Reading Man and Van – How to Prepare for Your Move with Us

Planning a move in Reading? Whether you’re relocating to a new flat across town or shifting your entire office to a different postcode, moving can feel overwhelming. That’s where Reading Man and Van steps in—your trusted local moving partner committed to making your relocation seamless, efficient, and stress-free.

But even the smoothest move requires a little preparation. To help you get the most out of our expert man and van service, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to prepare for your move with us.

Why Choose Reading Man and Van?

Before we dive into the prep, let’s talk about why we’re the preferred man and van service in Reading:

• Local expertise: We know the roads, the parking rules, and the shortcuts.

• Flexible services: From single-item deliveries to full house moves, we’ve got it covered.

• Affordable pricing: Transparent quotes with no hidden fees.

• Reliable team: Our movers are punctual, friendly, and fully trained.

• Fully insured: Your belongings are protected from start to finish.

Now that you’ve chosen Reading Man and Van, here’s how you can prepare to ensure a smooth moving experience.

1. Book Early to Secure Your Preferred Date

Reading is a bustling town, and weekends or end-of-month dates get snapped up fast. To avoid disappointment, contact us at least 1-2 weeks before your desired moving day. This gives us time to arrange the right vehicle and crew for your specific needs.

When you call or book online, be ready with:

• The pickup and drop-off addresses

• A rough inventory of items

• Any access issues (stairs, narrow streets, etc.)

• Preferred moving date and time

2. Declutter Before Packing

Moving is the perfect opportunity to streamline your life. Go room by room and decide what’s worth taking. Separate items into “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Discard” piles. Not only does this reduce packing time, but it also cuts down your moving costs.

We recommend using platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree to quickly offload items you no longer need. For donations, Reading has several local charity shops that will gladly accept gently used goods.

3. Use Quality Packing Materials

Invest in strong boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in—this will save you hours when unpacking.

Top packing tips:

• Heavy items go in small boxes (easier to carry)

• Light items go in large boxes

• Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or towels

• Fill empty spaces with soft items to prevent shifting during transport

If you don’t have time or supplies, Reading Man and Van also offers packing services and materials—just ask when booking.

4. Prepare Appliances and Furniture

To ensure a safe and efficient move:

• Defrost your fridge/freezer 24 hours before moving

• Disconnect washing machines and dishwashers

• Dismantle large furniture like beds and wardrobes (or request our assembly/disassembly service)

• Remove light bulbs and lampshades from lighting fixtures

Taking these steps not only protects your items but also speeds up the loading process.

5. Notify Utilities and Update Your Address

At least a week before moving, contact your utility providers (gas, electric, water, internet) to schedule disconnections and reconnections at your new home.

Also, don’t forget to:

• Redirect your post with Royal Mail

• Update your address with your bank, GP, and employer

• Inform Reading Borough Council of your new residence (for council tax and waste services)

6. Clear Access on Moving Day

To help our team work efficiently:

• Reserve parking at both locations if possible

• Clear hallways and stairwells of clutter

• Inform neighbours or building management of the move

• Ensure pets and small children are safely out of the way

Being prepared on moving day means less stress for you and faster work for us.

7. Be Present and Accessible

Your presence during the move is essential. You can guide the movers, answer any questions, and ensure everything is loaded correctly. Keep your phone handy in case the team needs to contact you en route.

Also, prepare a moving day essentials bag containing:

• Important documents

• Chargers

• Snacks and water

• Toiletries

• Change of clothes

• Cleaning supplies

This ensures you have everything you need immediately upon arrival at your new home.

8. Take Advantage of Our Additional Services

At Reading Man and Van, we go beyond just transportation. Our full suite of services includes:

• Packing and unpacking

• Furniture dismantling and reassembly

• Storage solutions

• Office relocation

• Same-day delivery for urgent items

Let us know in advance if you need help with any of these extras—we’re happy to customise a plan that suits your timeline and budget.

Final Thoughts

A successful move starts with good planning and ends with reliable execution. By choosing Reading Man and Van, you’re already halfway there. Follow the steps above to prepare thoroughly and make your moving day a breeze.

Our friendly team is here to help every step of the way. From the moment you book to the final box being delivered, we’re committed to providing an efficient, professional, and affordable moving experience.

Ready to Get Moving?

Call us today or use our easy online booking form to schedule your move with Reading Man and Van. Whether you’re moving a single item or an entire property, we’re here to make your move hassle-free.