Moving home is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events. But moving in Oxford? That comes with its own unique set of challenges. Between the historic narrow streets of Jericho, the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Cowley, and the Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) that cover much of the city, an Oxford move requires military-grade precision.
Whether you are upgrading to a family home in Summertown, moving into a character property in Headington, or relocating to the peaceful Oxfordshire countryside, preparation is your best defence against stress.
As your local experts based near Bicester and serving the entire county, Move In Matters has helped hundreds of families navigate the “City of Dreaming Spires” without the nightmare. Here is our step-by-step guide to preparing for your Oxford removal.
Create Your 8-Week Moving Timeline
Success lies in the schedule. Leaving everything to the last minute is a recipe for disaster, especially in a busy property market like Oxfordshire.
- 8 Weeks To Go: Confirm your date (if possible) and start decluttering.
- 6 Weeks To Go: Research and book your removal company. (Note: Oxford moves fill up fast in summer and September due to the university academic calendar).
- 4 Weeks To Go: Start packing non-essential items like books and out-of-season clothes.
- 2 Weeks To Go: Notify utility providers and Oxford City Council.
- 1 Week To Go: Finish packing and dismantle non-essential furniture.
- Moving Day: Leave the heavy lifting to us!
Declutter and Gather Packing Supplies
Before you pack a single box, you need to decide what is actually coming with you. There is no point paying to move items you haven’t used in years.
The Oxford Declutter Strategy: Adhere to the “Three-Pile Rule”: Keep, Donate, Bin.
- Donate: Oxford is packed with excellent charity shops. The Oxfam Superstore on Botley Road is a great place to drop off bulkier donations.
- Recycle: For items that are past their best, take a trip to Redbridge Household Waste Recycling Centre (Old Abingdon Road) or Dix Pit (Stanton Harcourt).
Gathering Supplies: Don’t rely on supermarket banana boxes—they aren’t strong enough for heavy items and can collapse in the van. You need double-walled corrugated cardboard boxes, packing paper (newspaper can stain your china!), and strong vinyl tape.
- Tip: If you book a full packing service with Move In Matters, we bring all the professional materials with us, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Book Reliable Removal Services Early
In Oxford, timing is everything. The rental market is heavily influenced by the universities, meaning late June and September are “peak seasons” where removal companies are booked up weeks in advance.
Why DIY is Dangerous in Oxford: Hiring a self-drive van might seem cheaper, but Oxford’s roads are unforgiving to the uninitiated.
- Bus Gates: The High Street and other key connectors have strict bus gates that catch out unwary drivers with hefty fines.
- LTNs: Areas like Cowley and East Oxford have planters blocking through-traffic. A professional local driver knows exactly which routes to take to avoid a 30-minute detour.
For a stress-free experience, book a team that knows the local geography.
- Need a smaller van for a flat move? Check out our [Man and Van Services].
- Planning a big family relocation? See our [House Removals Bicester] hub for full service details.
Master Packing Room by Room
Packing is a marathon, not a sprint. To keep your sanity, tackle one room at a time, starting with the least used areas like the attic, garage, or spare bedroom.
Pro Packing Tips:
- Label Everything: Write the room and the contents on the side of the box (not the top, which gets covered when stacked).
- Heavy Items, Small Boxes: Never pack books in a large box. It will be too heavy to lift and the bottom may fall out. Use small boxes for dense items and large boxes for bedding and toys.
- The “Tetris” Method: Fill gaps in boxes with soft items like tea towels or socks to stop contents shifting during transit.
- Struggling for space while packing? You might benefit from our short-term [Storage Solutions] to clear the clutter while you sort.
Notify Utilities, Councils and Services
Bureaucracy is the least exciting part of moving, but it’s essential to avoid paying bills for a house you no longer live in.
Your Notification Checklist:
- Oxford City Council: Inform them of your move date for Council Tax purposes. You can easily do this via their website.
- Water: If you are moving within the region, you are likely with Thames Water. Let them know your final reading.
- DVLA: Update your driving licence and vehicle registration.
- Electoral Roll: Register to vote at your new address.
- Redirect Mail: Set up a Royal Mail redirection service at least 5 days before you move to catch any stragglers.
Prepare Your Oxford Home for Moving Day
This is the most critical step for Oxford residents. If the removal truck can’t park, the move can’t happen.
Parking Suspensions (Crucial!): If you live in a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)—which covers most of central Oxford, Jericho, and parts of East Oxford—you must arrange a parking bay suspension for the removal vehicle.
- The Rules: Oxford City Council generally requires 10 working days’ notice to suspend bays.
- The Cost: There is a fee per bay space. A large removal lorry may need 2 or 3 car lengths.
- How we help: If you book with Move In Matters, we can advise you on exactly how much space our vehicles need so you can book the correct suspension.
Access Check: Do you have a narrow driveway? Are there low-hanging trees? Let your removal company know in advance so they can send the right size vehicle.
Handle Cleaning and Final Checks
Before you close the door for the last time, do a final sweep.
- The “Deep Clean”: If you are renting, your deposit depends on the property being returned in professional condition.
- Meter Readings: Take photos of your gas, electricity, and water meters just before you leave. This is your proof if a utility company tries to overcharge you later.
- Secure the Property: Check all windows are locked, the garage is shut, and keys are gathered in one place to hand over to the new owners or estate agent.
Settle into Your New Home Smoothly
The truck is empty, the team has waved goodbye, and you are surrounded by boxes. Don’t panic!
- Unpack the Essentials First: Hopefully, you packed an “Essentials Box” with the kettle, mugs, tea bags, toilet roll, and phone chargers.
- Make the Beds: Before you start opening kitchen boxes, set up the beds. You will be exhausted tonight, and you’ll thank yourself for having a ready-made bed waiting.
- Check Utilities: Ensure the heating, water, and lights work in the new property.
- Meet the Neighbours: Oxford has a wonderful community spirit. A quick hello to the neighbours can go a long way.