1. Pack!
Number one seems an obvious thing to do, but you would be amazed at how many moves we attend and the client, or tenant moving out, haven't packed. If you leave things until last minute, you will be unprepared for your move and undoubtedly be in a state of manic on move day. So number one, the most important thing you can do to prepare for your removers, is PACK!
2. De-clutter, donate & scrap!
Moving is the perfect opportunity to reduce the number of items you need to transport. Many people put off de-cluttering and end up taking things they don't want to their new home, only to bin it later! Operate a simple 'keep, donate & bin' system, working room by room. The less you have to move, the less you have to unpack, making the whole process easier and more cost effective.
3. Get ahead of the game
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving house is underestimating how long packing takes. Start with items you use infrequently, such as seasonal clothing, books and decorative items, and gradually work through each room. Beginning several weeks before your move will help avoid a last-minute rush and unnecessary stress.
4. Use quality materials
Investing in sturdy boxes, strong packing tape, bubble wrap and packing paper can help protect your belongings during transit. Using poor-quality materials may save money initially, but it can increase the risk of damaged items on moving day. If you're not planning on unpacking immediately, or are sending your belongings into storage, packing into solid plastic boxes is a good choice. Unlike cardboard, plastic won't sag over a long period of time.
5. Clearly label each item
If you clearly label each item according to destination room, it'll save our team asking you about each item as it is unloaded. It's a good idea to label each item on multiple sides, as when boxes are stacked up in your new home it can be difficult to see what's what. Here's a link to some box labels which are super clear and easy to use:
500 Moving Home Box Labels (50 Stickers Each) for Removals from Houses, Flats and Apartments, Moving Labels for Boxes - Fragile, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Kitchen, and Extra : Amazon.co.uk: Stationery & Office Supplies
6. Make an 'essentials' box & seperate valuables
Set aside a box containing everything you'll need during your first 24 hours in your new home. This might include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, important documents, basic kitchen items and a change of clothes. Most importantly - the kettle, tea and coffee! Keeping these essentials easily accessible can make your first night & morning much more comfortable.
If you have some items which are particularly valuable or sentimental, we always recommend keeping them on your person, or transporting them in your own car. Knowing exactly where your most prized possessions are will give peace of mind on move day.
7. Pack tightly
Without creating over-filled or buldging boxes, pack the contents of each box tightly. This will minimise movement during handling & transport and therefore the risk of damages. Filling boxes to the top too, prevents the top of the box from caving in when it's stacked on. Cushions, duvets and other textiles can be great ways to pad out more delicate, awkwardly shaped items such as lamps.
8. Create an inventory & number items
This tip is particularly handy if your belongings are going into storage, or don't plan on unpacking everything all at once. If you number each box and write a brief description on a phone note or piece of paper, you'll be able to pin-point exactly what you need without going through several other boxes first.
9. Use wardrobe boxes
Rather than folding and boxing every item of clothing, leave hanging garments on their hangers and transport them in wardrobe boxes or protective garment bags. This saves considerable packing and unpacking time. Contact us to discuss purchasing or hiring wardrobe boxes.
10. Photograph electric set-ups
Before disconnecting televisions, computers, gaming consoles or home office equipment, take photos of the cables and connections. These images can save a great deal of time and frustration when reconnecting everything in your new home.
