Long Distance Moving: Planning Your UK Move

Moving over 100 miles in the UK – like from London to Manchester – requires careful preparation. Without a plan, you risk delays, damaged belongings, or higher costs. Here’s what you need to know:

• Costs: Expect to spend £800–£2,500 depending on distance, volume, and services.
• Timeline: Start 4–6 weeks ahead. Book services early, declutter, and pack systematically.
• Packing Tips: Protect fragile items with bubble wrap, label all boxes, and prepare an essentials box for the first 48 hours.
• Professional Help: Removal companies can manage logistics, packing, and insurance for a smoother experience.
• Settling In: Update your address, set up utilities, and unpack room by room.

Proper planning ensures your move is smooth and stress-free. Keep reading for detailed tips on packing, choosing a removal company, and settling into your new home.

Should You Use a Removal Company? | Home Moving Tips

Building Your Moving Plan

Planning a long-distance move? The key to success lies in starting early and staying organised. Without a clear timeline, you risk delays, added costs, and unnecessary stress.

Handling tasks like booking services, managing utilities, and packing requires careful coordination. You’ll need to notify your removal company well in advance, give utility providers enough time to disconnect and reconnect services, and allow yourself plenty of time to sort and pack your belongings. Rushing through these steps can lead to chaos – and higher expenses.

Here’s a timeline to help you tackle each critical step with ease.

4–6 Weeks Before Your Move: Get Started

The ideal time to begin preparing for your move is six weeks beforehand. This gives you a buffer to deal with any surprises and ensures you can lock in the best rates and availability for services.

• Weeks 5–6: Focus on booking your removal company. Get at least three quotes to compare options, and arrange for utility disconnections and reconnections.
• Week 4: Start decluttering. This is especially important for long-distance moves, as transport costs are often based on the volume of items. Go through each room and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or toss. By reducing the number of items you’re taking, you’ll save money and effort.

2–3 Weeks Before: Fine-Tune the Details

At the two-week mark, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of your preparations.

• Confirm all arrangements with your removal company and utility providers.
• Begin using up frozen and perishable foods to minimise waste.
• Start packing non-essential items, such as seasonal clothing, books, and decorations. If you’re doing the packing yourself, make sure to order all necessary supplies.

1 Week Before: Final Preparations

In the final week before your move, focus on wrapping up the last details.

• Pack everything except your daily essentials.
• Create a detailed inventory of valuable items for insurance purposes.
• Confirm arrival times with the removal team and ensure someone will be available at both your current and new property on moving day.

Stay Organised with Checklists and Apps

Once your timeline is in place, tools like checklists and apps can help you stay on track.

• Use separate checklists for tasks like booking removals, managing utilities, and packing.
• Digital calendars or spreadsheets with alerts can ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
• Pack systematically, tackling one room at a time and labelling each box with its contents and destination.
• Photograph valuable items for insurance purposes and to make unpacking easier.

Finally, prepare a "moving day folder" containing all essential documents – removal company contracts, utility account details, insurance papers, and your inventory. Keep this folder with you during the move to avoid losing track of important information. By sticking to your plan and staying organised, you’ll make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

How to Pack for Long-Distance Moves

Preparing for a long-distance move takes careful planning to ensure your belongings survive the journey intact. Hours or even days on the road mean your items will face bumps, vibrations, and handling that could cause damage if they’re not packed properly. The trick is to pack thoughtfully, protect your valuables, and make sure everything arrives just as it left. A great starting point? Declutter your belongings to simplify the packing process.

Sort and Declutter Your Belongings

Before diving into packing, take a good look at what you actually need. Long-distance moves often charge by weight or volume, so every unnecessary item adds to your costs. By decluttering, you can save both space and money.

Go room by room and sort your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and dispose. Be honest with yourself – if you haven’t used something in the past year, chances are you won’t miss it. For items in good condition, consider selling them online or donating to local charity shops. Many UK charities even collect larger items like furniture, making it easier to lighten your load while helping others.

Pay particular attention to heavy items like books, which can quickly add to your moving costs. Keep only your favourites and donate the rest to local libraries or charity shops. The same goes for old electronics, unused exercise equipment, and kitchen gadgets that rarely see the light of day. Once you’ve cut down your belongings, you can shift focus to packing your fragile and essential items.

Pack Fragile Items and Create an Essentials Box

Fragile items need extra care when travelling long distances. Avoid using newspaper directly on delicate surfaces, as the ink can stain. Instead, wrap glassware and ceramics individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes, fill gaps with cushioning material, and clearly label each box with ‘FRAGILE’ and arrows indicating the correct orientation.

Electronics are particularly sensitive to movement and temperature changes. If you still have their original packaging, use it. Otherwise, wrap them in anti-static bubble wrap and pack them in snug boxes with ample cushioning to absorb shocks.

Next, prepare an essentials box for the first 24-48 hours in your new home. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications, phone chargers, and basic tools. Don’t forget cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and a few snacks. Keep this box with you during the move rather than loading it onto the removal van – you’ll want these necessities close at hand when you arrive.

For added comfort, pack a first-night kit with bedding, towels, and essential kitchen items like a kettle, mugs, and tea bags. After a long day of moving, you’ll be grateful for these small conveniences without having to sift through countless boxes.

When to Use Professional Packing Services

While packing on your own can save money, professional packing services can be a game-changer for long-distance moves. Experienced packers know how to protect your belongings for extended transport and can often complete the job far quicker than you’d manage on your own.

Professionals bring the right materials and expertise to handle delicate or valuable items safely. They understand how to distribute weight efficiently, choose the best packing materials for each item, and make the most of space while ensuring everything is well-protected. This is particularly useful for fragile collections, artwork, antiques, or high-value electronics.

Another advantage? Professional packers can often finish in a single day, saving you time and reducing stress. If you’re balancing work, family, and the demands of relocating, letting experts handle the packing can free you up to focus on other priorities.

Companies like Braithwaite’s Removals Ltd offer comprehensive packing services, including all materials, careful wrapping and boxing, and detailed inventories for insurance purposes. Their team specialises in long-distance moves, using methods designed to minimise the risk of damage during transport.

One more thing to consider: insurance benefits. Many removal companies provide enhanced insurance coverage if they handle the packing, as they can ensure everything is packed to industry standards. This added protection can bring peace of mind, particularly for long journeys.

Professional packing services are worth considering if you have valuable items, limited time, or physical challenges that make packing difficult. The investment often pays off through reduced stress, better protection for your belongings, and time saved in the process.

How to Choose a Long-Distance Removal Company

When planning a long-distance move, finding a reliable removal company is crucial. With your belongings travelling hundreds of miles across the UK, you need a service that prioritises dependability, expertise, and proper care. The wrong choice could lead to damaged items, unexpected expenses, or frustrating delays. Just as careful planning reduces the stress of moving, selecting the right removal company helps ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience.

What to Look for in a Removal Company

Start by checking if the company provides comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance. This should cover the full replacement value of your belongings, but make sure to review any exclusions in the policy.

Licensing and certifications are equally important. Look for companies affiliated with reputable trade associations, as membership often indicates adherence to industry standards. These organisations may also offer formal dispute resolution processes, providing added peace of mind.

Experience matters, especially for long-distance moves. Local movers may lack the expertise required for cross-country relocations. Choose a company familiar with route planning, overnight storage, and the logistical challenges of coordinating moves across different regions of the UK.

Customer reviews can offer valuable insights. Focus on feedback about long-distance moves, noting comments on punctuality, communication, and how the company handled any issues. Reviews from customers with similar moving needs can be particularly helpful. Once you’ve shortlisted a company, request a detailed written quote based on a survey of your belongings.

Now, let’s explore how Braithwaite’s Removals Ltd meets these standards with its tailored services.

Services Offered by Braithwaite’s Removals Ltd

Braithwaite’s Removals Ltd, a family-run business based in Preston, Lancashire, specialises in long-distance moves across the UK. They understand that every move comes with its own set of challenges and offer personalised solutions to meet those needs.

Their service includes full packing and unpacking using high-quality materials designed for long-distance transport. From wrapping delicate items to dismantling and reassembling furniture, their team ensures your belongings are handled with care and professionalism throughout the move.

For situations where moving dates don’t align perfectly, Braithwaite’s offers secure storage facilities equipped with 24-hour CCTV monitoring. Their flexible storage plans can accommodate both short-term and extended needs, making them a practical option for bridging gaps between moving out and moving in.

Braithwaite’s expertise in route planning and logistics ensures timely and safe delivery, even for complex relocations. Their team’s experience with long-distance moves helps prevent delays and ensures a seamless process.

What sets them apart is their customised approach. Instead of offering generic solutions, Braithwaite’s works closely with clients to create moving plans tailored to specific timelines, budgets, and requirements. This personalised attention is especially valuable for long-distance relocations.

Service Options and Pricing Comparison

Understanding the available service options can help you choose the right level of support for your move. Here’s a breakdown of what Braithwaite’s offers:

The house removals service provides the essentials for long-distance moves, giving you professional support for transportation and handling while allowing you to manage packing independently.

For a stress-free experience, the full service package covers everything – from packing your belongings to unpacking them at your destination. While it requires a higher budget, this option saves time and effort, making it a worthwhile investment for many.

Standalone packing services are perfect for those who want expert protection for fragile or valuable items but prefer to handle other aspects of the move themselves.

Storage solutions are ideal when your move involves temporary gaps between leaving one home and settling into another. With secure facilities and flexible collection and delivery options, your belongings remain safe until you’re ready for them.

Pricing depends on factors like the distance, the volume of items, and the services you select. Braithwaite’s Removals Ltd ensures transparency by providing detailed quotes after assessing your specific needs, helping you plan and budget effectively for your long-distance move.

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Managing Your Moving Day

Making moving day easier for your children can help the entire process run more smoothly. Here are some practical tips to ensure their safety and keep them entertained during the transition.

Keep Children Safe During the Move

Pack an essentials box filled with everything your kids might need to stay comfortable. Include snacks, drinks, their favourite toys, preloaded tablets or devices, books, and a small first aid kit. Don’t forget an "arrival bag" with clean clothes and toiletries to make settling in on the first night easier.

Consider arranging childcare for the day. If possible, have your children stay with trusted family members, friends, or a babysitter during the move. This can reduce stress for everyone involved. If your children will be present, set up a designated safe room in both the old and new homes. Stock it with familiar items to create a calming space for them.

Keep them entertained. Simple activities like colouring books, puzzles, or games can work wonders. Alternatively, let them watch their favourite programmes on a tablet or phone to keep them happily distracted.

Getting Settled in Your New Location

Once your belongings arrive, taking a step-by-step approach to settling in can help reduce stress and make your new place feel like home much faster.

Update Your Address and Set Up Utilities

Start by updating your address with your bank and financial institutions online. Most major UK banks offer this service through their platforms, and updates are usually processed within 24 to 48 hours.

Notify HMRC of your new address within three months to avoid any tax-related issues. You can do this online using your Government Gateway account or by calling 0300 200 3300.

Set up Royal Mail‘s Redirection service to ensure you don’t miss important post during the transition. Prices start at £33.99 for one month and go up to £169.99 for a full year.

Register for council tax with your local council within 21 days. Most councils allow online registration, which typically requires proof of residence, such as a tenancy agreement or mortgage document.

Transfer your utility accounts at least two weeks before your move. Contact your current providers to arrange final meter readings and account closures, then set up new accounts with suppliers in your area.

Once these tasks are complete, you can shift your focus to settling into your new community.

Get to Know Your New Area

Register with a local GP practice as soon as possible, ideally within your first week. Some practices may have waiting lists, so it’s better to act quickly. You’ll need proof of address and your NHS number to register.

If you have children, research local schools promptly. Use local authority websites to check catchment areas and Ofsted ratings, and arrange visits to schools to discuss enrolment requirements.

Familiarise yourself with essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, post offices, and petrol stations. Taking a short walk or drive around your neighbourhood can help you locate these amenities.

Join local community groups to connect with your new surroundings. Facebook neighbourhood groups and parish councils are great resources for finding local events, recommendations, and community news.

With your area explored and key services sorted, it’s time to focus on settling into your home.

Unpack and Organise Room by Room

Start with the kitchen to quickly get back to your daily routines. Unpack essential items like cooking equipment, plates, cutlery, a kettle, and a toaster before moving on to less urgent items.

Next, set up the bedrooms to ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sleep. Prioritise making the beds and unpacking a week’s worth of clothing. For children, include familiar toys and comfort items to help them adjust.

Create a functional living area with seating, lighting, and entertainment equipment. Focus on making the space usable rather than perfect, giving your family a place to relax during the unpacking process.

Leave decorative items for later. Once the essential rooms are fully functional, you can start adding artwork, ornaments, and other non-essential touches.

Stick to a daily unpacking routine of 2-3 hours, focusing on one area at a time. This approach helps prevent burnout while allowing you to maintain a sense of normalcy as you gradually settle in over the coming weeks.

Key Points for Planning Your UK Long-Distance Move

Here’s a handy guide to ensure your UK long-distance move goes smoothly and stays stress-free:

Start planning 4–6 weeks in advance. Early preparation helps you avoid last-minute chaos and secures the best removal services for your needs.

Use checklists and digital reminders to stay organised. Break your tasks into weekly steps – decluttering, packing, updating your address, and arranging utility transfers. Digital reminders can keep you on track with important deadlines.

Declutter to save time and money. Go through your belongings and categorise them into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles. Focus on items you haven’t used in the last year to lighten your load.

Pack smartly and prepare an essentials box. Put together a clearly labelled box with immediate necessities like toiletries, medications, phone chargers, and a change of clothes. For fragile or valuable items, professional packing services can provide extra protection during transit.

Choose a reliable removal company with strong service standards and insurance. Companies like Braithwaite’s Removals Ltd offer services such as packing, dismantling and reassembly, and secure storage with 24-hour CCTV monitoring. Prices for house removals range from £350 to £5,000, with quotes tailored to your specific needs.

Plan your route and keep critical items with you. Ensure you have all important documents and essential items on hand. Be prepared for possible delays, especially during busy periods or bad weather.

Update your address, sort utilities, and unpack systematically. Notify banks and financial institutions about your new address, use Royal Mail’s Redirection service, and register with local services like GPs and schools promptly. When unpacking, start with essential areas like the kitchen and bedrooms to quickly settle into your daily routine.

FAQs

What should I consider when choosing a removal company for a long-distance move within the UK?

When choosing a removal company for a long-distance move within the UK, it’s important to focus on experience, dependability, and openness. Seek out companies with a strong track record, glowing customer reviews, and recognised accreditations. It’s also crucial to ensure they offer comprehensive insurance to protect your belongings while in transit.

Make sure their pricing is straightforward and transparent to avoid any unpleasant surprises. A reliable company will provide a detailed quote and willingly address any questions about their services. Confirm that they are well-equipped to handle long-distance relocations and adhere to industry standards, ensuring your move is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

What’s the best way to declutter before a long-distance move in the UK?

Decluttering before a long-distance move is a smart way to save both time and money. The earlier you start sorting through your belongings, the easier it will be to organise everything into four simple categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Focus first on clutter-prone areas like lofts, garages, or storage cupboards, as these spaces often hide items you no longer need.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break the task into small, manageable chunks. For instance, spend just 10 minutes a day decluttering or try the five-year rule – if you haven’t used something in the last five years, it might be time to part with it. Donating to local charities or selling items online not only reduces waste but can also benefit others. Plus, by taking less with you, you’ll spend less time packing and could even lower your removal costs.

What should I pack in an essentials box for the first two days after moving into a new home?

When moving into a new home, having an essentials box can make your first 48 hours much easier and less stressful. Pack the basics like toiletries, towels, and some kitchen staples – think tea, coffee, snacks, and a kettle. Also, don’t overlook important documents, phone chargers, prescription medications, and a few comforting items, such as books or toys for kids.

You’ll also want to include cleaning supplies, a small first aid kit, and a change of clothes for everyone in the household. Having these items on hand will allow you to settle in comfortably while you work on unpacking everything else.