Hints & Tips for Packing and Moving

You will need:

a variety of different sized boxes & several rolls of strong tape to secure them (one roll per 10 boxes should suffice)
(small for books & heavy items; large for kitchen / bathroom items, cushions, coats etc)

a permanent marker pen to label the boxes

bubble wrap for pictures, mirrors, glass lamp shades, fish tanks etc

tissue paper or newspaper for wadding between fragile items in the boxes.

Don't worry about protecting the furniture yourselves: it is very difficult to carry a sideboard or wardrobe if it has been sheathed in plastic.

We will protect these with blankets and ties once they are on the truck.

P A C K I N G

BOOKS AND RECORDS are deceptively heavy; we suggest you make use of the smaller boxes.

As an alternative, half fill the larger cartons and put light things on top.

DRAWERS in chests can be left filled with linen and clothes but ensure that any heavy, fragile or valuable items are emptied.

Drawers in divan beds should be emptied.

CLOTHES rails and wardrobe boxes should be used rather than black bags, as this prevents your clothes from risking damage.

Please make sure all hangers are the same way round as this makes transferring them onto rails much easier.

All other small effects in wardrobes should be packed into boxes.

LAMP SHADES should be removed and packed separately in strong boxes with plenty of wadding and marked "FRAGILE".

PLANTS: Pack 5 or 6 smaller plants in a box with some packing material between the pots so they won't fall over.

Raise and securely tape the box flaps to give extra protection.

Leave larger plants for us to deal with.

MIRRORS & PICTURES We want everything you are moving to arrive in one piece, as of course do you!

FRIDGES AND FREEZERS should be emptied of all food, shelving and removable trays.

They should be unplugged and defrosted the day before you move to avoid dripping melting ice onto your other belongings while in transit.

COOKERS should be cleaned thoroughly as grease can lead to a nasty accident.

You should employ a qualified gas fitter to disconnect your gas cooker and check that the supply has been isolated.

Please note that your removals crew will not be able to help you disconnecting either your electric or gas cookers and that this should be done in preparation for their arrival

Pack the glass plate from the microwave and any loose fittings from the cooker in bubble wrap or newspaper.

ON THE DAY OF THE MOVE: Try to have all corridors clear, pictures removed from passageway walls and decorations or ornaments stowed out of harm's way if you are not planning to take them with you.

It is usually best to start loading the vehicle with heavy stackable boxes or the bulkiest items of furniture, so these should either be closest to the exit or freely accessible - not buried under light or fragile items, which will be stowed in the vehicle last.

ACCESS TO THE PREMISES: Before your removal can commence, the van must be placed as near as possible to the building.

Think about the access at the other end and note that if we have quoted for delivery to an address with good access and the van cannot get close to the property this will add to the time taken and therefore to the cost of your move.

PARKING SPACES FOR THE REMOVALS VAN: In many boroughs of London and central areas other large cities, it is now often necessary to obtain either a "special dispensation" from the Council or to request a "parking bay suspension" (excepting our vehicle of course - you will need a vehicle make/model/registration number for this which we will give you).

THE REMOVAL CREW:Our crew are friendly and helpful and have considerable experience.

They will be delighted to hear good advice but you will not need to stand over them to ensure they are careful.

They will not mind if you want to help with the smaller things, but please remember that they are ultimately responsible for the safe delivery of your possessions.

For this reason, only the crew should be involved in stowing your goods in the vehicle, thus ensuring that everything is packed so as to protect it during transit.

Moving furniture is heavy work requiring continuous mental and physical effort so the odd tea break goes down well and gives the crew the chance to meet you.

BEFORE LEAVING, MAKE SURE EVERYTHING HAS BEEN LOADED

Check
      • fitted wardrobes
      • lofts
      • airing cupboards
      • garages
      • the shed

It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that everything is taken.

DELIVERING YOUR GOODS

It is important that someone is on hand when the van arrives so that the crew can be told where to put each item as it is unloaded.

Your furniture will be placed where you want it, although remember, if the crew need to rearrange the rooms at your destination in order to accommodate the furniture then this will take longer.

Labelling boxes saves time, and it is a good idea to have a set room for boxes which will not be unpacked straight away to avoid cluttering the main rooms.


If you would like us to...

help you plan your move,

do your packing for you

or

provide you with low priced packing materials,

click on Packing Service & Packing Materials.