If you haven't exchanged contracts yet, please bear in mind that most people want to move on a Friday and if you are lucky enough to find someone that can move you, they may charge you more than on any other day of the week.

Where to start

If you are doing the packing yourself it is vital that you have the right materials for the job. This will consist primarily of strong boxes, brown tape and wrapping paper for china and glass. Bubble wrap will be needed if you wish to protect fragile or expensive items that are irreplaceable but it is not essential and our estimator will advise you on this at the time. Any extra materials you may need can be purchased from us at a reduced price if we are organising your move.

Packing

Start packing as early as you can. You may not need to pack everything so it is worth talking to us before you start. Things you will not need in the time leading up to your move can be boxed up and ready for when the removal men turn up. Items such as small chests of drawers and bedside cabinets can be left loaded as long as they are not too heavy and the contents are safely secured. These items, and others such a fridges, do not need to have their doors secured with tape - we will make sure they are secure on the lorry. We will also provide hanging rails for your clothes, so they will not need to be moved until moving day. Your estimator will advise you on this when he visits.

What to pack in boxes

Most items can be packed into our large boxes but it is important that they are not too heavy that they fall apart, It is therefore a good idea to pack heavier items into medium boxes. We recommend that these items are things such as heavy glass, bottles of drink, tins of food, china plates, heavy kitchen equipment, records & CD's, books and tools. 

Packing china & glass

If you are packing china & glass, this can go in the larger boxes, but make sure that the heavier items are at the bottom of the box and you clearly mark FRAGILE on the box. It is also important to mark which room the boxes are going TO and not which rooms they are FROM. Glass and other fragile objects can be wrapped in newspaper if you have enough, or wrapping paper that we can supply to you. This should be sufficient to protect your items but we recommend that you crumple the paper as you are wrapping to create an air cushion. It is also a good idea to place a few inches of crumpled paper on the top and bottom of the box. Table lamps can be dismantled, wrapped in newspaper and boxed up.

Clutter

It is better to pack anything in a box that will fit. Things such as Video Recorders and DVD players can be boxed up with towelling around to protect them. Garden sheds contain the most clutter so it is important to tape things up such as garden forks, etc.

TV's and Hifis

As long as large items such as TVs and  Hifis are all disconnected, they can be left until moving day . We will cover and secure them on the lorries. CD racks can be cellophaned if you would like them to go as they are.

Children & Pets

Children are never a problem for us as they tend to be fascinated by our lorries and on occasions even want to help out (although we do not advise this). Cats can always be put in the bathroom or small bedroom while the loading or unloading is taking place, but it may be easier to have someone mind your dog for a few hours as they too tend to be curious as to what's going on. Other pets such as goldfish  or budgies must be moved by yourself as it would be too traumatic for them on the lorry.

Plants

Although you may have become attached to some of your garden plants, it could save you money by leaving some behind for the new owners. As you cannot stack plants on top of one another, they tend to take up a lot of room and can on rare occasions call for an extra lorry.

Checklist

See here for a checklist of things to do before you move.

Moving Day

As long as you have packed and dismantled everything, the morning should be very organized. Packing the lorry will always take more time than unloading it as everything has to be secured for the journey at the loading end, but once you are at your new address your belongings will be off in no time. If you would like the move to go as smooth as possible, it is important to bear one thing in mind - don't pack the kettle!

Although this is just basic advice on moving, we hope it has been helpful. However, if you have any questions or need further advice, please don't hesitate to call us on 020 8309 7163

Additional Advice

helpiammoving.com provides general advice on moving home as well as a useful section on security provided by the Home Office. Click on the link below to visit their site.