How To Prepare For A House Move In Brighton

Planning a house move is never simple — and in Brighton, it comes with its own set of local challenges. Whether you’re relocating to a new home in Hove, moving out of a flat in central Brighton, or arriving from another city, the process takes careful planning.

Brighton is a vibrant, high-demand area known for its narrow streets, limited parking, and busy event calendar. From the Brighton Marathon to Pride Festival, timing your move around these city-wide events is crucial. Add in the city’s mix of older buildings and multi-storey homes, and it’s clear: this isn’t a move you want to leave until the last minute.

This guide is made for anyone planning a local or long-distance move involving Brighton, whether you’re a homeowner, renter, student, or young professional.

Plan Your Move With a Timeline That Actually Works

The most successful house moves start early — ideally 6 to 8 weeks before your move date. Creating a clear moving plan helps you avoid last-minute stress and makes each step manageable.

Suggested Moving Timeline:

• 6–8 Weeks Before: Start decluttering and researching Brighton removals companies. Decide if you’ll need full-service movers or just a man with a van.
  
• 4 Weeks Before: Confirm your move date, notify important services, and begin packing non-essential items.
  
• 2 Weeks Before: Finalize address changes, arrange parking for your moving van, and pack essential documents.
  
• 1 Week Before: Finish packing, clean your current property, and prepare an “essentials” box for day one in your new home.
  

📌 Tip: Try to avoid moving during Brighton’s peak event season (May–August), as roads can be closed or extremely congested.

Hire a Reputable Removal Company in Brighton Early

Brighton’s removals industry can get booked up fast — especially in summer or around university term times. Start by gathering quotes from Brighton-based moving companies, and check for:

• Verified reviews and testimonials
• Insurance coverage
• Local knowledge of Brighton’s tricky parking and access points

Start Decluttering to Reduce What You Have to Move

Before you pack a single box, take the time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. This not only makes your move easier but can reduce costs if you’re paying by volume.

What to do:

• Keep only what you truly use or love
  
• Donate to local Brighton charity shops like Martlets or Emmaus
  
• Sell unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree
  
• Recycle electronics, clothes, or furniture at Brighton’s local recycling points
  

Break it down room by room — starting with storage areas like lofts, sheds, or under-bed boxes.

Packing Supplies and Smart Packing Strategy

Proper packing can make your move smoother and help protect your belongings.

Packing Essentials:

• Sturdy boxes in various sizes
• Heavy-duty tape and packing paper
• Bubble wrap for fragile items
• Permanent markers and clear labels
  

Smart Tips:

• Pack by room and label clearly: e.g., “Kitchen – Plates – Fragile”
• Don’t overload boxes – mix heavy and light items
• Mark fragile boxes clearly
• Pack an “open first” box with essentials like toiletries, snacks, chargers, and a kettle
• If you live in a tall townhouse or flat, pack heavier items in smaller boxes to ease lifting on stairs

Notify Services and Update Your Address

Changing your address is more than just updating the post. You’ll need to notify various services to avoid disruptions or missed bills.

Who to Notify:

• Gas, electric, and water providers
  
• Internet and mobile networks
  
• TV licensing
  
• Royal Mail – set up a redirection service
  
• Brighton & Hove City Council – update your address for council tax
  

Also notify:

• Banks and credit cards
  
• Insurance providers
  
• HMRC and DVLA
  
• Your employer or school
  

Start this process early so nothing gets missed.

Prepare for Moving Day in Brighton

Moving day can be chaotic if you’re not ready. In Brighton, it’s especially important to think about parking, timing, and property access.

Must-Do Tasks:

• Book a parking suspension or permit for your removals van with Brighton & Hove Council
  
• Confirm arrival time and access details with your movers
  
• Cover floors and doorways to protect your property
  
• Take final meter readings and photograph them
  
• Double-check all rooms and storage spaces before handing over keys
  

🛑 Avoid moving during peak Brighton traffic hours or during major events if possible.

After the Move: Quick Setup and Settling In

Once you’ve moved in, focus on getting the basics up and running.

Do This First:

• Unpack essentials like kitchenware and toiletries
  
• Check utilities and boiler are working
  
• Set up your bins according to Brighton’s rubbish and recycling schedule
  
• Register with a local GP and dentist
  
• Locate local shops, public transport routes, and emergency numbers
  

📌 Brighton & Hove has specific waste collection days — check your postcode on the council website.

Brighton-Specific Tips to Make Your Move Smoother

Brighton is unique. Here are a few tips that only apply here:

• Apply for parking permits early (some zones have long waiting lists)
  
• Visit Brighton recycling centres for large item disposal
  
• Plan around Brighton’s major events (road closures, traffic)
  
• Ask local removal firms for advice on access to older buildings, top-floor flats, or basement units

Complete House Move Checklist for Brighton (Free Download)

FAQ’s