Apartments empty fast when a contract comes through. Laptops get packed, boxes stack up, and deadlines arrive before the visas do.  Many DC and Northern Virginia expats begin with a reliable crew close to home. Some book local movers in Arlington to manage packing, short term storage, and the first leg of a long journey while they confirm flights and housing overseas.  If you’re moving from the UK to Washington, keep reading to keep yourself informed on moving tips that can help you out.

Set a clear 6 to 8 week timeline

Work back from the report date. Put key dates on one page and share them with anyone helping you move.

• Weeks 7 to 8: confirm scope and inventory, book movers, and lock storage if needed. Ask for packing supply drop off, a packing day, a load day, and a delivery plan for what stays local.
• Weeks 5 to 6: start documents and utilities. Begin visa checks, health records, and power or internet cancellations. Photograph serial numbers for electronics.
• Weeks 3 to 4: pack the non essentials, donate or sell things you will not ship, and schedule junk removal to keep hallways clear.
• Weeks 1 to 2: finish packing, seal documents, and set aside your go bag. Include passports, visas, job letter, copies of prescriptions, laptop, chargers, and a three day set of clothes.

Right size your move, then label like a pro

Decide what ships, what stores, and what travels with you. Movers handle three common buckets well.

• Ship: furniture you love, work tools, and bulky items. Ask for sturdy cartons, double wall boxes for books, and dish barrels for plates. Use fragile tape only when needed. What matters more is clear labeling on two sides and the top.
• Store: off season clothes, keepsakes, and anything you will not need in the first six months. Climate controlled storage helps with wood furniture and photos. Agree on access hours and insurance paperwork before move day.
• Carry on: documents, jewelry, small electronics, and personal medications. Keep this with you, do not load it on the truck.

Create a room by room list with counts. Example: “Bedroom, 6 medium boxes, 2 lamps, 1 dresser.” Label each box with the room and a short description, then number the boxes. A simple spreadsheet that links numbers to contents will save time during customs checks or insurance claims.

Handle rules and paperwork early

Rules change by country and carrier, and paperwork takes time. Two sources can help you stay on track. HM Revenue and Customs explains UK tax points for people who move abroad, including residency and reporting dates, on GOV.UK. Don’t forget to read the guidance on tax when you live abroad to avoid missed filings or penalties.

If your goods will travel by sea, the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission publishes a Household Goods Consumer Guide that explains estimates, bills of lading, and your rights. It also lists how to check if a forwarder or carrier is licensed.

Ask your mover to confirm who is responsible for export documents, inventory lists, and insurance. Get names and numbers for the partner company at the destination. Confirm crate types, the expected transit time, and what happens if your keys or arrival date changes.

Bridge the gap between leases, flights, and start dates

Few expats get a clean handoff between a lease end, a flight window, and a start date. Build a simple bridge plan.

Short term storage, billed monthly, covers the gap when you ship furniture but do not have a clear delivery address yet. Ask for a single vault per room to keep retrieval simple. Confirm that fresh wrapping will be used before long term storage.

Partial moves help when you need to leave a local base. Movers can deliver a bed, desk, and kitchen basics to a storage unit or a friend’s home, then load the export items later. Clear labeling and a split invoice make this easier to track.

Junk removal on the penultimate day keeps fines and landlord issues away. Book it with enough time to do a final clean. Ask how they handle electronics and paint so you meet local disposal rules.

Price, payment, and insurance, without the guesswork

Ask for a written estimate that lists labor hours, truck size, packing materials, storage rates, and any stair or long carry fees. Fixed window pricing reduces surprises in busy buildings.

Payment timing matters if you are between pay cycles. Some movers in the DC area offer staged payments or move-now-pay-later plans. Clarify deposit amounts, when the card is charged, and how refunds work if your assignment shifts.

Insurance is separate from the estimate in many cases. Note the difference between released value coverage and full value protection. Confirm the claim process and the time limit to report damage. Photograph items as they go into boxes, then again when they come out.

Build your first week landing plan

List what you need on day one. Power adapters, a local SIM, and two sets of work clothes cover most roles. Scan your visa, passport, and job letter to a secure folder and carry hard copies in your go bag.

Share your inventory spreadsheet with your mover contact and your destination contact. Put flight numbers and local phone numbers at the top. If a delivery or customs inspection needs you on site, you will have everything in view.

Tell your bank about travel dates. Set up online rent or deposit transfers in advance. If you will be non-resident for tax in your home country, add the filing dates to your calendar and keep copies of your employment letter and travel records.

Wrap up

A good move is a set of small, named steps. Build a timeline, right size your load, finish the paperwork early, bridge any housing gap with storage, and keep money and coverage clear. With that plan, you can focus on the contract and settle faster once you land.