What Actually Happens on Moving Day
Booking a removals company is more than just choosing a date and loading a van. Whether you’re moving locally, long-distance within the UK, or relocating abroad, understanding how the process works — and where problems can arise — makes your move smoother, safer, and far less stressful.
This guide explains:
- What to expect on moving day
- Why using an accredited removals company matters
- How late keys and last-minute changes are handled
- Removals Insurance vs Liability: What You’re Really Covered For
- What can and cannot be transported
- Why storage, communication, and value matter
Our goal is simple: no surprises, clear expectations, and a professional move from start to finish.
What to Expect on Your Moving Day
Most removals start early. Our team usually arrives in the morning (often around 8:30 am), depending on the size of the move, access, and distance involved. An early start allows us to use the day efficiently and reduces pressure later on. If you’re planning ahead, our house removals service explains how we prepare each move in advance.
Arrival and walk-through
When we arrive, we’ll introduce ourselves and carry out a short walk-through of your property with you. This helps us to:
- Confirm exactly what’s being moved
- Identify anything that should stay behind
- Check access, stairs, parking, and door widths
- Highlight any fragile or high-value items
This simple step prevents misunderstandings and helps the day run smoothly from the outset.
Protecting your belongings
Before loading begins, we take care to protect your belongings properly. Furniture is wrapped in protective blankets, mattresses are covered, and hanging clothes can be placed into wardrobe boxes where needed. Customers who prefer extra support often choose our professional packing service.
Items are then loaded carefully and secured to minimise movement during transport. Depending on volume and access, loading is often well underway by late morning or early afternoon.
Transport and unloading
Once loaded, we travel to your new property and begin unloading. Items are placed into the rooms of your choice so you don’t have to move everything again later. Larger furniture is positioned where possible to help you settle in faster.
Most moves are completed by around 5:00pm, although this can vary depending on access, distance, and — most commonly — key release timing.
Before we leave, we’ll carry out a final check with you to make sure everything has been unloaded and you’re happy.
Why Choosing an Accredited Removals Company Matters
The removals industry in the UK is largely unregulated, which means almost anyone can advertise as a mover. This is why independent accreditation is so important.
We are proud members of Move Assured and the Association of Independent Movers (AIM).
Move Assured
Move Assured promotes professional, independently vetted removal companies and helps customers make informed choices. Membership means that we operate as a verified removals business, with our service and reputation clearly visible and accountable.
For customers, this removes guesswork and reduces the risk of booking an unverified operator.
AIM – Association of Independent Movers
AIM focuses on raising standards across the removals industry. Membership requires companies to operate under a recognised Code of Practice, treat customers fairly, and maintain professional standards at all times.
Together, these memberships provide reassurance that you’re dealing with a removals company that values quality, transparency, and accountability — not shortcuts.
What Happens If Your Keys Are Late?
Even the best-planned moves can be affected by circumstances outside anyone’s control. The two most common issues we see are:
- Late key release on moving day
- Cancellation or postponement due to property chains, paperwork, or completion delays
These situations can be stressful and sometimes costly, which is why our Terms & Conditions explain how they’re handled — and why we offer optional waivers for added protection.
Late Key Waiver Explained
If you’re completing and moving on the same day, your move depends on keys being released on time. In reality, solicitor delays, banking issues, or chain problems often cause completions to run late.
When a removals crew and vehicle are waiting with a fully loaded van, delays create real costs and scheduling challenges.
Without a Late Key Waiver:
- Waiting time may be chargeable if keys are released after 2:00pm
- If access is not gained after loading and before 5:00pm, goods may need to go into storage at the customer’s cost, with re-delivery arranged separately
By opting for our Late Key Waiver, you won’t incur additional waiting charges if access to your new property is delayed until 5:00pm. This removes the pressure of watching the clock and gives you peace of mind on moving day.
Removals Insurance vs Liability: What You’re Really Covered For
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of moving.
Standard removals liability is limited per item and only applies where loss or damage is caused by our negligence. For some customers, this is sufficient.
For those who want greater peace of mind, we offer MoveProtect, our full-cover option. MoveProtect provides cover for your belongings up to £100,000 per vehicle, subject to the MoveProtect Addendum.
This is particularly important for customers with higher-value contents, long-distance or European moves, or anyone who wants comprehensive protection rather than limited liability.
Understanding this difference before moving helps avoid confusion if something unexpected happens.
Not Everything Can Go on the Van
For safety, legal, and insurance reasons, certain items cannot be transported or stored in a removals load.
- Flammable liquids and gases
- Loose batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes
- Perishable food
- Cash, jewellery, and important documents
- Irreplaceable or highly sentimental items
As a general rule, anything valuable, sensitive, or essential for daily life is best kept with you and transported personally.
Storage Is Often Part of a Smooth Solution
Storage isn’t always a problem — very often, it’s the solution.
- Break a property chain
- Remove time pressure on moving day
- Protect goods if access isn’t possible
- Provide flexibility during renovations or delayed completions
In many cases, temporary storage is less stressful and more cost-effective than extended waiting time or failed deliveries.
A Final Word Before You Book
A successful move isn’t just about transporting boxes. It’s about preparation, realistic expectations, and choosing a removals company that communicates clearly and operates to professional standards.
If you’re unsure about any part of your move — timings, access, insurance, storage, or waivers — we’re always happy to explain things clearly before you book. Good planning upfront makes all the difference on moving day.