Moving within London? It’s practically an Olympic sport. Whether you’re jumping boroughs, landing in the city for a fresh start, or packing up for the next big chapter, one thing’s for sure—London never stands still. In the year ending June 2023, the city welcomed over 150,000 new international residents, a staggering 18% more than the year before. The result? A city that’s always in motion.
With London housing over 372,000 higher education students, 31% private tenants and 49% homeowners (with 24% being landlords) it’s no surprise that the need for affordable storage when moving has increased. Lets dive into 10 life-saving tips that will minimise the stress of moving for tenants and Landlords.
Plan Ahead
Moving in London isn’t something you can wing. This city’s pace won’t wait for your last-minute chaos. Start early—think weeks, not days. Book your movers before they’re snapped up. London’s a busy place, and the good ones get booked fast. Notify utility companies, and your previous landlord on your new address well in advance. No one wants surprise bills showing up at the wrong address.
Break the process into chunks. One week for decluttering, another for packing non-essentials. It’s like a moving marathon—steady wins the race. Oh, and make a checklist. Crossing things off feels oddly satisfying, and it’ll keep you from forgetting the important stuff, like redirecting your mail or collecting spare keys. Planning ahead isn’t just smart; it’s the difference between calm and chaos on moving day.
Declutter Ruthlessly
Let’s be honest—moving is the perfect excuse to ditch the junk. If you haven’t used it, worn it, or thought about it in a year, it’s time to say goodbye. That waffle maker you’ve used twice? Gone. The sweater you’re keeping “just in case”? Donate it. We all add sentimental value to items that probably don’t hold that much sentiment.
Be brutal. London living areas aren’t exactly palatial, and dragging unnecessary stuff to your new place is just extra effort (and expense). Sort your belongings into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. And stick to it—no second-guessing!
Not sure about an item? Ask yourself, “Would I buy this again?” If the answer is no, out it goes. The less you pack, the lighter and smoother your move will be. Plus, starting fresh in a clutter-free space feels pretty amazing.
Label Everything Clearly
Trust me, your future self will thank you. Don’t just chuck things into boxes and hope for the best—give each box a name. “Kitchen: Pots, Pans, Spices” is way more helpful than “Misc.”
Grab a bold marker and go to town. Write on every side of the box. Because, let’s face it, no one wants to play the box-flipping game at 11 p.m. trying to find a kettle or a toaster.
Colour coding? Even better. Stick a green dot on all the “kitchen” boxes and a red one for “bedroom.” That way, when the movers (or your mates) unload, you’re not fielding endless “Where does this go?” questions. Labels are your moving GPS—use them.
Use Affordable Storage Solutions
Let’s be real—London moves are rarely seamless. Sometimes your new place isn’t ready, or your flat is just too small for all your stuff. That’s where affordable storage swoops in to save the day.
Think of it as a holding facility for your belongings while you sort out life. Places like Henfield Storage, Big Yellow Self Storage, or Access Self Storage offer flexible, budget-friendly options across the city. Need space for a week? A month? No problem. They’ve got you covered.
Got fragile items? Choose units with climate control. Storing furniture? Opt for drive-up access to save your back. And if you’re downsizing but not ready to part with grandma’s antique dresser, storage gives you time to figure it out. Redecorating? Place all your valuable belongings in a secure area, even store away extra supplies.
Storage solutions keep your move smooth, your belongings safe, and your sanity intact. Honestly, it’s a no-brainer. The best park is that Storage solutions can be used long term or short term, and can be used as an option for Landlords when redecorating their properties or keeping supplies.
Pack an Essentials Box
Here’s the golden rule of moving: always pack a “survival kit.” This isn’t the time to trust your toothpaste or pyjamas to luck—or the bottom of some random box. Moving is stressful enough without adding the guesswork of finding your essentials.
Think of it as your first-night-in-the-new-place go-to. Toothbrush, deodorant, chargers (because who can live without their phone?), and maybe even a kettle for that all-important cuppa to end the stressful day. Don’t forget snacks—you’ll need fuel after all that unpacking.
Add a change of clothes and basic toiletries. If you’ve got kids or pets, throw in their essentials too—favourite toys or treats can save a meltdown. And yes, keep your tools handy. Nothing’s worse than needing a screwdriver and realising it’s buried in “Garage Stuff Box #3.”
This is where labelling becomes so important! Label this box clearly, and make sure it stays with you, not on the moving van. Trust me, when chaos reigns, this little box of sanity will be your best friend.
Choose Off-Peak Moving Times
Timing is everything, especially in London. Move during peak hours, and you’re asking for a stress cocktail of traffic jams, parking nightmares, and sky-high moving rates.
Think smarter. Weekdays are your friend—Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in particular, tend to be quieter. Avoid weekends like the plague unless you’re ready to wrestle for a parking spot with every van in the city. Plan ahead and make sure you have a parking permit (if you need one), nothing worse than making a costly move even costly.
And don’t even think about moving during rush hour. Lugging boxes while dodging commuters at 8 a.m. or 5 p.m.? No, thanks. Aim for late morning starts instead. Better yet move smaller items and boxes before you move your bigger items, saving some space in your big rented vehicles.
If you’re using movers, many offer discounted rates for midweek or off-season moves. January, for instance, is way less competitive than July. Plan wisely, and you’ll save time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.
Measure Your Furniture and New Space
Here’s the deal—guessing doesn’t cut it. A measuring tape is definitely! That massive sofa might look great in your current flat, but will it fit through your new front door? Better measure twice than cry once.
Start with the basics. Grab a tape measure and check the dimensions of your furniture. Sofas, beds, tables—anything bulky needs its stats. Then, measure the doorways, staircases, and even the lift (if you’re lucky enough to have one) in your new place.
For example, that chic three-seater sofa? It might be 85 inches wide, but your hallway is only 80 inches across. See the problem? You’ll save yourself—and your movers—the drama of trying to wedge it in.
Don’t forget to check ceiling heights if you’ve got tall furniture like bookshelves or wardrobes. Victorian homes may charm you with their quirks, but they’re not forgiving when it comes to space.
And if you know something won’t fit but can’t bear to part with it? Affordable storage to the rescue. Plan ahead, and you’ll skip the awkward “it’s stuck” moments.
Hire Local Experts
Moving within London isn’t for the faint-hearted. Narrow streets, parking restrictions, and tricky access points can turn a simple move into a logistical nightmare. That’s why local experts are worth every penny.
Think companies like Happy2Move or Man with a Van London. They know the ins and outs of the city, from navigating London’s infamous one-way systems to finding parking permits in record time. It’s their turf—you’re just moving through it.
Need to get a wardrobe into a third-floor flat? They’ve done it a hundred times. Not sure how to time your move to avoid chaos on the North Circular? They’ve got that covered too.
Plus, local movers often have insider tips. They’ll know which staircases are tighter than they look or when to skip a certain road because of ongoing works. With them, you’re not just hiring a service—you’re tapping into local wisdom.
And let’s face it: no one wants to lug a sofa while guessing if it’ll fit in a van. Leave it to the pros. They’ll make your move smoother, faster, and far less sweaty.
Notify Everyone About Your Move
Moving isn’t just about boxes—it’s about keeping everyone in the loop. Forget to update your address, and you could be chasing lost packages or missing important bills. Nobody wants that.
Start with the essentials; Tell your bank, insurance provider, and utility companies about your new home. Got subscriptions? Make sure your favourite magazine doesn’t end up at your old place.
Don’t forget the post office. A quick redirect service will ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Bonus: it’ll buy you time to update every account you forgot about (we’ve all been there). Don’t forget to update your food and package delivery services.
And here’s a pro tip: let your friends and family know. Send a group text or email with your new address. Trust me, it’s way easier than answering “Where are you now?” fifty times.
Stay ahead of it, and you won’t have to play detective tracking down your own mail. Smooth moves start with smart updates.
Stay Flexible and Keep Calm
Moving is chaos—embrace it. Things will go wrong. A box might get misplaced, the movers might be late, or it might rain (classic London). But here’s the trick: roll with it.
Flexibility is your superpower. Maybe the sofa doesn’t fit through the door. Fine, pivot—figure out another way. Maybe your timeline shifts. Breathe. You’ll get there.
Keep snacks handy. A grumbling stomach makes everything worse. Play your favourite playlist, and remember: the end goal is worth it.
Moving in London is no small feat—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. But with these life-saving tips in your arsenal, you’re armed and ready to tackle the chaos. Plan ahead, ditch the clutter, and label like a pro. Lean on affordable storage, local experts, and a solid essentials box to keep things smooth.
Moving isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Stay calm, adapt, and remind yourself that this will all be over soon. You’ve got this.
