Moving house is exciting, but Cambridge can present a few challenges that are worth planning for before moving day arrives.
From busy city-centre streets and restricted parking to narrow access and delays waiting for keys, a little preparation can make a big difference.
Whether you’re moving across Cambridge, into the city for the first time or relocating elsewhere in the UK, here are some of the things worth considering before the removal van arrives.
Check Parking and Access Before Moving Day
Parking is one of the most important things to consider when planning a move in Cambridge.
Some properties have straightforward driveways or private parking, while others – particularly in and around the city centre – can have restricted parking, permit areas or limited space for a removal vehicle.
It’s also worth considering the distance between the property and where the removal vehicle can actually park. If the van has to park some distance away, loading can take considerably longer.
When arranging your removal, provide as much information about access as possible. Photos can be particularly useful if there are narrow entrances, gates, height restrictions or unusual parking arrangements.
Think About Narrow Streets and Property Access
Cambridge has a huge variety of properties, from modern developments and apartments to terraces and older homes where access wasn’t designed with large furniture in mind.
Before moving day, consider:
- Narrow staircases
- Small doorways
- Apartment lifts
- Restricted vehicle access
- Long pathways between the property and parking
- Furniture that may need dismantling
If a large wardrobe or bed won’t fit through the doorway, discovering this before moving day is much easier than discovering it while the removal team is trying to load it.
Our Dismantling & Assembly service can be included as part of your move where required, with suitable furniture dismantled for transport and reassembled at your new property.
Plan for the Possibility of a Key Wait
If you’re buying a property, there can sometimes be a gap between leaving your old home and receiving the keys to your new one.
Removal companies deal with key waits regularly, but it’s still worth understanding what will happen if completion takes longer than expected.
Before booking, check your removal company’s policy on waiting times and whether additional charges apply after a certain point.
At Phoenix Removals, our quotations clearly explain our key-wait arrangements so you know what to expect before moving day.
Don’t Leave Packing Until the Last Minute
Packing almost always takes longer than people expect.
Start with belongings you don’t use regularly and work gradually towards everyday essentials. Clearly label each box with the room it belongs in, as this makes unloading much easier at your new home.
Try to avoid overfilling large boxes with heavy items. Books, for example, are much easier and safer to move when packed into smaller boxes.
If you’d rather not tackle everything yourself, our Packing Services can cover anything from selected fragile items to your entire home.
Depending on the size and requirements of your move, packing may be arranged for the day before or, where suitable, alongside the move itself. This will be discussed when your quotation is prepared.
Keep Moving-Day Essentials Separate
There are some things you probably don’t want disappearing into the back of a removal van.
Keep a separate bag or box containing things you’ll need during the day, such as:
- Medication
- Phone chargers
- Important paperwork
- Kettle, drinks and snacks
- Toiletries
- Children’s essentials
- Pet supplies
- A change of clothes
- Basic cleaning items
It’s also sensible to keep passports, jewellery, money and other particularly important personal items with you rather than packing them with the main household contents.
Consider Storage if Your Dates Don’t Quite Match
Not every move goes directly from one property to another.
You may need to leave your current home before your new property is ready, be renovating before moving in, or simply want some extra space while you get organised.
Short-term Storage can bridge that gap without having to rush decisions about your belongings.
Phoenix Removals can arrange collection, storage and onward delivery, meaning your belongings can be collected as part of your move and delivered when you’re ready for them.
Measure Large Furniture Before You Move
That sofa may have fitted perfectly in your current living room, but will it fit through the doorway at the new house?
Before moving day, measure particularly large pieces of furniture and consider access at the new property.
Pay particular attention to:
- Sofas
- Wardrobes
- Bed frames
- Dining tables
- Large appliances
- American-style fridge freezers
- Pianos and other unusually large items
Letting your removal company know about particularly heavy, valuable or awkward items in advance means the right equipment and number of team members can be planned for the job.
Tell Your Removal Company Everything
One of the easiest ways to avoid problems on moving day is simply to provide an accurate picture of what needs moving.
Mention lofts, garages, sheds, garden furniture and anything stored away that might not be obvious during an initial discussion.
The same applies to difficult access, particularly heavy items and furniture requiring dismantling.
An accurate quotation isn’t just about price – it allows the removal company to allocate the correct vehicles, equipment, time and team for your move.
Moving Within Cambridge or Further Afield?
A local move doesn’t necessarily mean a small move.
Whether you’re moving a few streets away, from Cambridge to another part of Cambridgeshire or relocating across the country, good planning is equally important.
Phoenix Removals provides professional Home Removals in Cambridge and throughout the UK, with additional services including packing, storage, furniture dismantling and assembly, piano moving, white glove handling and end of tenancy cleaning available where required.
As a family-run removal company based in Cambridgeshire, we’re proud to have built our reputation through consistent five-star customer reviews, industry awards and trusted partnerships with local organisations, estate agents and local authorities.
Planning a Move in Cambridge?
If you’re preparing to move in or around Cambridge, getting your removal arranged early gives you more choice of dates and plenty of time to plan any additional services you may need.
You can find more information on our Cambridge Removals page or contact Phoenix Removals for a free, no-obligation quotation.