What do we protect in your home?
Before we are shown around your home on removal day we will place carpet covers on all flooring to protect these. We will wrap your mattresses to protect these and will also protect your settees also. We provide wardrobe cartons on the day of removal for your hanging clothes and we will take care of […]10 moving day mistakes to avoid
10 Moving Day Mistakes to Avoid Moving day can be hectic, and small mistakes can cause unnecessary stress. Avoiding these common moving mistakes will help your move go smoothly. 1. Leaving Packing Until the Last Minute Packing always takes longer than expected. Start early to avoid stress. 2. Not Labelling Boxes Clearly labelled boxes make […]
What do we protect in your home?
Before we are shown around your home on removal day we will place carpet covers on all flooring to protect these. We will wrap your mattresses to protect these and will also protect your settees also. We provide wardrobe cartons on the day of removal for your hanging clothes and we will take care of […]
10 moving day mistakes to avoid
10 Moving Day Mistakes to Avoid Moving day can be hectic, and small mistakes can cause unnecessary stress. Avoiding these common moving mistakes will help your move go smoothly. 1. Leaving Packing Until the Last Minute Packing always takes longer than expected. Start early to avoid stress. 2. Not Labelling Boxes Clearly labelled boxes make […]
Moving house can feel hectic, but a little preparation before your removal team arrives can make the entire day faster, safer, and far less stressful.
Whether you are moving locally within Leicester or relocating further afield, preparing your home properly helps your removal company work efficiently while also protecting your belongings and property.
At Mannix Brothers Removals, we help customers move every day across Leicester and the Midlands, and we know that good preparation can make a huge difference to how smoothly moving day runs.
Here are some of the most important things you should do before the removal team arrives.
Finish Packing Before Moving Day
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to complete the majority of your packing before the movers arrive.
This includes:
- Sealing boxes properly
- Labelling boxes clearly
- Separating fragile items
- Keeping important belongings accessible
Last-minute packing can slow the process down significantly and increase the risk of items being misplaced or damaged.
If you are using a professional packing service, your removals company will usually advise you on what needs to remain unpacked.
Label Every Box Clearly
Clear labelling saves time during loading and unloading.
Each box should ideally include:
- The room it belongs in
- A brief description of contents
- Fragile warnings if required
For example:
- “Kitchen – Glasses”
- “Bedroom 2 – Clothes”
- “Office – Computer Equipment”
Good organisation helps the removal team place boxes directly into the correct rooms at your new property.
Declutter Before the Move
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need.
Before moving day:
- Donate unwanted items
- Recycle old paperwork
- Dispose of broken furniture
- Sell unused belongings
Decluttering can:
- Reduce moving costs
- Speed up packing
- Make unpacking easier
- Free up space in your new home
Many customers are surprised by how much unnecessary clutter they accumulate over the years.
Disconnect Appliances in Advance
Large appliances often need preparing before they can be moved safely.
This may include:
- Defrosting freezers
- Disconnecting washing machines
- Emptying tumble dryers
- Turning off water supplies
It is important to allow enough time for appliances to dry properly to avoid leaks during transport.
If you are unsure, always ask your removal company what they expect you to prepare beforehand.
Protect Important Documents and Valuables
Certain items should remain with you rather than being loaded into the removal van.
Keep items such as:
- Passports
- Legal documents
- Jewellery
- Cash
- Medication
- Laptops
- Keys
in a separate essentials bag that stays easily accessible throughout the move.
Clear Pathways and Access Areas
Removal teams need safe and clear access to work efficiently.
Before arrival:
- Remove trip hazards
- Clear hallways
- Move cars if necessary
- Ensure pathways are accessible
- Reserve parking if possible
This helps prevent delays and reduces the risk of accidents or damage during loading.
Take Down Wall Decorations and Curtains
Before moving day, it is helpful to remove:
- Mirrors
- Artwork
- Shelves
- Clocks
- Curtain poles if required
These items are often fragile and easier to pack safely ahead of time.
Small fittings and screws should be placed into labelled bags to avoid losing them.
Prepare Children and Pets
Moving day can be stressful and noisy, especially for young children and pets.
If possible:
- Arrange childcare
- Keep pets in a quiet room
- Ask family or friends to help
- Keep routines as normal as possible
This helps keep everyone safe while allowing the removal team to work efficiently.
Keep Refreshments and Essentials Handy
Moving day can be long and tiring.
It helps to keep a small essentials box available with:
- Tea and coffee
- Snacks
- Chargers
- Toilet roll
- Cleaning supplies
- Basic toiletries
Many people also prepare a “first night box” containing everything they need immediately after arriving at their new home.
Communicate With Your Removal Team
If there are any important details about the property, let your movers know in advance.
This might include:
- Difficult parking
- Narrow staircases
- Restricted access
- Fragile items
- Specialist furniture
- Time restrictions
Good communication helps avoid surprises and allows the move to run more smoothly.
At Mannix Brothers Removals, we always encourage customers to discuss any concerns before moving day so we can prepare properly.
Leave the Property Clean and Ready
Once everything has been loaded, it is good practice to:
- Check cupboards and drawers
- Empty bins
- Take final meter readings
- Lock windows
- Ensure nothing has been left behind
A final walkthrough can help avoid forgotten items and gives peace of mind before leaving the property.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home before the removal team arrives can make moving day significantly easier, quicker, and less stressful.
By packing early, staying organised, clearing access routes, and keeping important items separate, you can help ensure your move runs as smoothly as possible.
At Mannix Brothers Removals, we provide professional removals, packing services, storage, and specialist moves throughout Leicester and the Midlands, helping customers move safely and efficiently every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should everything be packed before the movers arrive?
Yes, unless you have booked a professional packing service. Most belongings should be packed and ready before moving day.
What should I keep with me during the move?
Keep valuables, important documents, medication, chargers, and overnight essentials separate from the main move.
Do I need to disconnect appliances myself?
Usually yes. Washing machines, dishwashers, and fridge freezers often need preparing before removal day.
How can I make moving day easier?
Good preparation, clear labelling, decluttering, and communication with your removal company all help make moving day smoother.
Do removal companies provide packing services?
Yes. Many professional removal companies offer full and partial packing services using specialist packing materials.