If you’ve ever moved house before, you’ll know it’s one of those things that sounds straightforward in theory—until you’re knee-deep in boxes, can’t find the kettle, and wondering why on earth you thought you could do it all yourself. Moving home isn’t just about transporting your stuff from A to B; it’s a juggling act involving timing, logistics, paperwork, and a fair bit of patience.
That’s where professionals come in. With the right help, the whole thing becomes much smoother (and a lot less stressful). Whether you’re moving across town or relocating miles away, here are six services worth lining up before the big day.
1. The Removals Company
Let’s start with the obvious one—the removals company. These are the folks who’ll handle the big furniture, awkward staircases, and heavy boxes you’d rather not deal with. A good removals team can make all the difference between a calm moving day and a total nightmare.
The best part? They don’t just move stuff; they plan the move. They’ll figure out how to load the van so nothing gets damaged, wrap up fragile items properly, and navigate any tricky parking or access situations. Some even offer a full packing service, so you don’t have to spend your evenings wrestling with bubble wrap.
It’s worth doing your homework here. Get a few quotes, check reviews, and book early if you’re moving during busy periods like summer or school holidays. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Courier and Man & Van Services
Not every move needs a full removals truck. Sometimes you’re just shifting a few key items, picking up furniture from storage, or delivering essentials to your new place ahead of time. That’s where courier and man & van services come in handy.
They’re flexible, affordable, and perfect for those in-between jobs. Maybe you’ve bought a sofa on Facebook Marketplace, or you’ve got a few boxes that won’t fit in your car—these smaller-scale services can sort that out quickly.
Courier companies like Drift Couriers even specialise in same-day delivery service, which are brilliant if you’ve got documents, keys, or last-minute items that need to be somewhere fast. It’s also worth checking if your local courier covers both residential and business deliveries—you might be surprised how versatile they are when it comes to moving logistics.
3. Professional Cleaning Services
There’s something deeply satisfying about walking into a spotless home on moving day. On the flip side, there’s nothing worse than arriving to find dust, grime, or an oven that looks like it hasn’t been cleaned since 1999.
Hiring professional cleaners is one of the best decisions you can make when moving. If you’re renting, it can mean the difference between getting your full deposit back or not. If you’re buying, it’s a chance to start fresh without having to deal with someone else’s leftover mess.
Many cleaning companies offer move-in and move-out packages, which include deep cleans for kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, and appliances. They’ll also bring their own equipment, so you’re not rummaging through boxes for cleaning spray when you’ve got more important things to do—like finding where the toaster went.
4. Storage Services
Sometimes the timing just doesn’t line up perfectly. Maybe your completion date got delayed, or you’re downsizing and need a bit of extra time to decide what stays and what goes. Either way, having access to secure storage can be a lifesaver.
Most modern storage facilities are flexible—you can rent space for a week, a month, or as long as you need. Some even let you access your items 24/7, which is handy if you suddenly realise you packed something you actually need.
A good tip: check if your removals company offers combined storage options. Some do direct transfers, meaning your items go straight from the van into a secure unit without you lifting a finger. It keeps everything simpler and reduces the risk of damage in between moves.
5. Utilities and Broadband Setup
This one doesn’t involve any boxes or vans, but it’s every bit as important. There’s nothing worse than moving into a new home and realising you don’t have electricity, heating, or Wi-Fi. Sorting your utilities in advance saves a ton of hassle later.
Contact your gas, electricity, and water providers at least two weeks before moving day, and make sure to take final meter readings when you leave your old place. If you work from home, book your broadband installation early—it can take a while, and you’ll want everything up and running as soon as you arrive.
A growing number of energy and broadband companies now have dedicated moving teams who handle all the transfers for you. It’s worth asking about—it’s one less thing to worry about in the middle of moving chaos.
6. Handyman or Maintenance Services
Once you’ve unpacked the essentials, you’ll quickly find there’s a list of little jobs that need doing. Hanging shelves, assembling furniture, fixing curtain rails—small things that can make your new place feel properly “yours.”
A local handyman can take care of all that quickly, without you having to hunt for tools or guess which screw fits where. They’re also a great help if you spot any niggling issues in your new property, like dripping taps or squeaky doors.
If you’re moving into a newly built home, a professional can also check fittings, sockets, and fixtures to make sure everything’s in working order before you settle in.
Final Thoughts
Moving home is never completely stress-free, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster either. With the right people helping out—whether it’s a removals crew, a same-day courier, or a reliable cleaner—you can make the process far more manageable.
Think of it like building your own moving team: each professional plays their part, keeping things on track so you can focus on what really matters—turning your new house into a home.
And when you finally sit down at the end of it all, surrounded by half-unpacked boxes and the smell of takeaway pizza, you’ll be glad you brought in the experts.