Guide
How to get ready for a man with a van
Updated
The short answer
Have everything packed, taped and in as few rooms as possible before the van arrives. Sort parking and lift access at both ends, take beds apart or tell the driver they need doing, and keep valuables, documents and a first-night bag with you.
Packing
- Use proper boxes, not bin bags, for anything breakable
- Keep boxes light enough to carry comfortably down the stairs
- Label each box with the room it's going to
- Empty drawers, or tape them shut if they're light
Access and parking
Work out where the van can stop at both ends. In apartment blocks, book the lift and the loading bay with management. On busy streets, ask a neighbour to leave a space free, or check whether the council needs to be asked.
Keep these with you
- Passports, documents and keys
- Medication
- Laptop and chargers
- A first-night bag with bedding and the kettle
Questions
Should I take the bed apart myself?
Either is fine, but say which when you book, because it changes how long the job takes.