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By Jay Newton, Director · Updated March 2026
Moving home is something most people dread: it’s exhausting, uncertain, and immensely stressful. Research by Just Move In found that around 52% of people rank moving home among life’s most stressful events — outranking even having a baby, getting married, or facing a job interview.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. In this guide, we’ve gathered everything we’ve learned over nearly five decades in the removal business to help you avoid the most common pitfalls. This is what sets Painless Removals apart: we don’t just carry your furniture from A to B — we do everything in our power to make your move truly painless.
Start Planning Your Home Removal Early
Time can become your worst enemy when you rush. We recommend you begin planning as early as possible. Start sorting your belongings and decluttering at least 6–8 weeks before moving day. Moving is easier (and cheaper) when you have less stuff, and this gives you time to decide what to keep and to find new homes for items you no longer need — whether by selling, gifting to friends, or donating to charity.
Be ruthless: the more you purge now, the less you have to move, unpack, and organise later. This is especially important if you’re moving into a smaller space or doing an expensive long-distance move.
But also be careful: sorting through your things can be unexpectedly emotional. It’s far better to allow yourself moments to reflect on memories than to pack mechanically.
Painless Removals’ Advice
If you’re unsure about certain sentimental items, consider short-term storage. Once you’re settled in your new home, you’ll have a clearer idea of what you truly need. If you haven’t missed an item after a month or two, you can donate it without regret; if you do, you’ll be glad you saved it.
What Is the Best Time for a Home Removal?
If you’re looking to save money on your home removal in Bristol, choosing your moving date wisely is just as important as planning ahead. Our advice is simple: try to move when others aren’t.
According to the HomeOwners Alliance, Friday is by far the most popular day for moving homes. This seems obvious — people want the full weekend to settle in. However, Fridays also bring significant traffic jams, many public services close earlier, and due to high demand, it’s often the most expensive day.
The busiest month for home removals in Bristol and the wider South West is typically August. While April through October offer pleasant weather, you don’t want to be tackling heavy lifting during a 30°C heatwave.
And don’t forget holiday seasons — you’ll want your solicitor, estate agent, and banker readily available when finalising your move.
Painless Removals’ Advice
Avoid Fridays and August if possible. Simply shifting your moving date by a few days within the same week could potentially save you 10–15% on your removal cost. Check our home removals service for current availability.
Should You Do It Yourself, or Hire a Removal Company?
There isn’t a single “right” answer — it truly depends on your circumstances.
Hire a van and do it yourself?
If you’ve got a few friends willing to help, plenty of time for multiple trips, and someone with the appropriate licence to drive a larger van, then handling the move yourself can be viable. It’s the cheapest option, but also the most hassle, and inexperienced handling increases the chance of damage.
What about a “man with a van”?
A man with a van in Bristol can solve half the problem. The driver should have a proper licence and some experience. However, vet the service thoroughly. Because virtually anyone can buy a van and start a removals business, there are many unprofessional operators out there.
We often hear of teams agreeing to a price, only to demand an extra 30–50% on the spot. Other common issues include failing to arrive on time and damaging goods without proper insurance.
When to hire a professional removal company
A professional home removals company gives you trained staff, proper insurance, specialist equipment, and someone to coordinate the entire process. For larger homes, valuable belongings, or stressful chain moves, the peace of mind is usually worth it.
Painless Removals’ Advice
You don’t always need a full removal service. If you have fit friends and you’re comfortable driving a van, doing it yourself can work. But if you want everything handled smoothly — especially for larger or complex moves — professional home removals take the risk off your shoulders.
How to Choose a Reliable Removal Company
Removal firms in Bristol book up weeks or months ahead. Contact at least three companies 6–8 weeks before your move.
What to look for
- Read customer reviews — note both praise and complaints
- Check they have comprehensive insurance. Our insurance page explains what proper coverage looks like.
- Ask about specialist equipment: padded bags, glassware boxes, sturdy crates
- Inquire about hidden fees: weekend rates, stair charges, fuel surcharges
- Avoid companies that won’t do a proper assessment
Never skip the home assessment
Never accept a quote without a thorough assessment. Most people underestimate the volume of their belongings. A 15-minute assessment prevents the dreadful surprise of items that won’t fit. Our free home survey is available as a video walkthrough or in-person visit.
A Tip to Save Money on Long-Distance Moves
Many people aren’t aware of this: you’re not limited to choosing a removal company from your current city. You can also consider companies based in your destination, or somewhere along the route.
A company from your destination city drives to you, loads up, then drives home — same total distance as a local company doing the round trip. But because operating costs outside major cities are generally lower, they can often offer a better price.
For example, if you’re moving from London to Bristol, get quotes from companies in Bristol, Reading, and Swindon as well as London-based firms.
Packing Essentials for Your Home Removal
We’ve put together a comprehensive free packing guide with 8 video lessons that covers every room. Here are the essentials:
- Use sturdy boxes & pack smartly: Don’t overfill. Place heavier items at the bottom and distribute weight evenly.
- Label everything clearly: Mark every box with the room it belongs to. Saves hours when unpacking.
- Prepare an essentials box: Toiletries, change of clothes, phone charger, prescriptions. Last box loaded, first one off.
- Keep a toolbox & cleaning box accessible: Screwdrivers, hammer, tape in one; detergents, cloths, bin bags in the other.
- Protect electronics: Original packaging or padded bags. Pack cables separately and label them. Back up your data first.
- Handle plants with care: Cut back watering, cover soil, transport in open-top boxes. They can’t be stacked.
Painless Removals’ Advice
Most people don’t consider hiring packers. In reality, professional packing can be surprisingly affordable — especially if you only delegate the kitchen. It reduces stress, lets you maintain your routine, and ensures fewer breakages.
Furniture Disassembly
Start by measuring doors and corridors in both homes. Even if an item could fit, if there isn’t room to manoeuvre safely, disassemble it. We always recommend dismantling LCD TV legs, non-standard furniture with protruding parts, and very heavy items like gym equipment.
How to disassemble your furniture
- Find the manual: Furniture can have hidden screws and bolts. Without the manual, you could break panels.
- Keep bolts and screws safe: Put all fixings into a sealed plastic bag, label it, and tape it to the furniture.
- Know when to ask for help: Don’t disassemble high-value or antique items without insurance. The potential loss far outweighs any saving.
Painless Removals’ Advice
Professional furniture disassembly and reassembly is included in our home removals service. Our fully insured cover means any unexpected mishaps are taken care of.
Tips for Lifting Heavy Items Safely
You might still need to shift things around once the team has left. Back injuries and muscle strains are very common without proper technique.
- Always warm up first: Stretch your back, shoulders, knees, legs, and arms before any heavy lifting.
- Lift with your knees, not your back: Keep your back straight and upright. This single technique prevents most injuries.
- Use proper equipment: Furniture sliders, moving straps, and a sack truck make a huge difference.
- Clear the path first: Make sure doorways, hallways, and stairs are completely clear before carrying anything.
- Know your limits: A pulled muscle or slipped disc will cost you far more than hiring help for a few hours.
Moving with a Dog, a Cat, or Any Pet
Pets can sense the disruption of a move long before the boxes come out. Keeping them calm and safe takes extra planning.
On moving day
- Keep your pet away from the chaos — ideally with a friend or in a quiet room with their bed and water
- Never transport pets in the removal van — take them in your own car in a secure carrier
- Keep food, bowls, lead, litter tray, and medication easily accessible
At the new home
- Set up a familiar space with their bed and toys before letting them explore
- Cats should be kept indoors for at least two weeks to prevent them trying to return to the old address
- Dogs may need extra walks while adjusting to new sounds and smells
- Check your garden is secure and escape-proof before letting pets outside
Admin
- Update your pet’s microchip with the new address (a legal requirement)
- Find and register with a new vet before you need one
- If your pet has anxiety, speak to your vet about calming aids before moving day
Bristol & Bath — Local Challenges
Every neighbourhood has its quirks. Here is what our team deals with daily across both cities.
Parking & RPZ Zones
Clifton, Cotham, Redland, Montpelier, Southville, and most of central Bath are RPZ. You’ll need a council parking suspension (about £45, two weeks’ notice).
Hills & Tight Streets
Totterdown, Windmill Hill, Kingsdown, Lansdown, Bear Flat — steep inclines that affect loading. Narrow lanes often need a shuttle van.
Victorian & Georgian Properties
Narrow hallways, tight stair turns, Bath stone that must be protected. Furniture regularly needs partial disassembly in both cities.
Flats & New Builds
Harbourside, Temple Quay, and Redcliffe flats need lift access and loading bay bookings. New builds in Filton and Lyde Green have narrow rooms and shared parking.
Browse our area pages for specific neighbourhood advice and your specific area.
What to Check in Your New Home
Once the removal team has left, check these straight away. For the full week-by-week breakdown, see our moving house checklist.
- Meter readings: Take readings for gas, electric, and water immediately. Photograph each meter.
- Stopcock and fuse box: Locate both before you need them.
- Locks: Consider changing them — you don’t know how many key copies exist.
- Smoke and CO alarms: Test every one. Replace if older than 10 years.
- Boiler service: Book one within the first few weeks if you don’t have a recent gas safety certificate.
- Register with local services: GP, dentist, optician, electoral roll — do this in your first week.