Plan your 1 bed move: quick overview
A 3 bed move requires a lot of planning as there’s usually more hidden volume than people expect. Loft stuff, garage overflow, kids’ rooms, and spare-room furniture can push the box count up quickly, so it helps to start earlier and pack with a clear order.
Boxes and packing
Plan for 70 to 100 boxes for most 3 bedroom moves. You’ll usually be towards the top end if you’ve got a loft, garage, children’s bedrooms, or rooms that do double duty.
What to pack first (to save time)
Pack in this order so you don’t box up things you still need:
- Loft, garage, and other storage areas
- The spare room or home office
- Books, decor, and non essentials from the living room
- Out of season clothes and linen
- Kitchen extras you won’t need before moving day
- Everyday essentials last
Packing tips that actually help
Start with less-used areas / storage spaces and pack room by room
Keep boxes labelled by room so unpacking is easier
Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and kitchenware
Mark fragile items clearly and keep them stable/upright where appropriate
Keep screws, fittings, and cables with the item they belong to
First night box (don’t skip this)
Keep one box or bag with you, not in the van. It should cover the first few hours in the new place, so you’re not digging through stacks just to find the basics.
- Bedding for the first night
- Toiletries and any medication
- Phone chargers
- Tea and coffee essentials
- A change of clothes
- Keys and important documents
- Basic children’s essentials, if needed
Download our free first night essentials checklist.
Van size and removals
For a 3 bed move, van choice is less about “could it fit” and more about how much time and lifting you want to add on the day. Once you’re dealing with bulkier furniture, fuller rooms, and storage areas like lofts or garages, it usually makes sense to size for one clean trip rather than risk running out of space.
What size van for a 3 bed move?
Large van: Can work for lighter 3 bed moves, especially if you’re splitting the load or keeping furniture to a minimum.
Luton van: Best fit for many 3 bed moves, particularly if you want one trip with bulkier furniture and a fuller load.
Larger removals vehicle: Worth considering if you’ve got a loft, garage, larger furniture, or enough volume that a standard van starts to feel tight.
Moving to the London area? Explore our guide to the most trusted removals companies.
What usually forces you to size up
These are the things that usually push a 3 bed move into a bigger van:
- A loft, garage, or other storage space you’re clearing out
- More than one double or king bed
- A dining table, desk setup, or other bulky furniture
- Appliances or heavier items that are awkward to load
- Stairs, long carries, or parking that isn’t close to the door
Why a survey helps with a 3 bed move
With 3 bedroom house moves, the risk of underestimating volume goes up. Lofts, garages, spare rooms, bulky furniture, and awkward access can all change the vehicle size, crew, and time needed on the day.
That’s why this is often the point where a removals survey becomes worth doing. It helps flag access issues early and gives you a more realistic plan for the move.
Timeline for a 3 bedroom move
A large move like this needs a bit more lead time because the volume builds quickly. The aim is to start earlier, clear the storage areas first, and avoid leaving the biggest jobs until the final weekend.
DIY packing for a 3 bed often takes several days, so a steady run-up is usually easier than a last-minute push.
Two weeks before
Get the main decisions sorted early. Book your van or removals help, order boxes and packing supplies, then start on the loft, garage, spare room, and anything else you won’t need before moving day.
Clearing out hidden storage first makes the rest of the house easier to judge and stops you moving things you no longer want.
One week before
This is the point to deal with the bigger practical details. Confirm parking and access, finish most of the spare room or office, and start packing the rooms that take longest, especially wardrobes, children’s rooms, and the kitchen.
Keep labelling by room so unloading is faster and you’re not sorting boxes from scratch at the other end.
Two days before
Aim to have the bulk of the packing done. Leave out only the things you still need, dismantle larger furniture, and do a proper sweep of cupboards, drawers, under-stairs storage, and anywhere else things tend to get left behind.
Put your first night box, keys, and important documents to one side so they stay with you.
Moving day
Pack the final essentials, then load the biggest pieces first so the van is balanced and space is used properly. Do one last check for chargers, paperwork, and anything tucked away in lofts, cupboards, or sheds, take meter readings, lock up, and keep the keys handy.
A 3 bed move often takes most of the day, so the more that’s finished before the van arrives, the smoother it usually runs
Download our free moving house checklist for a clear, step by step plan for a stress free move.
Self storage size for a 3 bedroom house
Storage is often most useful on a 3 bed move when your dates don’t line up, you’re renovating, or you need to clear space before moving day.
Best unit sizes for a 3 bed
100 to 150 sq ft:A solid guide for many 3 bed homes.
100 sq ft can work for a lighter 3 bed or a small three bed flat if you’re packing efficiently, while 150 sq ft is a safer fit for a standard 3 bed house with larger furniture and seasonal storag
Find your perfect unit size with HOLD.
When to size up
- You’re storing a loft, garage, or shed as well as the main rooms
- You’ve got larger furniture like wardrobes, dining sets, or multiple sofas
- You want room to get in and out without stacking everything tightly
- You’re storing for more than a short overlap and want to keep things organised
