Richmond Moving Checklist for Full Home and Office Relocations

A move becomes easier to manage when each decision has a date and an owner. This checklist is designed for full home moves and office relocations in Richmond, from the first inventory through to the final check at the destination.

Six weeks before the move

Confirm the likely moving date and create a first version of the inventory. For a house move, work room by room and include cupboards, lofts, garages, sheds and garden items. For an office, list workstations, furniture, IT equipment, files, shared equipment and anything fixed to the premises.

• Record the collection and delivery addresses.

• Confirm the property or office size.

• Note stairs, lifts, narrow entrances and carrying distances.

• Identify heavy, fragile or high value items.

• Check lease, completion or building handover deadlines.

• Decide whether packing support or materials are required.

Four weeks before the move

Turn the inventory into a practical access plan. Walk the route from each property entrance to the likely loading position and take measurements where access is tight. Speak to building managers about service lifts, loading bays, protective coverings and permitted moving times.

Check the borough's current controlled parking zone information. If a bay needs to be reserved, consult the official Richmond parking suspension page and allow for the stated notice period.

Three weeks before the move

Begin packing items that will not be needed before the move. Use closed, stackable boxes and label each one with the destination room. Keep an inventory number on boxes containing important equipment or documents.

Home move priorities

• Sort clothing, books, kitchenware and stored possessions.

• Measure large furniture against the smallest access points.

• Confirm who will disconnect appliances where required.

• Keep valuables and personal documents separate from the main load.

• Plan care arrangements for children or pets during the busiest period.

Office move priorities

• Back up data and document the shutdown plan.

• Assign destination numbers to desks and crates.

• Confirm responsibility for confidential records.

• Create a destination floor plan.

• Tell staff when systems and rooms will be unavailable.

Two weeks before the move

Review the inventory against the quote brief. Report changes rather than waiting until moving day. A new wardrobe, additional archive boxes or a change from lift access to stairs can affect time and preparation.

Confirm key collection, building access and the person who will meet the team at each address. If the property is empty, make sure the responsible person has working keys, alarm details and access codes.

One week before the move

Finish most packing and create an essentials box that will stay with you. This may include identification, medication, chargers, basic kitchen items, cleaning supplies, keys and documents needed for the handover.

• Close and label every packed box.

• Keep hallways and stairs clear.

• Separate items that are not moving.

• Photograph furniture or cable layouts before dismantling.

• Confirm parking and lift arrangements.

• Share any last access changes with the moving team.

The day before

Charge phones, confirm contact details and review the arrival time. Defrost appliances only where appropriate and according to the manufacturer's guidance. Secure loose parts and remove obstacles from the moving route.

For an office, complete the approved IT shutdown and make sure priority equipment is clearly identified. For a house move, check every storage area and prepare a final meter, key and property handover list.

On moving day

Start with a short briefing. Walk the team through the access, fragile items, dismantling requirements and destination priorities. Keep one decision maker available throughout the move.

• Protect agreed surfaces and access routes before loading.

• Confirm the first loading sequence.

• Keep keys and essential documents with the responsible person.

• Complete a room by room check before leaving the collection address.

• Direct large furniture to its final room during unloading.

• Check the vehicle and both properties before final sign off.

After unloading

Use the inventory and labels to check that priority items are in the correct rooms. Reassemble agreed furniture in the planned locations, then inspect access areas for missed items or packaging. For an office, confirm that essential workstations and shared equipment are placed according to the floor plan.

Common causes of moving day delay

• Parking or loading space that was not confirmed.

• A lift that was not booked or is too small for the furniture.

• Unlabelled boxes and unclear destination rooms.

• Furniture that cannot leave the property without dismantling.

• Additional contents that were not included in the inventory.

• Late keys, access codes or building representatives.

Most of these issues can be reduced by sharing accurate information before the booking is finalised.

Richmond move questions

What should be included in the first enquiry?

The two postcodes, property type, number of bedrooms or office size, preferred date and a short description. Add stairs, lifts, heavy items and parking details.

Can the inventory be updated after requesting a quote?

Yes, but changes should be reported as soon as possible so the plan and quote can be reviewed before moving day.

How should office equipment be labelled?

Use a consistent number or code that matches the destination floor plan. Apply it to the item and its related cables or crate.

Where can I find more house move guidance?

Read the London home move guide for packing, access and move day planning.

Where can I find office move guidance?

Read the London office relocation guide for equipment, staff and downtime planning.

Start the Richmond moving plan

Review the Richmond removals service page and then use the online quote form to provide the move details. A clear brief gives the team the best starting point for a realistic plan.