House Moving Tips
Whether you’re a family of 5 in the middle of a sale chain or a student moving in or out of a shared flat, we are fully equipped and trained for any eventuality.
We take care of the planning and logistics for your move and can tailor our services to meet your specific requirements and time frame. However large or small, complex or straightforward, short notice or far in advance, call us to find out how we can help.
We can take care of everything, from delivering packing materials in advance of your move to packing up the contents of your house and arranging parking with your local authority. It’s all part of moving house, and we aim to take the stress out of it for you.
Some tips for your move 👇
#1
PUT EVERYTHING THAT CAN GO IN A BOX, IN A BOX
This protects your things, but it will also save time and reduce the cost of your move. It takes twice as long to carry loose bits and bobs between your property and our van, and it’ll take ten times longer to secure them ready for transit.
Paying for an extra ten boxes will cost substantially less than adding an extra hour to the length of the move. If you are moving into storage, having everything boxed allows you to stack higher, saving space and, therefore, money on your storage bill. We can’t stress enough how much of a false economy it is to scrimp on packing materials.
Click here for a quick guide of what kind of thing should go in which size box.
#2
THE HEAVIER THE ITEM, THE SMALLER THE BOX
A small box full of books is a heavy box. A large box full of books is a back breaker, will take two men to carry and will very probably lead to a broken box. You’d be amazed how often people try to put all their possessions into the biggest box possible to save money on packing materials, without thinking of their backs.
Size permitting, use small boxes for heavy items and large ones for lighter things. If you need to put something heavy in a big box, think about surrounding it with lighter things.
#3
USE GOOD QUALITY BOXES
We use only double-ply, also known as ‘double wall’ boxes for removals. These will keep their shape and protect your possessions more effectively, and if flat-packed and stored correctly after use, can be used for move after move. Just so long as you use the box as advised…
#4
DON’T OVER PACK YOUR BOXES
You can’t stack boxes on top of a bulging box. They’ll topple over. And you defnitely can’t stack on top of an open box with things sticking out of the top. You’ll also harm your chances of being able to use them again (and again and again).
#5
DON’T FOLD YOUR BOXES SHUT. USE STRONG TAPE
Closing boxes by folding them in on themselves is not a secure way to close a box and heavy items are likely to fall through and out the bottom. Much like an over packed, bulging box, you won’t be able to stack them. Fold opposite flaps to make a seam, and tape shut using strong parcel tape. You won’t need much and this will help the box keep its shape (…and nothing will fall out of the bottom).
#6
SOFTER ITEMS
Bedding, clothing and other soft items can go in suitcases, checkered laundry bags, or even thick bin bags. Suitcases shouldn’t be so heavy they can’t be lifted, and remember to not fill bags to bursting point. We all know those zips are a little flimsy!
#7
START PACKING EARLY
If you’re busy, the move will probably creep up and surprise you. Try having a box made up and open in the kitchen or at the bottom of a bookcase, a week or two before the move, with some packing paper. Pack away a few plates or books while waiting for the kettle to boil. Just don’t forget to keep a mug out!
#8
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR FULL DRAWERS
Empty your drawers out into boxes wherever possible, or bags if they’re clothes. If you absolutely can’t, leave everything where it is, but DON’T tape the drawers shut! This might ruin the finish or leave sticky residue behind!
If your chest of drawers can be easily moved whole (with drawers in place) your movers will secure the chest with stretch wrap, keeping the drawers and their contents safe. This is a strong materials and is low tack material, so won’t leave a residue on any finish, like tape might.
#9
USE OUR HANDY BOX LABELS. THEY’RE FREE AFTER ALL!
When we deliver packing materials to you before the move, you’ll get a pack of our ‘Room and Contents’ labels. When you’ve sealed a box, slap one on, write where you want it to go in your new house, and what’s inside the box.
You wouldn’t believe how much time you’ll save at the other end, which could help you save a bit of money.
#10
YOUR VALUABLES
Please pack your valuables away yourself. Pack them safely, and so that you will remember where they are when you un pack.
If you have keys for a filing cabinet, or a chest of drawers, please make sure you keep hold of them. Do not leave them in the lock, or tape them to the item of furniture. Things move around when you’re moving house, and they will inevitably get lost!
What should I be putting in each box?
Small
Books, records, magazines, heavy crockery etc. These boxes are best for heavy things, as even when they’re full, one person can manage them.
Medium
Kitchenwares, store cupboard items, DVD’s, CD’s etc. You can put larger books that won’t fit in the small boxes (coffee table books, for example.), but don’t fill it up exclusively with these; mix and match!
Large
Larger household items, soft furnishings, bedding, towels, lamps and shades, small frames. These are NOT for books, a large box full of books will take two people to lift, and cost you more money in the long run, down to extra time needed to move them.
