Moving out of Bradford: planning a long-distance move

Moving out of Bradford for a new job, family or a fresh start is a bigger job than a move across town. The van may be on the road for hours, you may be arriving in a city you do not know, and you cannot pop back for anything left behind. Good planning makes all the difference. This guide covers how long-distance moves from Bradford are usually planned, from routes and timings to access at the other end.

How a long-distance move differs

On a local move, most of the time is spent loading and unloading. On a long-distance move, driving time takes a bigger share. That changes the plan in a few ways:

• Start times matter more. An early start helps the van reach the other end in good time.
• Everything goes in one load. There is no second trip for forgotten items.
• Keys at both ends need to line up with the drive.
• Overnight moves may be needed for very long trips or very large homes.

Our long distance removals service covers moves from Bradford to anywhere in the UK.

The routes out of Bradford

Bradford is well placed for the motorway network.

South and east: M606, M62, M1 and A1(M)

Most long trips start on the M606, which joins the M62 at junction 26, Chain Bar. From there:

• East on the M62 to the M1 for the Midlands, London and the south east.
• East on the M62 further to the A1(M) for the north east, Scotland via the east coast, or the east of England.

West: M62 towards Manchester

West on the M62 over the Pennines leads to Manchester, Liverpool, the M6 and routes to the north west, Wales and the west of Scotland. The high stretch across the Pennines can be affected by weather in winter.

North: A650 and A658

For Harrogate, the Dales or the north, routes such as the A650 towards Keighley and the A658 towards Harrogate can be quicker than heading down to the motorway first.

The best route depends on the destination, the time of day and the roadworks at the time. We plan it before the day.

Timings

Avoid the rush hours

The M62 around Chain Bar and the approaches to Leeds and Manchester can be slow at peak times. An early start, or setting off after the morning rush, often saves time.

Allow for breaks

Long drives need breaks. Larger removal vehicles are also covered by legal limits on drivers’ hours. We build breaks into the plan.

Keys at the other end

Completion day keys are often released around midday or later, once money has moved. On a long move, the van might arrive before the keys are ready. Agree with your solicitor or letting agent when keys will be available, and tell us. If there is a gap, the van waits, which can add to the cost.

One-day or overnight moves

One-day moves

Moves to places a few hours’ drive away are often done in one day: load in the morning, drive, unload in the afternoon or evening.

Two-day moves

For longer distances or larger homes, the move may run over two days. A common plan is:

1. Day one. Load in Bradford, then drive part or all of the way.
2. Day two. Finish the drive and unload at the new home.

This gives the crew a fresh start for the unload and allows more time for keys to be released.

Storage in between

If there is a gap between leaving Bradford and getting into your new home, storage can hold your things until you are ready.

Access at the destination

You know your Bradford street, but you may not know your new one. Find out as much as you can before the day:

• Parking. Can a van stop outside? Is it a permit zone? Ask the local council about permits or suspensions.
• Flats. Is there a lift? Does it need booking? Are there move-in times?
• Stairs and doors. Measure them if you can visit, or ask the agent for details.
• Restrictions. Some city centres and old towns have narrow streets, low bridges or vehicle limits.

For the Bradford end, our guide to removal van parking in Bradford explains what to check.

Packing for a long move

Items travel further on a long-distance move, so good packing matters more.

• Use strong boxes and do not overfill them.
• Wrap fragile items well with plenty of paper and padding.
• Label every box with the room and a short list of contents.
• Pack an essentials box with kettle, mugs, bedding, chargers, medicines and documents. Keep it with you.
• Keep valuables with you, such as jewellery, passports and important papers.

Our packing service can pack some or all of your home. Goods in transit cover is also available to buy.

What affects the cost

There is no fixed price for a long-distance move, as it depends on:

• the size of the load and how big a van is needed
• the distance and the route
• crew size
• access at both ends, including stairs, lifts and parking
• packing and materials
• whether the move runs over two days
• waiting time if keys are late

For a rough idea, try our moving cost calculator.

Planning timeline

• Eight weeks ahead. Get quotes and book your date.
• Six weeks ahead. Start sorting and clearing out.
• Four weeks ahead. Check parking and access at both ends.
• Two weeks ahead. Start packing rooms you use least.
• The final week. Confirm key times, pack the rest and prepare your essentials box.

Get a quote for your long-distance move

Long-distance moves are planned around your dates, your load and the access at both ends. Send your addresses, a list of what is going and your preferred date through our free quote form, or call 08000862860. Quotes are free and valid for 3 months.