From our experience at A. Luckes & Son, access problems are one of the most common reasons a moving day becomes more stressful than it needs to be. Stairs, parking restrictions, long carry distances and narrow roads can all slow things down if they haven’t been planned for properly.
Access issues on moving day usually involve stairs, limited parking, long carry distances or restricted vehicle access. When these factors are identified early through a removals survey, they can be planned for properly — helping to avoid delays, extra charges and unnecessary stress.
The good news is that most access issues can be managed very effectively — as long as they’re identified early and factored into the plan.
Stairs, Lifts and Internal Access
Properties with stairs, split levels or limited internal space naturally take longer to move out of. Flats without lifts, tight staircases, narrow hallways and awkward turns all affect how quickly items can be moved safely.
In practical terms, the most common access problems on moving day include:
- Multiple flights of stairs or no lift access
- Narrow hallways or tight internal turns
- Lifts that are too small or unavailable on the day
- Large furniture that needs careful manoeuvring
This doesn’t mean a move is a problem — it simply means the right number of movers and the correct amount of time need to be allowed from the outset.
Parking Restrictions and Carry Distance
Parking is one of the most underestimated access issues when planning a move. If a removal vehicle can’t park close to the property, every item has to be carried further — which adds time and physical effort.
Common parking-related issues include:
- Permit-only streets
- Single yellow lines or loading restrictions
- Limited on-street parking near town centres
- Shared driveways or private roads
From experience, longer carry distances can significantly affect how long a move takes. That’s why we always assess parking arrangements in advance and advise if permits or suspensions are needed.
In our experience, parking problems are one of the most common causes of moving day delays — particularly where permits or temporary suspensions are required.
Many customers assume that parking “will be fine on the day”, but in permit-controlled areas or busy residential streets, this can lead to unnecessary delays if arrangements haven’t been made in advance.
Where needed, we advise customers early on if parking permits or temporary suspensions should be arranged, allowing enough time for approval and avoiding last-minute complications.
Related reading: Parking in Swindon for House Removals
Tight Roads, New Developments and Restricted Access
Some properties are simply harder to reach than others. Narrow roads, cul-de-sacs, weight restrictions and newer housing developments can all limit vehicle access.
- Large vehicles can’t get close to the property
- Turning space is limited
- Access times are restricted by management companies
- Road layouts prevent safe parking nearby
New housing developments can present unique access challenges. Narrow roads, tightly parked cars and limited turning space are common — even when properties themselves are modern and well maintained.
From our experience, these areas often require more detailed planning around vehicle size and positioning, particularly if multiple households are moving on the same day.
In these cases, advance planning is essential. Knowing about restrictions early allows us to plan alternative parking positions or adjust vehicle size where necessary.
Why Access Issues Need to Be Identified Before Moving Day
Access problems rarely cause issues on their own — they cause issues when they come as a surprise.
- Allow realistic loading and unloading times
- Assign the correct crew size
- Plan vehicle positioning properly
- Avoid unnecessary delays on the day
In our experience, most moving day stress linked to access could have been avoided with better early planning.
Access issues can also become more challenging in poor weather. Slippery steps, wet pathways and reduced visibility all increase the importance of proper planning and safe vehicle positioning.
How a Removals Survey Helps Prevent Access Problems
A removals survey allows us to look at access in real-world terms — not assumptions.
- Distance from the property to the vehicle
- Stairs, lifts and internal layouts
- Parking restrictions and road access
- Any potential obstacles on the route
In simple terms, removals surveys turn unknown access risks into known, manageable planning decisions.
Access is one of the first things we assess during a removals survey because it affects every other part of the move — from crew size to timing.
Identifying access constraints early allows us to plan around them properly rather than reacting to them on moving day.
Related reading: What Happens at a Removals Survey – What to Expect from Start to Finish
Access Issues at the New Property Matter Too
It’s easy to focus on access at the property you’re moving from, but access at your new home is just as important.
- Parking availability at the destination
- Staircases or lifts at the new property
- Any time restrictions on unloading
It’s not uncommon for access at the new property to be overlooked entirely, particularly if customers haven’t visited recently or are moving into a new build.
Checking access at both ends of the move helps ensure unloading runs as smoothly as loading — preventing avoidable delays at the final stage.
Our Advice: Flag Access Issues Early
If there’s one thing we always recommend, it’s being open about access from the beginning. What might seem like a small detail can have a big impact on planning.
If you’re planning a move in or around Swindon and have any concerns about access, our team is always happy to talk things through and offer practical advice based on real experience.
Related reading: What to Expect on Moving Day
