Moving House Tips: Removals and Packing

Getting the removal company to do it:
If your removal company has agreed to do the packing and supply packing materials, make sure you clarify with them exactly what has been arranged to be packed up in boxes. Also check to see if they will be arriving the day before to pack or will do it all on the day. This depends on the time scale that you have to leave your house.

Self assembly furniture isn't designed to be flattened, moved and reassembled more than once, so usually isn't covered within the insurance policy that the removal companies offer. No matter how hard your removalist try, most of the time this type of furniture will not go back together perfectly after a move.

Doing the packing yourself:
It is important to mark moving boxes with the name of the room the box will be delivered to.
If you are doing the home packing yourself begin as early as possible. Make sure that you use suitable moving boxes that are strong enough for stacking. (double walled boxes are best)
Label all boxes with breakable items (fragile).
Be clear about what you want moving and what is to be left.

Avoid at all costs making the moving boxes so heavy that they cannot be safely lifted for your sake and the porters. Always check the weight of the box whilst packing into it. If you feel they are becoming heavy while you are packing them, try filling the rest of the moving box with lighter items such as linen, towels, cushions or soft toys. Books, files, photos and kitchen plates are often the worst to contend with for removals companies when it comes down to weight, so try to use smaller boxes for these types of items.

You can never start your home packing too early. Last minute rushed packing can easily lead to problems. Be organised and thorough, save time and money by giving away or selling items you no longer need, want or have use for. Now is a good time to de-clutter your home. Using Ebay is a good way to sell off anything you may not need anymore.

Hazardous items:
Flammable items e.g. garden machines not drained of petrol, paints, solvents, aerosol products, gas containers, or poisonous household products. Check with your removal firm first as to whether it can be transported in the removal truck or not.

Valuable items:
Keep all valuables with you at all times. i.e. passports, jewellery, certificates etc.

Essential items:
If you are dealing with house removals, pack a small box or a strong bag with essential items you will need to see you through until the removal is over. i.e. toiletries, spare change of clothes, snacks, towels, kettle, plastic cups, tea and coffee, toys for the kids etc.

Note: Parking
In some areas parking can be an issue especially for the furniture movers, check with your local council to see if you will need to have the bays suspended for your moving day.

Also make sure you check out our other Moving House Tips here on our site.