Moving home is exciting but it can also become overwhelming very quickly. Between packing boxes, arranging removals, updating addresses, transferring utilities, and organising storage, many people forget about two major parts of a successful move:
- Preparing your home properly
- Deciding how your vehicle will get to your new home
As a professional handyman, I regularly help homeowners, tenants, and landlords who are preparing to move out or settle into a new property. One thing I see time and time again is that the smoother the preparation, the smoother the move.
This guide combines practical home preparation advice with what you need to know about shipping your car, helping you avoid stress, delays, and unnecessary costs.
The Overlooked Side of Moving: Preparing Your Home
Most people focus on boxes and vans. Fewer people think about the condition of the property itself.
- Loose doors
- Leaking taps
- Damaged plaster
- Cracked tiles
- Loose banisters
- Faulty light fittings
These small issues can lead to:
- Lost deposits
- Failed check out inspections
- Delays in selling
- Unexpected repair bills
A few hours of handyman work before moving day can prevent much bigger problems later.
Why Shipping Makes Sense for Long Distance Moves
Driving for days on end adds a lot of miles to a vehicle’s odometer. It also means hotel stays, meals, fuel stops, and the possibility of breakdowns away from home. That’s before you consider the toll that long distance driving takes after the busy task of packing an entire home.
The solution many people choose instead is a quality car transport service to handle the job for them. Professional carriers take the time while the vehicle owner flies to their new home and arrives ready to go.
From a handyman’s point of view, choosing to ship your car frees up valuable time and energy. Instead of recovering from a long drive, you can focus on preparing your home properly and dealing with the practical details that matter.
Top Tip: Think of car shipping as buying back time. Use that time to deal with small repairs, safety checks, and final preparations.
Pre Move Out Handyman Checklist
Before handing over keys or completing your sale, it is worth walking through your property carefully. I’ve moved house several times now and there are a number of tasks that I commonly complete before the move.
Patch and Repair Walls
Picture hooks, rawlplugs, and cracks stand out immediately.
How I help: I fill, sand, and touch up plaster so walls look clean and presentable.
Fix Sticking Doors and Handles
Doors that do not close properly or handles that feel loose create a poor impression.
How I help: Adjusting hinges, aligning latches, and replacing handles.
Repair Minor Plumbing Issues
Dripping taps, slow draining sinks, or running toilets are common inspection failures.
How I help: Tap repairs, washer replacement, siphon repairs, waste trap replacement.
Replace Broken Fixtures and Fittings
Cracked switches, loose sockets, broken light fittings, and damaged bathroom accessories are often flagged.
How I help: Supply and fit replacement fittings and secure everything properly.
Disconnect Appliances Safely
Washing machines, dishwashers, and cookers should be disconnected correctly.
How I help: Isolate supplies, remove hoses, and cap pipes where required.
Choosing the Right Car Transport Company
Not all transport companies offer the same level of service. I’ve shipped my car before when we moved over 200miles away. It was a big move for us, and we needed to ship two cars and a van. With only two of us, it wasn’t feasible to do this alone. Here’s some advice for finding a company that can get your vehicle moved safely. Look for:
- Clear pricing
- Good reviews
- Proper insurance
- Real contact details
This is similar to choosing a handyman. A reliable professional should be insured, communicative, and happy to explain how they work.
Top Tip: If a company cannot explain their process clearly, it is usually best to keep looking.
Open vs Enclosed Car Transport
Open Transport. More affordable and commonly used. Vehicle is exposed to weather.
Enclosed Transport. Higher cost but offers extra protection. Better for prestige, classic, or high-value vehicles.
Think of it like choosing materials for a repair. Standard options work well in most cases. Premium options make sense when you are protecting something valuable.
What to Do Before the Carrier Arrives
Transport vehicles need clear and safe access.
Clear your driveway or parking area
Move bins and obstacles
Ensure gates open fully
If your car is stored in a garage, the door must open smoothly.
How I help: Minor garage door adjustments, track lubrication, hinge replacement, and alignment.
Also remember to:
- Remove personal items from the car
- Take photos of the vehicle condition
- Leave only a small amount of fuel in the tank
Preparing Your New Home Before You Arrive
Arriving at a new property only to find multiple small problems can be exhausting.
Common issues include:
- Leaking taps
- Broken lights
- Loose toilet seats
- Doors that will not lock
- Missing curtain poles
Arranging a handyman before you move in can transform the experience.
Move In Handyman Services I Commonly Provide
Here’s a quick list of services I provide, but not exhaustive.
Changing locks
Fitting lights and ceiling fittings
TV wall mounting
Hanging curtain poles and blinds
Assembling furniture
Fitting shelves
Minor plumbing repairs
Example: One customer had their car delivered the same day they collected keys. I attended the property earlier that morning, changed locks, repaired a leaking kitchen tap, fitted curtain poles, and mounted their television. They arrived at a home that was ready to live in.
Understanding the True Cost of Skipping Small Repairs
Skipping small jobs often leads to higher costs later.
- Lost deposit deductions
- Emergency call outs
- Last minute contractor fees
Preventative handyman work is almost always the cheaper option.
Timing and Coordination Matters
Try to schedule:
- Home repairs
- Professional cleaning
- Vehicle collection
- Removal company
- within a planned window.
Good timing prevents unnecessary delays and stress.
One Call Can Simplify Your Move
While you arrange car transport and removals, I can handle the practical work inside your home.
- Repairs
- Installations
- Safety checks
- Final touch ups
You focus on the move. I handle the tools.
Final Thoughts
Shipping your vehicle can be a smart choice for long-distance moves. Preparing your home properly is just as important.
If you need help getting your property ready for move out or move in, feel free to get in touch. I am happy to provide a checklist, quotation, and practical advice to make your move easier.
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