning, children and pets are safest away from the main flow of people and furniture. If possible, arrange for them to stay with family, friends or a trusted carer until the busiest part is over. Before bed, do one final walk through the house so loose items are packed, boxes are closed and nothing important is left blocking a doorway.

The checklist

• Pack a bag with clothes, toiletries and medicines.
• Keep passports, keys and important papers with you.
• Charge your phones and keep the chargers handy.
• Empty, defrost and dry the fridge and freezer.
• Disconnect appliances you are taking with you.
• Photograph the meters at both properties.
• Pack valuables separately and keep them close.
• Label every box with its room and contents.
• Set aside anything that must not go on the van.
• Check cupboards, lofts, sheds and outdoor spaces.
• Get some rest and set an alarm.

Frequently asked questions

Should I dismantle furniture the night before?

Ask us what we are handling first. If you are dismantling anything yourself, finish it before moving morning and keep the fittings clearly labelled.

Can I leave clothes in drawers?

Please check with us, as it depends on the furniture and how heavy it is. Remove valuables, fragile items and anything that could spill.

What should I keep with me rather than put on the van?

Keep keys, documents, medicines, valuables, phones and anything you will need straight away with you. We also suggest a small overnight bag in case unpacking takes longer than expected.

If your move is still a few weeks away, our packing boxes page covers the materials side of getting ready. And if you are still choosing your removals company, you can get a quote from us in a few minutes.