Expert Q&A: What Nobody Tells You About Moving House

Moving day. If you’ve ever been through it, those two words are enough to spike your heart rate and perhaps cause your upper lip to sweat.

For most, moving home is a whirlwind of cardboard boxes, last-minute packing, and a race against the clock. But for those of us who’ve conducted thousands of moves, the day follows a very different script. 

To uncover the true secrets of a smooth, stress-free move, we sat down with Mark Allan, our Training Manager here at Bishop’s Move. With vast moving experience in coordinating and undertaking bespoke home removals, Mark has seen it all, knows exactly what catches people out, and how to overcome any moving challenge that can possibly arise.

In this exclusive interview, we’re looking at the most common mishaps about moving house that no one ever tells you about, and most homeowners don’t encounter until it’s too late. Whether you’re moving across town or across Europe, Mark’s insight will help you stay ahead, avoid costly mistakes, and experience a smooth process. 

These Are the Top Things to Watch Out for When Moving House

Q: Why is it so important to understand the lesser-known struggles of moving house?

Mark: Most people know to expect the basics: boxes everywhere, removal vans on the driveway, and a long day ahead. You can prepare for those. What catches people off guard are the moments you never saw coming, the ones that can blindside you just as you’re about to hand over the keys. That’s where experience makes all the difference. Being prepared and educated can help you avoid some of the hard-learned lessons our team has faced from managing countless moves, and they could save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.

1. Don’t Overlook the Hidden Timetable of Moving Day

Q: Most people assume moving day is just about the van arriving and having everything ready to go, but what’s the reality?

Mark: That’s one of the biggest misconceptions, actually. Moving day isn’t a single event; it’s an entire sequence of tightly timed steps, each one affecting the next. 

Your day typically starts earlier than you expect. For example, our crew may arrive as early as 7 am to get packing underway, while you’re still handling final utility readings or stripping the bed of its sheets. There are also fixed points in the day out of your control, like completion times, access slots for flats, or when the removal lorry is allowed to park outside your property. 

One single delay, whether you’re waiting for the keys or find that a neighbour’s car is blocking the drive, can push the entire schedule back. This is why we always create a personalised move timetable in advance that factors in travel times, loading restrictions and even traffic patterns so that we can plan for just about anything. It helps us prevent the entire day from being derailed by one factor.

When you understand the rhythm of moving day and have a clear plan, things run much more smoothly. It turns moving from a chaotic scramble to a well-oiled machine.

2. Never Underestimate the All-Important “Essentials Box”

Q: You often recommend an ‘essentials box. What’s in it and why is it so important?

Mark: This is one of those lifesavers for moving day that people don’t think to do, but then when we tell them about it, they can’t believe it didn’t occur to them. Think of the Essentials Box as your lifeline on moving day. Once the van door closes and our team wishes you happiness in your new home, the last thing you want to do is start rifling through twenty identical boxes to find your phone charger or the kettle. An essentials box keeps your must-haves in reach and in one place so you can start to settle in from the moment you arrive. 

For most people, the essentials box will hold tea, coffee, mugs, snacks, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, any important paperwork, and even things like medication. Families with children might add a favourite toy, books, tablets, or key bedtime items like nightlights.

I’ve personally seen moves where this single box has made the difference between a calm evening and a complete meltdown in a new home. This is particularly true if a lorry is delayed or unpacking has to wait until the next day. It’s such a small and simple thing, but it makes such an impact on how smoothly and quickly you can settle into your new home. 

3. Don’t Trust the “Sure, It’ll Fit” Myth

Q: What are some common challenges customers face if they plan to pack their own belongings?

Mark: People so often underestimate just how much space their belongings will take up, not just in the van but also in their new property. They’ll picture everything fitting neatly into the truck, only to find that an oversized piece of furniture won’t go through a doorway, or the load ends up requiring several trips.

Volume is just one part of this challenge. Access matters just as much. We’ve moved clients into beautiful period homes where the staircase simply couldn’t accommodate their wardrobe, or into flats where lifts are too small to accommodate their sofa. These situations aren’t impossible to solve by any means, and our team has truly seen it all, but they require extra time, tools, and even sometimes dismantling items or using specialist lifting equipment. This can all completely destroy the moving day schedule. 

A professional removals team, on the other hand, can calculate volume, plan for tricky access points, and bring the right items to make it all work. It’s not just about fitting it all in, it’s about doing it safely, efficiently, and not damaging a property or a single possession. 

4. Weather Can Make or Break the Day

Q: Does the weather really make that much of a difference on moving day?

Mark: Absolutely. Weather can turn a straightforward move into a logistical nightmare. Heavy rain means we need to protect floors from muddy footprints, cover furniture to prevent water damage, and sometimes adjust our loading and unloading points so that we can better keep items dry. 

In extreme heat, we plan extra breaks to protect the team’s well-being and also to keep temperature-sensitive items safe. 

During winter, icy drives or snow-covered paths can slow everything down and create genuine safety risks. I’ve seen perfectly planned moves delayed significantly just because a driveway transformed into an ice rink overnight. 

The key is preparation. We always monitor weather forecasts during the final countdown to moving day and make sure to bring the right protective equipment, then adjust timings where needed. If you’re dealing with high-value items or a tight completion deadline, weather-proofing the whole plan becomes utterly essential. 

5. Protecting High-Value Items Isn’t Always Straightforward 

Q: What’s the biggest worry for clients moving luxury or fragile items?

Mark: As you’d probably imagine, the number one concern is always, “will it arrive in perfect condition?” Whether it’s a grand piano, a piece of fine art, or a custom glass dining table, some pieces aren’t just valuable; they can be irreplaceable. That means standard packing materials and handling methods simply aren’t enough.

For high-value fragile items, we use specialist solutions such as custom-built wooden crates, acid-free wrapping, shock-absorbent padding, and even climate-controlled transport when it’s required. We also carry out in-depth pre-move surveys to measure access points and address any potential risks before even considering moving the item. 

Some removals just aren’t straightforward. Sometimes, precious items require specialist lifting equipment or unconventional access routes. This often requires access to the type of planning and tools that your average homeowner simply doesn’t have at their disposal. That’s why professional handling is so essential, because it’s not just about getting items from point A to point B, it’s about protecting their value and condition at all times.

6. Neighbours and Access Points Matter More Than You Think

Q: Why do you recommend speaking to the neighbours before a move?

Neighbours can really affect a move. If you’re in a busy street or a shared building, parking restrictions, blocked drives, or an unexpected lorry on the road can delay the whole moving day. In some cases, you might need to arrange temporary parking suspensions, block some people’s access, or book lifts in a flat block. Making sure to have a quick chat with your neighbours before moving day can not only avoid any awkward surprises or frustrations, but can also make you aware of any real issues, such as whether your neighbour will have building works that might block part of the drive. 

Good communication goes a long way. When everyone around you knows what’s happening and when, there are fewer things that can go wrong. 

7. Moving Day Is a Team Effort

Q: What role should clients play while you work?

The smoothest moves are a result of balance. The removals team handles the heavy lifting and logistics, while the client remains available to make quick decisions if something unexpected arises. 

For example, there can be times when a removals team needs clarification on where an item needs to go, or whether an item can be dismantled. Having someone to go to with these questions always keeps things moving along more efficiently. 

That said, it’s not essential to hover. Professional removals teams are trained to work in a systematic approach, so giving them space but being available if needed is the perfect balance. It’s a partnership; everyone has their role, and when both sides work together, everything runs more efficiently and with minimal stress.

8. Don’t Skimp on the Final Walkthrough

Q: What’s the last thing you do before leaving the old property?

The importance of the final walkthrough cannot be overstated. Even with the most organised move, it’s surprisingly easy for things to get left behind. A set of keys can be forgotten on a windowsill, or a stack of important paperwork can be left in a drawer.

We recommend starting at the top of the property and working your way down. Check every room, cupboard, drawer and storage area as you work your way through the property. Don’t forget places like sheds, lofts and garages, as these are where many last-minute oversights take place. 

This is also when you should ensure windows and doors are locked, utilities are switched off, and you’ve gathered all sets of keys so that they’re ready for handover. This simple step can save you a return trip, prevent disputes, and leave the property in top condition for the next people waiting to call it home. 

Whether it’s planning your day around key timings, protecting high-value items, or making sure nothing gets left behind, the difference is in the details. That’s why working with an expert removals team matters — it means every one of those details is handled for you, so you can focus on the excitement of your new home.

If you want your move to be seamless, secure, and stress-free, speak to Bishop’s Move today. Our specialists will plan every step, protect every item, and make moving day feel effortless.Looking for more information prior to moving day? Discover 5 things to know before moving with kids.