A USEFUL START · FREE CHECKLIST
Make the first rooms work
Start with the things that make tomorrow easier.
This is a practical planning guide, not a promise that every move can be finished in a day. Choose the rooms and belongings that matter to your household.
Before packing
Download the printable moving checklist (PDF)
- Choose three priorities for the first evening and morning.
- Keep keys, essential paperwork and personally managed medication with you.
- Agree who is making decisions about shared or inherited belongings.
- Check access, parking and what your removal company includes.
- Set aside unsuitable or heavy items for the right specialist.
Label for the destination
Write the destination room and a useful contents description on each box. Mark the essentials clearly. Keep private documents out of public photographs.
First useful spaces
- Kitchen: a small set of crockery, basic utensils and the things for a first meal.
- Bedroom: bedding and everyday clothes you can reach without opening every box.
- Bathroom: towels and personal essentials.
- Entrance: a clear route and an agreed place for keys.
Leave room for decisions
Make a “decide later” area rather than forcing every choice on moving day. Keep donations separate for a collection or drop-off you arrange. Check the receiving organisation accepts the items.
Do removal companies unpack?
Some removal companies offer unpacking, either in a package or as an extra. What it includes varies: ask whether belongings will be put away or unpacked onto surfaces, and whether packaging will be taken away. After eight years in the removals industry, I help with agreed organising tasks that make everyday spaces work for you.
Your movers and an organiser: who does what
Confirm what your removal company includes before booking extra help. Some firms provide packing and unpacking as well as transport. Carla can help with complementary sorting and organising tasks within an agreed scope.
Download the movers and organiser planning sheet (PDF)
Questions to ask your removal firm about unpacking
- Is unpacking included or an extra, and for which rooms?
- How long will the crew stay?
- Are materials included or charged separately?
- Does unpacking mean unwrapping onto surfaces or putting things away?
- Who dismantles and reassembles furniture?
- Who takes away boxes and packaging?
- What access and parking arrangements do they need?
Agree Carla’s part
Before the move, we can sort priorities and pack or label agreed belongings. Afterwards, we can unpack kitchen cupboards, wardrobes or other essentials you choose. Decisions stay yours.
Move & Settle is £360, over two planned days with the time allocation and priorities agreed in writing. For a larger project, Move In, Settle In provides 24 hands-on hours across four visits, up to two hours of planning and one 30-minute follow-up within 14 days of the final visit.
Little Helping Hand does not provide a van, removals transport, heavy lifting, furniture assembly, cleaning or waste disposal. Packing materials are separate. Tell both suppliers who is doing each task, and confirm timings, access, costs and responsibility before booking.
Explore packing and unpacking help or discuss your move with Carla.
I work across Bridgend, Porthcawl, Cowbridge, Cardiff, Penarth, Barry and surrounding areas. Confirm your area and travel arrangements.
Can I hire someone to unpack my house?
Yes. Move & Settle is £360 over two planned days, with time and priorities agreed in writing. Move In, Settle In is £1,300 for 24 hands-on hours across 4 visits, plus capped planning and follow-up. Both focus on agreed tasks; whole-house completion is not guaranteed.
Do I need an organiser if my movers unpack?
Not always. Check whether your movers put belongings away or unpack onto surfaces. If you still want help arranging kitchen cupboards, wardrobes or other priority spaces, we can agree a separate session.
Your three priorities
1. ____________________
2. ____________________
3. ____________________
Share those priorities, your postcode and dates when you ask about Move & Settle. This page can be printed using your browser.
Deciding where things can go? Use the local donation, selling and recycling guide.
A free 15-minute conversation.
Tell me your postcode, what would help and any dates in mind. We agree the work, price and availability before you book.
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