How does moving long distance in the UK work?

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I appreciate this sounds a bit dim but I've managed to reach my late forties without ever really having to manage a move in a big way, even locally (always moved from/to empty properties).

I'm looking to relocate 250 miles away next year and can't even begin to get my head around how the logistics will work, especially if it's a complete/move at both ends on the same day scenario.

Would the removals company pack my current house up the day before?

Do flat packs have to be dismantled?

Could I go ahead the day before and meet them there the following day?

I'll need to travel up with my cats on moving day which will be a mission in itself (friend is vet nurse and specialises in cat behaviour so will get tips from her!)

I'm getting way ahead I know but I have ADHD and the more prepared I can be as far in advance as possible, the better! I have already started decluttering 😁.

We always put the cats in a cattery for a few days.

they don’t like the house being packed up.

yes, you pack in advance. Pack a suitcase of stuff you’ll use over the move which is your personal stuff.

movers show up early and get everything in the van.

ideally done by noon as that’s when the money transfers take place.

then you drive to the new house, van with stuff and you in car with suitcase. Unload.

movers are very fast and practiced and you’ll be amazed. They need you to tell them which room for stuff.

no you don’t need to take apart all furniture - some won’t go for a starts.

That's good to know. I usually make a really early start when driving to the other location to minimise the hellscape that is the M25 - but I guess I can manage it once!

I was renting so not quite the same, but yes the movers packed up the day before and delivered the next day.

I had the ones who pack it all - brilliant. But don't let them take any plants you want to keep alive, I think it must've been too cold for mine (early Jan).

250 miles will probably be an overnight move... thats at keastb4hr on the road, there's working hours to consider. They will park overnight in their depot.

Removals companies usually offer a packing service that you will pay extra. Mine came and packed up the day before. Have a bag/box of essentials in your car, basically things you might want to get your hands on quickly without searching through boxes) overnight clothes, kettle, coffee or tea, toiletries, toilet roll, some lightbulbs, maybe some bedding, some cleaning stuff (for cleaning your current place ones the van is packed, and any cleaning you might need to do when you arrive at new place).

The packers will pack everything inside, contents intact (including the bin), so have a really ruthless clearout before they come.

For me, paying for a packing service was worth every penny.

Yes companies will pack up your entire house, at an entrance cost. You can also have them only pack breakables.
You don't have to unpack everything the day you move. Most of them will give you a few days to do that and give the boxes back. Some don't always ask for the boxes or will be happy with most and not all.
You normally travel there and meet them on moving day. Some will drive down and stay in the new area, so they're ready in the morning. And some take the lorry back to their company and drive down in the morning.

We complete on 1st Sept. We already own our next home so are moving on 29th August to allow cleaners in. If we didn’t own, we’d book packing/removal over 2 days and stay in an hotel in our new home town the night before.

I don't mind doing my packing, I suppose it's more the loading I'm thinking about.

Ideally if they could pack the afternoon before completion, I could clean that evening then set off with the basics and the cats at sparrowfart the next morning and leave key with estate agent/solicitor...would that work?