Hints & Tips before you move house
Make Lists and Labelling Your Boxes
Labels for moving house
Make up a list to help you to record what s in each box or container. Devise your own system but keep it simple and ensure that it will allow you to easily identify where everything is packed. For example you could use numbered labels and cross refer these to a list or notebook. In other words you could have a box numbered 63 and a reference to this in your notebook listing the contents of box number 63 .
Heavy Packaging
Don t Overfill!
Please ensure that you do not overfill your boxes and cartons, remember that they have to be lifted. Your furniture removal men are fully trained but they are not supermen. Also, boxes that are overfilled may break under the strain.
Don t Underfill!
This may seem stupid after the previous tip but partially filled boxes may collapse if heavy items are placed on top of them. Try to distribute your things evenly in the available boxes.
Ensure that you have Sufficient Packing Material
It is essential that you have plenty of paper, bubble wrap, cartons and containers. You will also need lots of string and adhesive tape.
Beware of Newsprint!
When packing your valuable and fragile possessions please remember Packing for home removals with newspapers that newsprint will rub off. Use plain paper where this may be a problem. Your ornaments, glassware and other delicate items can first be wrapped in kitchen roll before using newspaper. The containers holding these items should be clearly marked as fragile .
Consider a Colour Code System
You may want to consider using coloured labels or otherwise marking your containers with a different colour for each room in the house. This will allow the removal men to place the containers in the appropriate room.
Take Care with your Soft Furnishings
Ensure that you don t place heavy items with sharp corners on top of sofas and other upholstery. These can be damaged quite easily if you do this.
Pack Ahead
Start packing two or three weeks in advance. Keep only essential items aside until the last day or two.
Small Items
Boxes are preferred to bags for small items. Bags are easily torn and difficult to stack.
Suitcases and Luggage
Where possible use your suitcases and other luggage to pack some of your things.
Don t Pack Important Documents
Remember to keep important documents aside. This will obviously include any documents related to the house sale and your removal.
Packing Food
Food should be removed from cupboards and packed before the move. Ensure that all caps and screw fittings on jars and bottles are secured.
Paint and other Liquids
Ensure that any paint or other liquids is contained in leak proof containers. Pack in plastic bags before placing in boxes to minimise the effect of any spillages.
Children
If you have young children it would be advisable to look for baby sitters while the move is taking place. You will be stressed enough without trying to look after the kids.
Pets
If you have pets you should consider what is to happen to them on the day of removal. It is generally better that they are removed from the premises before the move takes place.
Fridge and Freezer
Remember to defrost your fridge and freezer no later than the day before your move. Ideally you should run the contents of these down over the last couple of weeks before you go.
Appliances
Kitchen appliances such as fridges, freezers or washing machines that contain water should be drained and allowed to dry before removal.
Garden Tools and Equipment
Ensure that any petrol driven equipment is cleaned and drained of fuel well before the move.
Evening Meal
You should make arrangements for your evening meal in advance of your move. You don t want to be trying to cook whilst the place is in turmoil. However people can get short tempered when hungry so treat yourselves to a take-away if necessary.
Painting and Carpet Fitting
It goes without saying that it is far easier if you can get your decorating and carpet fitting done in advance where possible.
Lamps
Remove all lamp shades before the move. this would include table lampshades, ceiling and wall lamps if you are taking these with you.
Beds
Most beds require to be dismantled before they can be moved. Consider this and plan accordingly.
Elevator and Parking
If you need to use an elevator or if parking spaces are a problem ensure that you get these organised beforehand.
Flat Pack (Self assembly) Furniture
Self assembly furniture does not usually move well. It is better if you can make arrangements to have this dismantled before your move. You should also arrange for someone to reassemble it at your new home.
Plants
If you have plants you may want to consider leaving these with a friend or neighbour. Some plants are delicate and may be affected by dust and paint fumes. It is better to leave these until you are settled in.
Administrative Matters Related to Moving Home
Utilities (Telephone, Gas and Electric)
You should ensure that you have read your utility meters before leaving. You should also have made the appropriate arrangements with the utility and telephone companies for transfer of your services.
Essential Items
Keep all your essential items together in a suitable box for the day of the move. These will include things like your credit cards, keys, wallets and mobile phones.
Medication
If anyone in the household requires regular medication or items such as asthma inhalers ensure that these are kept safely aside. Remember that you may be working in dusty conditions.
Your Old House
Should your old house be getting left empty for a period ensure that everything is turned off and that you pass the keys on to the estate agent.
Scheduled Deliveries
Remember to cancel your milk, newspapers and any other items that are delivered to your old house.
Television Supply
Should you subscribe to any satellite or cable television services arrangements will have to be made to get this transferred.
IMPORTANT
Please ensure that you have spoken to your neighbours and where necessary, arranged to leave parking places clear.
Also all walkways, pathways, stairs and passages should be clear of any obstruction to allow us free movement to your property.