Moving House in Essex? 8 Things People Forget Until It’s Too Late
Moving home in Essex can be both an exciting and exhausting prospect, especially with so many charming towns like Chelmsford, Colchester, and Brentwood to choose from.
But in the rush to pack, plan and organise everything, it’s surprisingly easy to overlook a few key details, until they come back to haunt you at a later stage, or worse, on the actual move day!
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating for work or lifestyle, the logistics of a move can catch even the most organised among us off guard.
Add children to the mix, and it is a recipe for an addled brain for even the most meticulous among us.
To help your transition go smoothly, we’ve compiled a list of the eight most commonly forgotten tasks that could make all the difference come moving day.
From paperwork hiccups to last-minute packing stress, here’s what to keep an eye on before the big day arrives.
Table of Contents
1. Booking a Removal Company Early Enough
It’s not unusual for people to leave booking a removal company until the last minute, only to find it is an absolute disaster because the best dates are already fully booked.
If you’re moving in or around Essex, especially during peak seasons like school holidays or month-ends, it’s essential to book early.
Reputable local companies, such as GoodMove Removals & Storage, can be snapped up unbelievably quickly.
Getting in touch weeks in advance ensures you’ll have experienced movers ready and able to handle your belongings with care – no last-minute scrambling required.
If you are unsure about when the best time to contact us to book your move, give us a quick call 01245 808417, we are happy to advise.
2. Changing Address with Key Services
It’s easy to assume you’ll “get around to it,” but forgetting to update your address with everyone who needs to know can cause untold headaches further down the line.
From redirecting your post with Royal Mail to notifying banks, insurers, schools and your GP, changes of address take time.
Don’t forget local services, such as council tax registration with Essex County Council.
Missing this step can delay important mail, cause confusion, or even result in missed payments, leading to financial penalties.
The best way to prevent not informing everyone is by compiling a list.
This way, you can keep track of exactly who you have contacted and who hasn’t.
3. Decluttering Before Packing Begins
It sounds simple, but many wait until packing day to decide what to throw out.
It is never too early to start the “big clear out.”
Decluttering is one of those jobs that always takes more time than you think it will.
Decluttering early gives you time to donate, sell, or dispose of items responsibly that you no longer need.
Essex has plenty of local charities, such as Farleigh Hospice, that accept furniture and household goods, as do the British Heart Foundation. They can also arrange collection, so you don’t have the extra bother of delivering.
Lightening the load also means a cheaper, faster move, and most importantly, you’ll feel more organised on arrival.
4. Measuring Furniture vs. Doorways
Check Your Furniture Fits—Before It’s Too Late
Bringing your favourite sofa to your new home is exciting, until you realise it won’t fit through the front door.
It’s surprisingly common to forget about measuring furniture in advance, only to face an awkward stand-off between a bulky wardrobe and a narrow hallway.
This is especially important for period properties, which often feature tight staircases, low ceilings, and compact entrances.
Take the time to measure both your large items and the access points in your new home before moving day.
While your removal team can disassemble and reassemble straightforward pieces like bed frames, not every item is suitable or included as part of the service.
Planning ahead saves time, stress, and possibly the cost of extra labour.
It’s a simple step that could spare you a lot of hassle.
5. Sorting Out Utilities in Advance
A cold, dark house isn’t the welcome most people expect on move-in day. Setting up utilities, like gas, electricity, water, and broadband, is essential.
Notify your providers at least 48 hours before your move-out date or change of address.
You can also inform them whether you intend to continue using them or are switching providers.
Additionally, to avoid getting a larger bill than expected, don’t forget to take final meter readings.
As a failsafe, take photos of the readings on your phone in case of any discrepancies later.
It pays to double-check that you are getting the best deal.
Sites like Uswitch can help you find competitive deals and get you connected fast, especially in rural parts of Essex, where broadband options can vary.
6. Packing an Essentials Box
After a long, physically draining moving day, the last thing you want is to dig through mountains of boxes searching for your toothbrush, or worse, your kettle.
That’s where an essentials box (or overnight bag) becomes a lifesaver.
Pack it with all the essentials you’ll need during the first 24–48 hours in your new home, including toiletries, chargers, tea bags, mugs, phone cables, pyjamas, clean clothes, and any must-haves for the kids or pets.
Don’t forget snacks, loo roll, and bin bags too; those little things make a big difference.
Keep this box clearly labelled and easily accessible, better still, place it in your car so there is no chance of the removal team packing it by mistake.
Trust us, you’ll be incredibly grateful you had life’s basics on hand while everything else is still tucked away in bubble wrap.
7. Notifying Schools and Arranging Transfers
If you’re moving with children, sorting out their school transition is vital, but it is often left far too late.
These days, many parents relocate to a specific area solely to be within the catchment area of a high-performing school.
Contact both your current and new schools as soon as your moving plans are confirmed.
Essex has a vast network of excellent schools, and spaces can be competitive.
Check Essex County Council’s admissions page for guidance on catchment areas and how to apply for a school place in time.
NOTE: When moving to a new house, please provide proof of your new address with your application.
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you should contact the SEND Operations Team.
8. Secure Parking Before the Van Arrives
There’s nothing more frustrating than a removal van circling the block, unable to find a legal spot to park, especially with a house full of furniture on board, and time is of the essence.
In busier Essex towns like Southend-on-Sea or Braintree, on-street parking can be limited, and access can quickly become an issue if not planned.
To avoid delays, make sure you’ve arranged suitable parking at both your current and new properties.
This might involve reserving a space outside your home or applying for a temporary parking suspension through your local council.
Check your district council’s website for the correct process.
Perhaps your neighbours can assist you in finding a place to park your cars to make space for the removal vehicle, just for the day?
One of the advantages of booking with GoodMove Removals & Storage is that we carry out a detailed pre-move survey.
Our experienced surveyors will assess potential access problems ahead of time, saving you from any nasty, embarrassing surprises on the day.
Let GoodMove Take the Stress Out of Moving
Relocating within Essex doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you know what to look out for.
By ticking off these commonly forgotten tasks ahead of time, you’ll be in a far better position to enjoy a smooth, stress-free moving day.
And when it comes to the actual move, having the right team on your side makes all the difference.
At GoodMove Removals & Storage, we’ve been helping individuals and families move across Essex for generations.
Whether you need expert packing services, secure storage options, or just a reliable removals team that turns up on time and with a smile, we’ve got you covered.
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote, and take one more thing off your moving to-do list.
Take time to check out some of our blogs packed with tips and advice for people on the move: