Why You Should Start Planning Your New Year Move Now

A new year often feels like a blank page, perfect for new beginnings, including a fresh new home.

But moving house is more than just loading boxes. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating for work or lifestyle reasons, January and February are busy moving months.

The trick is to get ahead of the crowd. Begin planning now before the chaos of January kicks in, and you’ll avoid the scramble for removals, the dreaded last-minute panic, and the budget blowouts.

This post guides you through the early steps that make a big difference, and shows why starting your move planning with GoodMove early could be one of the best decisions you make this winter.

The New Year Surge — Why Early Moves Get Crowded

Right after the festive break, many people decide that a change of scenery suits the mood of a fresh start.

As a result, demand for removals companies leaps sharply. Because of this surge, prices can inch up, dates get booked quickly, and slots with the best removal companies often vanish.

That’s why waiting too long can leave you stuck with limited choice — or worse, no availability at all.

The best time to start planning is as soon as you know your move is likely, that is, even before a fixed date is set.

By scheduling early with GoodMove, you’re more likely to secure the van size you need, get preferred time slots, and avoid peak-season price hikes.

This advance booking gives breathing room to handle all the little tasks like arranging surveys, confirming packing or storage options, or organising key-date checks, without having to rush at the last minute.

Build Your Move Blueprint: From Rough Idea to Solid Plan

Planning a move isn’t just about the removal van arriving on time. It’s about building a timeline that works for you.

Start with a rough idea of when you’d like to move. If you’re still flexible, treat that as your “target” zone.

Once you have the general timeframe, sketch out a plan:

• Notify utilities and service providers about the change of address.
• Prepare a budget that includes packing supplies, removals, and possible storage needs.
• Begin getting quotes from at least a couple of removal firms — including GoodMove’s free survey and quote service.
• Set internal deadlines: when to declutter, when to start packing, and when to confirm moving day.

A plan helps avoid the “just-before-move chaos” many face. It also gives you flexibility, for example, if GoodMove’s quote comes back and you decide to add packing services or storage, you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Declutter, Donate, Simplify. A Leaner Move Is a Smoother Move

One of the smartest moves early on is to downsize what you own.

The fewer belongings you have to shift, the easier (and cheaper) your move will be.

Begin now: go through bedrooms, kitchen cupboards, garage and don’t forget the loft.

Anything that’s been resting untouched or unused can go.

Do you have items you don’t need? Sell them, donate them, or recycle them.

GoodMove’s own blog has lots of guidance on decluttering and packing.

For donations, charity shops or local recycling centres are great, and you’ll lighten the load while helping someone else.

This phase also gives you time to properly sort what matters from what’s just taking up space.

Think about what you’ll actually want in your new home. By the time moving day comes, you’ll avoid lugging unnecessary weight around and save time, effort, and possibly money on van space or labour.

Smart Packing & Essentials: Start Sooner Than You Think

Packing always feels like something you can leave until “just a bit later.” However, time has a way of speeding up until you realise you have left it all too late.

Starting gradually, especially with non-essentials, can really make the whole process far gentler. Grab quality boxes, strong tape, markers, padding (bubble wrap or blankets), and a few sturdy sacks.

Work through rooms you use least first, spare rooms, seldom-used storage, and garden sheds. Leave daily-use spaces (kitchen, everyday living area) for later.

Clearly label each box: room destination + brief contents note. This makes life much easier when you arrive at the new place.

Also, pack a “first-night essentials” box with tea/coffee supplies, basic cutlery, chargers, toiletries, and some clean clothes.

Few things feel worse than arriving after a long day of moving, only to discover the kettle is buried under piles of boxes, or you need to shower after a long day, and there are no towels in sight.

If you prefer not to handle the packing yourself, GoodMove offers full-service packing. This is well worth considering if you want to avoid the cardboard mountain altogether.

Plus, at GoodMove, it’s what we do day in and day out; we are experts at packing, wrapping, shifting, and lifting, so you can concentrate on all the other important things on move day.

Booking the Removals & Double-Check Logistics

By now, your plan should be in motion; now’s the time to lock in the professionals.

Reach out to GoodMove (or your preferred mover) for a free moving survey and quote, ideally at least 4–6 weeks ahead of your target date.

That gives you and the company plenty of time to tweak details: van size, labour needs, packing or storage extras, and any accessibility considerations.

On your checklist:

• Confirm van/team size matches your volume of belongings.
• Factor in any parking restrictions or access issues at new/old properties.
• If you’re moving mid-winter, consider weather impact, rain, early dark, possible snow, and ask your removals company how they handle such conditions (blanket wrapping, covered transport, safe loading).
• Organise utility transfers (gas, electric, internet) so you’re not arriving at a dark, cold, offline house the day you move.
• Sign up with the Post Office post redirection service.

With things confirmed early, you’ll avoid costly last-minute changes or surprise charges.

Moving Day: How to Make It Smooth (and Keep Your Sanity)

Move day will be chaotic if you’re not ready. Check out our advice for a smooth experience:

• Keep a clear path for the removal team, furniture disassembled, fragile items boxed, and floor clear.
• Ensure kids and pets are safe and away from the hustle.
• Keep essentials close (that first-night box).
• Do a final walkthrough to make sure nothing’s left behind: cupboards, wardrobes, garden sheds, yes, even that high shelf you forget about every time.
• Ensure you take last-minute meter readings. Take photos of the empty property and confirm your new address paperwork is in order.

If you’ve booked GoodMove early and communicated all the details at your pre-move survey (volume, access, parking, etc.), our experienced team will handle the heavy lifting, leaving you to breathe easy and focus on your first night in the new place.

Why GoodMove Should Be Your Moving Ally

Starting early gives you options, while going with GoodMove gives you reliability.

With more than three decades of experience, a professional team, and a full suite of services, from packing supplies to storage solutions,  GoodMove aims for a stress-free move, no matter whether you’re relocating locally, nationally or internationally.

Their process starts with a free, no-obligation home survey and quote, letting you plan without pressure.

And if you need help beyond a simple move, perhaps packing, temporary storage, or international relocation, GoodMove has you covered.

Early planning plus a trustworthy removals partner equals the smoothest possible transition.

So, if you’re feeling the itch to start 2026 in a new home, why not begin planning today?

The first step is to get in touch with us, we are waiting for your call!