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The Ultimate Checklist for Moving Day in Edinburgh or Glasgow
- J. P G
- Jun 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Moving house can be chaotic — especially in busy urban centres like Edinburgh and Glasgow, where everything from narrow staircases to limited parking and unpredictable weather can throw a spanner in the works.
The secret to a smooth and efficient moving day?
Preparation
Whether you’re relocating from a top-floor flat in Leith or moving your family home across Glasgow’s Southside, this comprehensive checklist is designed specifically for residents in Scotland’s two largest cities. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from night-before prep to unloading and settling in — so you can move with clarity and confidence.
Why Edinburgh & Glasgow Moves Are Unique
Moving in Edinburgh and Glasgow presents its own challenges:
Tenement living with multiple flights of stairs
Busy city centre streets and one-way systems
Limited parking in residential areas
Historic buildings with tight corners and shared entries
Weather changes from sun to sleet in 10 minutes
That’s why having a tailored, city-specific moving day checklist is a must.
One Week Before Moving Day
✅ Confirm Removal Company & Services
Reconfirm your moving date and time with your chosen removal company (ideally one familiar with Edinburgh/Glasgow streets, like Rapid Removal Scotland).
Finalise any additional services like packing help, waste clearance, or storage.
Share any access notes with your movers (e.g. stair access only, entry codes, parking restrictions).
✅ Notify Neighbours
Inform neighbours about your move to avoid conflicts.
If you live in a shared stairwell or block, let neighbours know you’ll be moving furniture through common areas.
✅ Book Parking Suspension (if needed)
In both cities, if you need space for a van outside your property, contact the council in advance to request a parking suspension:
This ensures your moving van can park legally and close to the property — reducing hassle and time.
2–3 Days Before Moving
✅ Finish Packing & Labelling
Complete the bulk of your packing, leaving only essentials.
Use clear labels for each box with:
Room name
Contents summary
Fragile/non-fragile indicators
Tip: Use colour-coded labels for rooms to speed up unloading.
✅ Create an “Essentials Box”
Prepare a survival kit for your first night in the new place:
Tea/coffee & kettle
Cleaning products
Toilet roll & hand soap
Bedding
Phone chargers
Pet food
Change of clothes
Important documents
Keep this box with you — not on the van.
✅ Defrost & Clean Fridge/Freezer
Empty and defrost 24–48 hours before moving day.
Wipe down to prevent mould and leaks.
Keep a cool bag handy if you’re moving perishables short distance.
The Day Before Moving
✅ Take Final Meter Readings (Optional)
If you’re renting or changing utilities:
Photograph gas, electricity, and water meter readings.
Send them to your provider for accurate billing.
✅ Dismantle Furniture (If Not Done by Movers)
Take apart any beds, wardrobes, or large items not being handled by your removal company.
Bag and label screws or bolts separately.
Tape instruction manuals or parts to furniture frames if needed.
✅ Prepare Entry Access
Ensure you have keys to both your current and new properties.
If you’re in a flat:
Arrange lift access, if available.
Prop open fire doors safely if you can.
Ensure stairwells are clear for moving day.
Moving Day Morning
✅ Wake Up Early
Allow time for any last-minute issues. Don’t schedule a late start — aim for early morning moves, especially in busy cities where traffic can delay progress.
✅ Pack Final Items
Quickly pack up:
Toiletries
Bedding
Phone chargers
Important documents
Pet essentials
✅ Take Final Walkthrough of Old Property
Check cupboards, lofts, sheds, under beds.
Look in the washing machine or dishwasher for forgotten items.
Switch off lights, heating, and water.
Take final photos of property condition (important for renters).
During the Move
✅ Be Present to Direct Movers
Guide the removal team on where to place items.
Point out fragile items, priority boxes, or no-go zones.
Stay accessible via phone if movers are traveling ahead of you.
✅ Stay Calm & Flexible
Expect small delays — roadworks, parking issues, or flat access delays are common in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Keep water and snacks handy to stay energised.
Upon Arrival at New Property
✅ Inspect the Property
Before unpacking, do a quick check of:
Lock function on doors and windows
Heating and hot water working
Electricity and fuse box
Signs of leaks or damage
If renting, photograph condition and flag any issues to the letting agent.
✅ Guide Furniture Placement
Place furniture in final positions while movers are present — much easier than doing it later!
Stack boxes in correct rooms to avoid tripping hazards.
✅ Unpack Essentials First
Tackle your essentials box:
Set up kettle and cups
Make up the beds
Set up a lamp or light source if moving in winter months
This makes the space feel instantly liveable.
Evening of Moving Day
✅ Order Food or Make a Simple Meal
You likely won’t feel like cooking after a long day — prepare by:
Ordering food from local takeaways
Having a frozen meal ready in your bag
Keeping snacks and fruit handy
✅ Check In with Pets or Kids
Allow pets time to settle into one room
Let children set up their rooms to build excitement
Familiar scents (blankets, beds) help reduce anxiety
✅ Relax
Take a hot shower, light a candle, and enjoy your new space. Even if boxes are still everywhere, you’ve made it.
The Next Few Days
✅ Update Addresses
DVLA (Driving licence & V5C)
Bank & credit cards
Council tax & electoral roll
TV Licence
Online retailers (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
✅ Unpack Systematically
Don’t pressure yourself to unpack everything in one day. Aim for:
First 1–2 days: Kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms
Next 3–5 days: Living areas and storage
Weekend: Decorative touches, wall art, etc.
✅ Explore Your Neighbourhood
Whether you’ve moved to Marchmont, Dennistoun, or Partick:
Locate your nearest supermarket, GP, and public transport
Introduce yourself to neighbours
Find the best local cafés, takeaways, and walks
Moving Tips for Edinburgh-Specific Challenges
🏛️ Edinburgh
Stair tenements: Let your removal team know about top-floor flats.
Parking: Many areas require residents’ permits or pay-and-display zones.
Festival months (August/December): Avoid moving during these periods if possible — increased traffic and road closures.
Neighbourhood tip: If moving near the Royal Mile or New Town, ask your removals team about shuttle options or carrying distance concerns.
Moving Tips for Glasgow-Specific Challenges
🏛️ Glasgow
Southside areas (like Shawlands, Govanhill) often feature high Victorian flats — communicate stair levels and access.
City Centre: One-way systems can delay van travel — make sure your movers know alternate routes.
Weather: Glasgow's weather can shift quickly — keep rain covers or plastic sheeting handy.
Neighbourhood tip: In Finnieston, West End, or Merchant City areas, book parking permits well in advance and check with building factors about lift usage.
Bonus: Eco-Friendly Moving Tips
Use recycled boxes or borrow plastic moving crates
Donate or give away unwanted furniture to local Scottish charities
Hire a removals team that offers waste clearance and recycling
Conclusion: A Smooth Move Starts with a Solid Plan
A successful house move in Edinburgh or Glasgow comes down to preparation. With busy traffic, tight spaces, and unique urban layouts, having a detailed moving day checklist helps you stay in control, avoid last-minute panic, and actually enjoy your move.
Need expert help with your city move?
At Rapid Removal Scotland, we specialise in local removals tailored to the specific challenges of Edinburgh and Glasgow — from top-floor flats and parking permits to waste clearance and storage.
📦 Book your move now: Visit www.rapidremovalsscotland.com or call us for a free tailored quote today.
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