We would always advise that the removal company does a site visit, rather than a telephone call to discuss what possessions are to be moved. 

Try and book your removal company with plenty of notice. This is to ensure they are available for your move date.

If the date of your move changes, make sure you advise the removal company ASAP. This is to keep them informed and for them to be able to prioritise availability of your revised date. 

Many removal companies work standard hours. Always check if any extra costs will be incurred if you go over an agreed time.

Informing your neighbours before the day of your move, that a removal vehicle will be parked outside your home is always a good thing to do.

Check if your removal company or "man and van"  has blankets to protect furniture from scratching during transportation.

If loading in a populated area, make sure someone is available at all times to keep an eye on your belongings in the vehicle. It can take longer than you think to carry out some items, and unfortunately, opportunistic thieves could be watching.

If you’re moving a long way, and the move goes into two days, what happens to the vehicle and your possessions overnight? Ensure you have insurance to cover any mishaps.

Make sure large items of furniture are not blocked by boxes for ease for the removal guys to load the van efficiently.

The packing process can take a lot longer than you expect, so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time. Wherever possible, pack your possessions in boxes, rather than bags, for ease and maximum protection.

How you fill a box is really important. Make sure you don’t overfill them. They can become too heavy to carry Heavy items are better in smaller boxes.

In the same respect, if boxes aren't packed enough, they will not withstand the weight of being stacked on top of each other.

Make sure all boxes are labelled, with either the name of the room, you want them to go into the other end, or number them. This will make it so much easier to unload.

When unpacking, try and get all the boxes put in the rooms you want them. This makes things so much easier to find what you need.

One of the most important tips, is make sure you have access to a kettle! This is needed as your doing your final packing/cleaning and first thing you'll want the other end.

Once you're loaded in the vehicle, do a final sweep around the house to ensure all items have been moved and nothing is forgotten.