The Ultimate Guide to Moving Home in Hertfordshire

Start Planning Early — At Least 8 Weeks Out

The biggest mistake we see as a removals company is people leaving everything to the last minute. Ideally, you want to start planning your move at least eight weeks before your moving date. Create a timeline and work backwards from moving day.

Start by decluttering room by room. Be ruthless — if you haven't used something in the past year, it's probably not worth paying to move it. You'll save money on your removal because fewer items means fewer trips and less time loading. Plus, you can sell unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree to put some cash back in your pocket.

6 Weeks Before: Get Your Quotes and Book Early

Don't leave booking your removals company until the last week. Good companies get booked up, especially at the end of the month and during summer. Get at least two or three quotes so you can compare. When you call us at Herts Man With A Van on 07479 645823, we'll give you a free, no-obligation quote over the phone — no need for a survey for most jobs.

At this stage, you should also start notifying important services of your address change: your bank, GP, dentist, DVLA, employers, and HMRC. It's easy to forget, so keep a running list on your phone.

4 Weeks Before: Start Packing Non-Essentials

Start with rooms and items you don't use every day — loft contents, spare bedrooms, books, ornaments, and seasonal clothes. Label every box clearly on the top and at least one side with the room it belongs to and a brief description of contents. Trust us, you'll thank yourself on the other end.

If you don't fancy packing yourself, we offer a professional packing service. We bring all the materials — boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape — and we'll pack everything carefully so it's protected during transit.

2 Weeks Before: Utilities, Post, and the Final Push

Contact your energy suppliers, broadband provider, and water company to arrange disconnection at your old address and connection at your new one. Set up a Royal Mail redirect — it costs around £35 for three months but it's worth every penny to catch anything you've missed.

If you're in a flat or a property with restricted access, check whether you need a parking permit or bay suspension for the removal van. In areas like St Albans or Hertford town centre, parking can be tricky, so plan ahead. We can advise on this when you book with us.

Moving Day: Our Top Tips

Strip beds first thing and put the bedding in labelled bags — you'll want to make up beds as soon as you arrive at your new place. Pack a "first night" box with essentials: kettle, mugs, tea bags, toilet roll, phone chargers, basic tools, and any medication. Keep it in your car so you can access it straight away.

We always recommend doing a final walkthrough of every room, including cupboards, the loft, garden shed, and garage. You'd be surprised how often people leave things behind. Check the meter readings at both properties and take photos for your records.

Finally, if you have pets or small children, try to arrange for them to be looked after elsewhere on moving day. It reduces stress for everyone — including the movers!

After the Move: Settling Into Your New Home

Unpack room by room, starting with the kitchen and bedrooms — these are the essentials. Don't feel pressured to unpack everything on day one. Get the basics sorted, order a takeaway, and give yourself a break.

Register with a new GP and dentist, update your address on the electoral roll, and check your council tax band. If you've moved within Hertfordshire, you may be in a different borough now — for example, moving from Stevenage (Stevenage Borough Council) to Welwyn Garden City (Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council) means different bin collection days and council services.