Before your driver arrives: quick checklist
- Check your booking details, including addresses, access notes, van size, level of help and move details.
- Speak to your driver before moving day so you both know what to expect.
- Pack and protect your items before the driver arrives, especially fragile items, mirrors, glass and furniture.
- Plan parking, loading and access at both addresses.
- Keep your phone handy on the day so you can receive text updates and calls from your driver.
- Take photos before the move and check your items after delivery.
Before moving day
The best time to fix a moving-day issue is before moving day. Start by checking what you have booked, then make sure your driver has the practical details they need before they arrive.
This does not need to take long. A few checks, a quick message to your driver and some planning around parking and access can help avoid most of the problems that slow moves down.
Check your booking details
Start by checking the details on your booking. Make sure the collection and delivery addresses are correct, including postcodes, door numbers, flat numbers and any access notes.
It is also worth checking that the van size, level of help and move details still match what you need. If you have added more items since booking, changed address, need more help, or think the van size may no longer be right, contact us as soon as possible so we can advise before moving day.
Your booking is for one direct journey
Your driver will collect your items from the collection address, travel to the delivery address and unload there. Anything outside the agreed collection and delivery details needs to be confirmed before moving day.
If your plans have changed or you need anything different, contact us before moving day so we can advise what is possible and help avoid unexpected costs or delays.
Speak to your driver before moving day
We recommend reaching out to your driver before your move to introduce yourself and confirm the key details.
A quick message or call can help you both know what to expect before moving day. It is especially useful if there are stairs, lifts, parking restrictions, access codes, fragile items, large furniture or anything unusual about the job.
What to confirm with your driver
- What is being moved
- Where the driver should park
- Whether there are stairs or lifts
- Whether there are access codes, gates or concierge desks
- Whether there are any awkward, fragile or heavy items
- Who will be at the collection and delivery addresses
This does not need to be a long conversation. The aim is simply to avoid surprises on the day and give your driver the information they need to prepare.
Pack and protect your items
Your items should be packed, protected and ready to load before your driver arrives.
Boxes should be closed securely, fragile items should be wrapped, and loose items should be grouped together where possible. This helps avoid delays and makes it easier for your driver to load the van safely and efficiently.
Drivers may have straps and blankets to help protect items while they are in the van, but careful packing still matters. Even with a careful move, poorly packed or unprotected items are more likely to get damaged.
Protect fragile items
Take extra care with mirrors, glass, artwork, lamps, TVs and anything high value. Wrap items properly, protect corners where needed and avoid leaving glass exposed.
Keep essentials separate
Keep an essentials bag or box somewhere easy to find, with things like keys, chargers, medication, documents, toiletries and anything you need soon after arrival.
For more practical packing advice, read our guide to packing tips before moving.
You can also use our moving day essentials guide to decide what to keep with you and what to pack separately.
Plan parking, loading and access
Parking is one of the most common causes of move-day issues, so it is worth planning this before your driver arrives.
Make sure there is somewhere suitable and legal for the van to stop at both the collection and delivery addresses. Depending on the location, you may need to arrange a parking permit, reserve a bay, pay for parking or check local loading restrictions.
You should also think about access to the property. If there are stairs, lifts, gates, narrow entrances, access codes, concierge desks or anything else your driver should know about, share those details before the move where possible.
Some loading bays only allow short stays, which may be fine for a small move but may not be enough for a larger house or flat move. If the driver cannot park close enough, the move may take longer and could be more difficult than expected.
If suitable parking has not been arranged and the driver receives a parking fine or charge, you may be responsible for the cost.
Moving in London?
Parking and loading rules can be more complicated in London, especially in controlled parking zones or on restricted streets.
On moving day
On the day itself, the most useful things are simple: keep your phone close, make sure someone is available at both addresses, and make it as easy as possible for the driver to park, load and unload.
If something changes on the day, speak to your driver as soon as possible and contact us if you need help.
Keep your phone handy
Please keep your phone nearby on moving day.
We will send text updates when your driver is on their way and when they have arrived. Your driver may also need to call you if they have trouble finding the address, parking nearby or accessing the property.
Check for calls and text updates
A quick reply can help avoid delays, especially if your driver needs confirmation about where to park, where to meet you, or how to access the property.
Be ready when your driver arrives
Being ready when your driver arrives helps the move start smoothly.
Try to make sure packed items are easy to access, walkways are clear, and anything that should not be moved is kept separate. If you live in a flat or shared building, it can also help to let neighbours, building staff or a concierge know that a move is taking place.
Someone should be available at both the collection and delivery addresses. If a different person will be at either address, make sure your driver knows who to speak to.
A note on moving-day kindness
Moving day can be stressful, even with good planning. Clear communication, patience and kindness on the day can make things easier for everyone involved.
After your move
Once your items have been delivered, take a little time to check everything as soon as you can. Most moves go smoothly, but it is still sensible to know what to do if something does not seem right.
Take photos before the move and check items after
Before your move, it is worth taking clear photos of furniture, mirrors, glass items or anything high value. This gives you a record of the item’s condition before it is moved.
Once your items have been delivered, check everything as soon as you can. Careful packing and driver help can reduce the risk of damage, but issues can still occasionally happen.
If you notice damage or something does not seem right, let us and your driver know as soon as possible. Please take clear photos showing the damage and, where possible, keep anything that helps show the item’s value, such as a receipt, product link or order confirmation.
All drivers are fully insured, and the sooner an issue is reported, the easier it usually is to understand what happened and advise on the next step.
Need help before moving day?
If you need anything or have any questions before moving day, our support team is here to help.
Contact us as soon as possible if your move details have changed, you are unsure about your booking, or you need advice before your driver arrives.
Contact supportFAQs
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Compare The Man and Van helps people compare quotes from vetted, fully insured man and van drivers across the UK.
Our moving guides are written by our in-house team using insight from real bookings and the practical issues that come up again and again on actual moves, including access, parking, loading, timing, and first-day logistics.
When you compare quotes with us, you can see live prices from trusted local drivers and choose a mover that fits your move, your budget, and the level of help you need.
