Loadshifters

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.

Guide 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.

01

Start with a moving plan

Choose your target moving date and work backwards from it. Make a simple list of the main jobs that need completing, including decluttering, packing, arranging utilities, confirming access and organising your removal service. Breaking the move into weekly tasks makes it much easier to see what still needs doing.
02

Declutter before you pack

Do not spend time packing belongings that you no longer want. Go through each room and separate things into items to move, donate, sell, recycle or dispose of. Start with cupboards, lofts, garages and storage areas because these can take longer than expected.
03

Pack room by room

Pack similar items together and label every box clearly. Write the room and a short description of the contents on the outside. Keep heavier objects in smaller boxes where practical and avoid making boxes too heavy to lift safely.
04

Prepare furniture and appliances

Empty furniture before it is moved. Where furniture needs to be dismantled, keep screws, fittings and small parts together in labelled bags. Appliances should be disconnected and prepared before moving day where appropriate.
05

Create a moving day essentials box

Keep important items separate from the main move. This can include documents, chargers, toiletries, medication, refreshments, basic cleaning supplies, a change of clothes and anything you will need during the first evening in your new home.
06

Check the property before leaving

Before leaving the old property, check cupboards, drawers, loft spaces, sheds and other storage areas. Take meter readings where appropriate, make sure windows and doors are secure and confirm that you have the required keys and documents.
07

Settle into the new property

You do not need to unpack everything immediately. Start with the essentials and then work through one room at a time. Keeping boxes labelled by room makes this process much easier.

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.

01

Work out what you actually need

Start by making a list of the belongings you genuinely use. Clothes, books, kitchen items, electronics, bedding and study equipment are usually easier to manage when grouped together. Avoid transporting items you can easily replace at your destination.
02

Check your accommodation rules

Find out when you can access your room or property and whether there are restrictions on loading areas, lifts, parking or collection times. University accommodation may have specific moving arrangements that need to be followed.
03

Use clear labels

Label boxes with your name and the room or accommodation they belong to. Keep important documents, keys, medication and valuable personal items separate.
04

Plan storage between terms

If you do not need everything during the holidays, consider which belongings can stay in storage rather than travelling home and back again. Make an inventory so you know exactly what has been stored.
05

Plan Oxford and London moves carefully

If you are moving between Oxford and London, plan collection and delivery around your accommodation access times. Make sure both properties are ready before arranging the move and check whether parking or loading restrictions apply.
06

Keep essentials accessible

Pack a small bag with clothes, chargers, toiletries, food, documents and anything else you may need before everything has been unpacked.

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.

01

Choose a suitable moving date

Consider your busiest periods, staff availability, building access and the amount of time needed to get the new office operational. Where possible, choose a period that minimises disruption to normal business activity.
02

Create an office inventory

Record desks, chairs, computers, monitors, printers, equipment, storage units and other items that need to move. This gives everyone a clear picture of what is being moved and helps identify anything that should be removed beforehand.
03

Prepare your team

Tell employees what is happening and give them clear instructions about their desks and personal belongings. Remove unnecessary items and make sure workstations can be safely prepared before moving day.
04

Protect technology and documents

Back up important business data before the move. Disconnect equipment safely and label cables and devices. Confidential paperwork should be handled according to your internal procedures.
05

Plan the new office layout

Decide where desks, storage, equipment and other large items will go before the move. A simple floor plan can help the moving team place items correctly without unnecessary repositioning.
06

Prepare for the first working day

Make sure utilities, internet, access systems and essential equipment are arranged for the new premises. Prioritise the items your team needs to resume normal operations.

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.

01

Decide what needs storing

Separate the belongings you need immediately from those that can stay in storage. Keep important documents, valuables, medication and everyday essentials with you rather than putting them into storage unnecessarily.
02

Declutter before storage

There is little benefit in paying to store things you no longer want. Donate, sell, recycle or dispose of unwanted belongings before arranging collection.
03

Pack and label your boxes

Use suitable boxes and packing materials. Label each box with its contents and consider numbering them so you can create a simple inventory.
04

Protect your furniture

Empty furniture before storage and protect surfaces where appropriate. If furniture is dismantled, keep its fittings together in a clearly labelled bag.
05

Check what can be stored

Do not place illegal, dangerous, prohibited, perishable or otherwise unsuitable items into storage. If you are unsure about something, ask the storage provider before packing it.
06

Make an inventory

Record what has gone into storage. For valuable belongings, keep photographs and relevant documentation separately. This will make it easier to locate and account for items later.
07

Plan the collection or delivery

Think about when you will need your belongings again. If you know which items you will need first, organise your storage accordingly so the eventual delivery is easier.

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.

01

Identify the piano

Tell the removal company what type of piano is being moved and provide any useful information about its size, condition and location. Different instruments can have different handling requirements.
02

Check the access route

Look at doors, hallways, staircases, lifts and other restrictions at both properties. Measure tight areas where necessary and mention steps, narrow entrances or difficult access before the move.
03

Clear the route

Remove unnecessary furniture and obstacles from the path between the piano and the collection vehicle. A clear route helps reduce unnecessary handling during the move.
04

Protect the instrument

The piano should be handled and protected appropriately throughout transportation. Its surfaces, keys and other vulnerable areas should be considered when planning the move.
05

Prepare the destination

Make sure the final location is ready before the piano arrives. Clear the route and confirm where the instrument should be positioned.
06

Do not underestimate access

A piano that appears easy to move from one room to another can become much more complicated when stairs, narrow doors, restricted parking or other obstacles are involved. Provide accurate information before booking.

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.

01

Identify specialist belongings

Make a list of anything that is particularly fragile, valuable, heavy, unusually shaped or difficult to access. This could include antiques, artwork, large furniture, specialist equipment or other belongings requiring additional attention.
02

Describe the item accurately

Provide information about size, weight, condition and location. Photographs can also be useful when explaining difficult items or access arrangements before a quotation is prepared.
03

Check the route

Consider how the item will leave the current property and enter the destination. Stairs, lifts, narrow corridors, restricted parking and other obstacles can affect how the move needs to be planned.
04

Prepare fragile items

Protect vulnerable surfaces and loose components where appropriate. Keep removable parts and fittings together and tell the removal team about anything particularly delicate.
05

Discuss requirements early

Specialist moves should not be treated as an afterthought. Tell the moving company about unusual items before accepting a quotation so the requirements can be properly considered.
06

Prepare the destination

Make sure the final location is ready for the item. Clear access routes and confirm where large or specialist belongings should be positioned.

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.

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