Moving Resources
Moving guides that help you prepare properly.
Moving can involve much more than loading a van. These guides explain what to organise, what to prepare and what to think about before, during and after your move.
Home Moving Guide
Read practical advice and preparation steps for this type of move.
Read guideStudent Moving Guide
Read practical advice and preparation steps for this type of move.
Read guideOffice Moving Guide
Read practical advice and preparation steps for this type of move.
Read guideStorage Guide
Read practical advice and preparation steps for this type of move.
Read guidePiano Moving Guide
Read practical advice and preparation steps for this type of move.
Read guideSpecialist Moving Guide
Read practical advice and preparation steps for this type of move.
Read guideGuide 01
Home Moving Guide
A home move becomes much easier when you break it into smaller jobs. Start early, remove things you no longer need and work through your belongings room by room rather than trying to do everything at once.
Start with a moving plan
Declutter before you pack
Pack room by room
Prepare furniture and appliances
Create a moving day essentials box
Check the property before leaving
Settle into the new property
Pack an essentials box
Keep the things you need immediately accessible instead of putting them deep inside the removal van.
Label every box
Include the destination room and a brief description so you can find important belongings without opening every box.
Measure difficult access
Check narrow doors, staircases, lifts and other access points before moving large furniture.
Keep valuables with you
Important documents, jewellery, cash and other valuables are best kept under your personal control.
Need help with your home move?
Find out more about our home removal service or tell us about your move.
Home Removals →Guide 02
Student Moving Guide
Student moves are often smaller than household moves, but they can involve tight deadlines, university accommodation rules, limited storage and moves between different cities.
Work out what you actually need
Check your accommodation rules
Use clear labels
Plan storage between terms
Plan Oxford and London moves carefully
Keep essentials accessible
Do not overpack
Moving is a good opportunity to remove clothes, books and belongings you no longer use.
Check your move in date
Make sure your removal time matches the time you can actually access your accommodation.
Keep your documents with you
University documents, identification and important paperwork should remain accessible.
Think about the next move
If you expect to move again at the end of term, label and organise your belongings with that future move in mind.
Planning a student move?
Learn more about the student moving service available from Loadshifters.
Student Moves →Guide 03
Office Moving Guide
An office relocation needs more planning than simply moving desks. Your team, equipment, documents, technology and customers all need to be considered.
Choose a suitable moving date
Create an office inventory
Prepare your team
Protect technology and documents
Plan the new office layout
Prepare for the first working day
Nominate a move coordinator
One person should coordinate information, staff questions, access and communication with the removal team.
Label workstations
Use consistent labels so desks, equipment and boxes can be matched to their destination.
Protect confidential information
Plan how confidential paperwork and sensitive equipment will be handled throughout the relocation.
Check building access
Confirm loading areas, lifts, parking and permitted moving times with both properties.
Planning an office relocation?
See how our office moving service can support your relocation.
Office Moves →Guide 04
Storage Guide
Storage can help when your moving dates do not line up, you are renovating, downsizing, between properties or simply need somewhere secure for belongings temporarily.
Decide what needs storing
Declutter before storage
Pack and label your boxes
Protect your furniture
Check what can be stored
Make an inventory
Plan the collection or delivery
Label everything
Clear labels save time when you need to find a particular box later.
Create an inventory
A simple numbered list gives you a record of what has been stored.
Keep valuables separate
Important documents, jewellery and other valuables should remain under your personal control.
Plan for access
Think about whether you will need regular access during the storage period before everything is collected.
Need storage during your move?
Find out more about storage options from Loadshifters.
Storage Service →Guide 05
Piano Moving Guide
A piano is heavy, valuable and difficult to handle in restricted spaces. Before arranging a piano move, consider the instrument itself, the access route and the conditions at both properties.
Identify the piano
Check the access route
Clear the route
Protect the instrument
Prepare the destination
Do not underestimate access
Measure first
Check doorways, staircases and other restricted access points before moving day.
Clear the route
Remove obstacles from the planned route before the moving team arrives.
Tell the mover everything
Mention stairs, lifts, narrow entrances and unusual access conditions when requesting a quote.
Avoid moving it yourself
A piano can be extremely heavy and difficult to control. Appropriate planning and equipment are important.
Planning a piano move?
Tell us about the piano and the access requirements for your move.
Piano Moves →Guide 06
Specialist Moving Guide
Some belongings need more planning than a standard household move. Fragile, valuable, unusually large, heavy or difficult items should be identified before the move so the right arrangements can be considered.
Identify specialist belongings
Describe the item accurately
Check the route
Prepare fragile items
Discuss requirements early
Prepare the destination
Take photographs
Photos can help explain the size, position and access requirements of difficult items.
Mention existing damage
Tell the removal team about existing marks, defects or fragile areas before the move.
Think about access
The item may fit in the room but still be difficult to get through the entrance or staircase.
Plan early
More unusual items may require additional preparation, equipment or handling arrangements.
Have something specialist to move?
Tell us what you need to move and we can discuss the requirements.
Specialist Moves →Still planning your move?
If you know what you need but are unsure about the best arrangement, tell us about your move and request a free quote.
