Following the suggestions on this page will help to make your move a stress free and enjoyable experience. After all, whether you are moving to the next street, the next town or a new country, you are about to make a significant change to the way you live, and it should be something to look forward to!
Plan Ahead
As soon as you decide that you are going to move house, make contact with a couple of removal companies and give yourself time to find a company that you are happy with. All too often, people neglect their move until just a week or two before the event. This can make it difficult to find a company that is able to complete your move for you, and you may find yourself having to go with your 2nd or 3rd choice because your 1st choice is booked up.
Be Prepared
Take 20 minutes to walk around your house and make a list of all the furniture that you will be taking to your new home. At this stage, your list will not be 100% accurate, since most people use the opportunity to clear out things that they no longer need or use. However, all removal companies will need to get an idea of what you propose to take with you, so that they know what size vehicle will be required and how many porters will need to be on hand. Remember that it is better to slightly over estimate when preparing lists. On the day of your move it will not be a problem if there is space left on the removal truck. This is preferable to a truck with not enough space on it or a truck that is too small!
Be Aware
Be aware that a removal truck is not a car! It may seem obvious, but many people neglect to inform their removal company of access issues at both collection and delivery points. What may seem to be a perfectly easy corner to negotiate or driveway to enter, can cause problems for your removal team. Have a look at your properties and make a note of low trees or power lines, parking restrictions, narrow access roads etc. Having to carry your furniture an extra 40 feet may not seem too difficult, but it could add a substantial amount of time to your move and, if not aware of this, your removal company will charge you extra.
Packing
The vast majority of people opt to do their own packing. This is the cheapest way to move, and it means that you can begin by packing non essential items a week or so in advance. When packing, be sure to follow these simple and obvious rules:
- Use good sturdy boxes and tape.
(Your removal company should be able to provide you with these)
- Never over-pack your boxes.
(Remember that somebody has to pick them up and carry them. Over weight boxes can lead to injury and no box should exceed 20kg where possible).
- Never pack heavy or awkward items on top of delicate or fragile items.
- When packing heavy items such as books, keep the boxes to a manageable weight. Use lighter items such as cushions to fill the boxes.
- Pack your smaller pictures into boxes where possible. Larger pictures should be wrapped in good quality parcel paper.
- Never pack paintings in bubble wrap as this can cause them to ‘sweat’.
- Be sure to empty washing machines, dish washers etc and give your fridge and freezer 24 hours to defrost before they are moved.
Above all else, give yourself plenty of time to pack your belongings. What may seem like a straightforward job can take a substantial amount of time, and should not be left until the last minute. Attempting to cram things into boxes the morning of your move will lead to delays and possible breakages.
Utilities
A week before your move, notify your utility companies of the day that you will be vacating your house. Prepare a list to include:
1. Electricity
2. Gas
3. Water
4. Satellite / Cable
5. Telephone
6. Post
Metered utility services such as gas or electricity will usually be happy for you to take your own meter readings on the day you leave your house. If you are unable to do this, they will happily arrange for a meter reader to visit, but will need time to make the appointment. Similarly, the post office will redirect your post to your new address, but will require a couple of days to set up this service.
Remember to cancel your milk/newspaper deliveries. It may be a day or two before the new occupants arrive, and a build up of newspapers etc can alert thieves & vandals to the fact that a property is empty.
If you are taking your satellite dish, arrange to have it taken down before the day of your move. Your removal team will not be insured to climb onto your roof to take it down for you.
