Giga
The short answer
Plan the route before the equipment
A short checklist for a house move: access, packing, parking, fragile items, what to send us and what to sort on the day. It is written with London streets in mind, but it works for a move anywhere in the UK.
- Confirm parking, floors and lift access before you book.
- Send photos of bulky or fragile items so the plan is right.
- Pack essentials separately so the first night is easy.
- Tell your mover if the inventory or access changes.
Before You Book the Moving Team
Start with what affects time and price: both postcodes, floors, lift access, how far the van can park from the door and how many large items you have.
Moves in London often go wrong because access was unclear. A short email with photos of the stairs, entrances and furniture avoids surprises on the day.
Details to Send for a Clear Quote
Send both postcodes, a room-by-room inventory, photos of bulky items, your preferred date and whether you need packing or dismantling.
Parking and Access Notes
If the van cannot stop near the entrance, the move takes longer. Check loading rules, red routes, estate rules and concierge arrangements early.
Packing Plan for London Homes
Pack room by room and label every box on at least two sides. Keep fragile items, documents, medication, chargers and first-night essentials apart.
Short on time? Part packing is often enough. A common choice is to let the movers pack just the kitchen, wardrobes, mirrors and delicate electronics.
How to Pack Fragile Items
Use double-walled boxes, wrap each item in bubble wrap and mark the box on every side. Do not overfill: a fragile box should be light enough to lift with one hand.
Pack an Essentials Box
Put everything you need for the first night in one bag or box: charger, toiletries, a change of clothes, medication, kettle and tea bags. Take it in your car, not the van.
Related reading: How Far in Advance Should You Book a Removal Company in London? and Do You Need a Parking Suspension for a Removal Van in London?
Move-Day Communication
Pick one person to be the crew's contact for the day, and have keys, lift access and parking instructions ready before the crew arrives.
Walk the team round first. Point out fragile items, anything staying behind, what needs dismantling and any building rules.
Key Handover and Access
Keep all keys, fobs and door codes in one place. If there is a concierge, tell them when the crew is coming and confirm the lift booking time.
Clear answers
Frequently asked questions
For most house moves, start two to four weeks ahead. Weekends and the end of the month fill up first, so book those earlier. Smaller weekday moves can often be arranged at short notice. If your completion date is not fixed yet, you can still get a price. With Giga, you can change the date for free up to 24 hours before the start time.
Only if you are confident. Doing it yourself saves time on the day, but it can also mean damage or lost fixings. If you are unsure, send photos and add dismantling and reassembly to your booking. It is charged separately, from £40 per item with a £90 minimum. If you do it yourself, bag and label the screws and bolts and tape them to the matching piece.
Usually, yes. Parking is one of the most common causes of delay on moving day, in London especially. If the van cannot park near the door, every box travels further and the job takes longer. Check both streets for controlled parking, residents' bays and loading rules. Where needed, apply to the council for a bay suspension in advance, or confirm the building's loading bay arrangements.
