No one wants a house move to go wrong, and with a bit of preparation and the right help, yours can be a breeze! While moving home is a significant undertaking, knowing the potential snags in advance allows you to avoid them easily.
At Best London Removals Ltd, we’ve helped thousands of families and individuals move smoothly across London and beyond. We’ve seen the most common problems people face when moving home and, more importantly, how to prevent them. Below, we share expert insights to help you move confidently and stress-free.
Damaged belongings: why packing matters
It’s a common worry: your prized possessions getting damaged during a move. This often happens if delicate items aren’t packed properly or if the movers aren’t as careful as they should be. Furniture, for example, can easily get scuffed or scratched—especially during DIY moves or when working with inexperienced movers.
How to prevent it:
Use strong boxes and reliable materials like bubble wrap and packing peanuts
Avoid overloading boxes, especially with mixed heavy and fragile items
Buy more packing supplies than you think you’ll need—it’s better to have extra than run out mid-pack
Choose a removal company known for careful handling and professionalism
With careful preparation and expert help, damage is largely preventable.
Underestimating the move: why in-home estimates matter
Getting an in-home estimate is one of the best things you can do to prevent surprises on moving day. Yet many skip this step due to time pressure or because they find a tempting quote online.
The result? The van might arrive and be too small for your belongings, or the crew may be understaffed—leading to multiple trips, delays, and unexpected costs.
Our tip:
Be transparent with your chosen movers. Whether it’s through a home visit or a WhatsApp video survey, make sure they clearly understand what needs to be moved. This helps ensure they arrive with the right van size, equipment, and team to complete your move efficiently.
Misplaced items: how to stay organised during a move
Losing or misplacing belongings during a house move can be incredibly frustrating. Even one missing box can cause stress—especially if it contains something important.
How to avoid loss:
Create a detailed inventory of what you’re moving
Number your boxes and keep a master list
Clearly label each box by room and contents
Never leave belongings unattended, even for short periods
Keep important documents and valuables with you
This methodical approach makes unpacking easier and gives you peace of mind throughout the process.
Hidden costs: preparing for the unexpected
Moving home often comes with extra expenses that catch people off guard. These could include needing more packing materials, delays due to access issues, or even temporary accommodation if things run behind.
What you can do:
Review the removal company’s contract thoroughly
Ask questions about overtime charges, cancellation terms, and waiting time policies
Budget for small emergencies and last-minute extras
Request a clear, written quotation with all potential add-ons outlined
Always read the fine print, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. A transparent agreement helps protect both sides and builds trust.
The power of good communication and planning
Clear, honest communication with your removal team is essential. Let them know about anything unusual—tight staircases, time restrictions, large furniture, or fragile items that need extra care.
Make things smoother with a simple plan:
Pack an “essentials box” with toiletries, chargers, snacks, tools, and pet items
Assign each box a destination room and communicate that to the team
Provide a quick layout of your new home to streamline unloading
A little forethought goes a long way in helping you settle into your new place with minimal disruption.
Settling in: post-move tips to help you feel at home
- Update your address with banks, HMRC, GP, and the Post Office
- Register with local services (e.g. doctors, dentists, councils)
- Explore your new neighbourhood—find shops, parks, transport links, and say hello to your neighbours
Final thoughts: move smart, not stressed
Moving house is no small task, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be stressful. With smart planning, clear communication, and support from a trusted removal company, it can be a genuinely rewarding experience.
At Best London Removals Ltd, we’re here to make your move simple and seamless—whether you’re heading across the street or to the other end of London. From packing materials to unloading at your new front door, we’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the fresh start ahead.
