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Preparing Properly Makes All the Difference on Moving Day
A smooth and successful move starts with good preparation. While Shift And Drift will take care of the heavy lifting and logistics on moving day, taking a few simple steps beforehand can make a huge difference.
Our guidance is designed to help you stay organised, minimise disruption, and ensure your move runs safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Getting Everything Ready Before Moving Day
Clearly Identify What’s Moving and What Isn’t
Before moving day, make sure it’s clear which items are being relocated, which will remain in the property, and what is being disposed of. Clear labelling and organization help our team work efficiently and avoid any confusion, ensuring your move runs smoothly.
Have Packing Completed Before Moving Day
If you’re packing your own items, make sure everything is packed and ready before our team arrives. Clearly label each box with the room it belongs to at your new property, and ensure lids on bottles, jars, and containers are securely fastened.
Need extra boxes or packing materials? Just let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure you have everything you need for a smooth move.
Create a Kitchen Essentials Area
Set aside everyday items such as a kettle, mugs, cutlery, plates, and basic cleaning supplies in a dedicated area so they are easy to access during your move. Even if our team is handling your packing, organising these essentials in advance can save time and make your first days in your new home much easier.
Loft Access and Safety
For safety reasons, our team can only access lofts that are fully boarded and equipped with a fixed ladder and adequate lighting. If your loft doesn’t meet these requirements, please remove any items in advance so they can be safely moved on moving day.
Prepare Fridges and Freezers in Advance
Ensure all fridges and freezers are fully defrosted at least 24 hours before moving day. Where possible, use up perishable food items and place any remaining items into clearly labelled, sealed bags. Proper preparation helps protect your appliances and keeps your move running smoothly.
Items We’re Unable to Move
For safety reasons, our team cannot transport hazardous or flammable items. This includes gas bottles, petrol, paint, thinners, fireworks, firearms, or corrosive substances. Fuel must also be fully drained from equipment such as lawnmowers and strimmers before moving day. Proper preparation ensures a safe and smooth relocation for everyone involved.
Keep Keys and Essentials Separate
Before moving day, set aside all house, car, garage, and shed keys to ensure they don’t get packed by mistake. It’s also wise to keep important or high-value items—such as medication, passports, and jewellery—with you throughout the move for safekeeping and peace of mind.
Pack an Overnight Bag
Prepare an overnight bag with essentials such as clothing, toiletries, phone chargers, and any items you’ll need immediate access to on your first night. Keep it somewhere safe so it doesn’t get packed by mistake, ensuring you have everything you need during the first day and night in your new home.
Ensure Appliances Are Disconnected Before Moving Day
Before moving day, please ensure all electrical and plumbed-in appliances are safely disconnected. This includes washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, cookers, and televisions. Our team is not insured to carry out these disconnections, so preparing appliances in advance helps your move run safely and smoothly.
Dismantle Large Items Before Moving Day
To ensure a smooth move, items such as beds, cots, wardrobes, garden furniture, sheds, and shelving should be dismantled before our team arrives—unless otherwise agreed in advance. Curtains, mirrors, and pictures should also be removed beforehand to prevent damage and make the moving process faster and safer.
Children & Pets Recommendation
For everyone’s safety, we recommend making arrangements for young children and pets to be kept out of busy areas during the move. If you’re moving with a cat or dog, securing them in a quiet, safe space before the team arrives can help keep things calm.
Access, Parking and Moving Day Logistics
Parking Arrangements at Collection and Delivery Addresses
Please ensure suitable parking is available for our removal vehicle at both your current property and your new address. Our vehicles require space equivalent to several parked cars. If access is limited, inform us in advance so we can discuss alternative arrangements, which may incur an additional cost. Proper parking ensures a smooth and efficient move on the day.
Delays and Waiting Time
Our team plans to begin unloading as soon as we arrive at your new property. If access isn’t immediately available—for example, if keys have not been released—waiting time will be charged at £50 per hour. Planning ahead helps keep your move on schedule and avoids unnecessary delays.
A Few Final Things to Be Aware Of
Unwanted or Unused Items
Any items you do not wish to take with you should be removed or donated before moving day, as our team is unable to dispose of unwanted belongings. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and efficient move.
Cancellations and Changes to Your Booking
If you need to cancel or reschedule your move after confirming your booking, cancellation charges may apply:
- Five working days’ notice: 60% of the removal charge
- Less than 24 hours’ notice: 90% of the removal charge
We recommend notifying us as early as possible to minimize any fees and help us accommodate other customers efficiently.
Payment Details
Payment for your move must be settled in full at least seven days before your scheduled moving date. We accept bank transfers.
Final Walk-Through
Before our team sets off, please conduct a final walk-through of your property to ensure all items have been packed and removed. Check drawers, cupboards, lofts, sheds, garages, and any outbuildings. Any items left behind may result in additional charges, so a thorough check helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures a smooth move.
Need a Hand Before Moving Day?
If you have any questions or want to confirm any details ahead of your move, our team is here to help. Contact us, and we’ll ensure everything is prepared for a smooth, organized, and stress-free moving day.