Are you preparing for a New Year move?

There’s something wonderfully symbolic about moving home as the calendar flips over.

A clean slate, new routines, fresh walls to paint, what’s not to love?

Well… packing your entire life into boxes is hardly anyone’s idea of festive fun, especially when the New Year rush kicks in, and movers’ diaries fill up fast.

The good news is that with a bit of early planning, a cooler head, and a clear timeline, a January or February move can feel surprisingly smooth.

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or heading somewhere entirely new, preparing well before the fireworks fade will save you a world of stress.

This guide breaks down what to book, when to act, and how to stay organised without turning your living room into cardboard chaos.

Why New Year Moves Get Busy — And When to Book

Moving in the New Year isn’t a niche trend; it’s one of the most popular times to relocate aside from the school summer holiday period.

People reassess their lives over the holidays, property chains restart after a December slowdown, and estate agents see enquiries jump sharply in early January. Because of this, removal companies often face a surge in requests.

To avoid scrambling for availability, the safest bet is to book your removals team at least four to six weeks ahead.

Not only does this secure your preferred date, but it also gives you breathing room to organise surveys, packing options, and any additional services you might need.

If your move depends on a completion date, a provisional booking can still save you from disappointment.

It simply means you’ve staked your place in the queue while your paperwork catches up.

Useful planning resources:

Getting Your Timeline in Shape: What to Prioritise Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming January will be a calm, slow-paced month.

In reality, life snaps back to full speed almost immediately, so building a realistic move timeline helps keep you on track.

Start with the essentials: confirm your moving date, notify relevant organisations, and begin gathering quotes.

Update your home insurance, check whether you need parking permissions for the moving van, and verify any property-related documents.

If you’re renting, schedule your check-out appointment early so you’re not negotiating at the last minute.

As soon as you’ve locked down the fundamentals, draft a weekly plan to break the workload into bite-sized tasks.

You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not packing mugs at midnight during the first week back at work.

Citizen’s Advice offers helpful guidance on tenancy rights and moving logistics.

Clearing the Clutter: Why Decluttering Saves Time, Money, and Patience

January moves are the perfect excuse to be ruthlessly honest about what you actually want to bring into your next chapter.

Decluttering isn’t just about creating space; it directly affects your moving cost, the number of boxes you’ll need, and how much time your movers spend in your home.

Start with the easy wins: duplicate kitchen gadgets, forgotten hobby items, expired bathroom bits, and clothing that hasn’t seen daylight in years.

Donate usable items to charities such as the British Heart Foundation or list them on reuse sites like Freecycle (https://www.freecycle.org/

Recycling centres also post guidance on what they’ll accept locally find your local centre at Recycle Now.

The less you own, the less you move. And the less you move, the calmer and cheaper the entire process becomes.

Packing Smart: How to Avoid Living in a Maze of Boxes

Packing is where people often lose momentum, not because it’s hard, but because it’s annoyingly easy to put off.

To stay ahead, start assembling a packing station with tape, marker pens, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes.

Then work methodically from the rooms you use the least, so your home doesn’t become unlivable before you’re ready.

Label boxes clearly with both room names and a quick contents list. Future-you will be delighted when you don’t spend the first night hunting for clean bedding or the kettle.

For fragile items, invest in proper wrapping to reduce the risk of damage.

And don’t forget removal companies like RH Pardy can handle all the tedious packing for you if you’d rather outsource the whole operation.

The Royal Mail address-change service is also handy to tick off during the packing phase.

Move-Day Logistics: Keeping Things Calm on the Big Day

By the time the vans arrive, the aim is to have the house ready to walk through without obstacles or last-minute scrambles.

Ensure pets and children have a safe space (or alternative care for a few hours), defrost the freezer at least a day before, and prepare a “first-night box” with essentials such as chargers, toiletries, basic kitchen bits, and any documents you’ll need quickly.

If your new property involves lift access, narrow hallways, or restricted parking, give your movers a heads-up early.

This is another moment when a pre-move survey is priceless. The house move surveyor will have already assessed access at each location, new and old, thereby avoiding any unplanned time-consuming surprises on move day.

These little details help them plan the right equipment and team size. Double-check utilities and meter readings, and, most importantly, don’t disconnect the Wi-Fi before you’ve downloaded your move-day playlists!

The Energy Saving Trust provides good guidance on switching utilities.

Preparing for a New Year Move with RH Pardy Moving & Storage

A New Year move should feel exciting, not overwhelming, and choosing the right removals company makes all the difference.

RH Pardy Moving & Storage brings decades of hands-on experience, friendly service, and practical expertise that genuinely takes the weight off your shoulders.

From early planning support and packing options to secure storage and reliable transport, their team knows how to keep things running smoothly, even during the January rush.

Whether you’re moving locally or setting off on a fresh adventure further afield, RH Pardy’s crew delivers the kind of dependable, down-to-earth help that turns a stressful job into a manageable one.

When you’re ready to make the leap into your new home, they’re right beside you, keeping the process simple, efficient, and reassuring from start to finish.

Don’t delay, get in contact with us today.