- Use suitable boxes that are strong enough (double wall boxes), large enough not to become to heavy when filled but allow you to maximise the space inside the box. old fruit and veg boxes are not tough enough.
- NEVER make the boxes so heavy that they cannot be lifted safely.
- Make sure that you tape the bottom and the top of all your boxes. Don't just fold the flaps of the box in a criss-cross way - these tend to collapse when filled with heavy objects.
- Keep items that you may need with you separate: Passports, driving licenses, jewelry etc.
- Ensure electrical appliances / light fittings are disconnected, and fridge / freezers empty and defrosted.
- Drain lawnmowers and other items likely to leak.
- Use a marker pen to label where boxes are to be unloaded and their contents.
- Always stack plates upright on their sides, making sure you wrap them individually in tissue. If you find the contents are loose in the box you can use extra packing paper scrunched up to keep them in place.
- Have an 'essentials box' and fill with items you might need quickly such as: Kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, milk sugar, toilet rolls, snacks and soft drink. Keep this handy both at your old home and your new one!
- Give yourself plenty of time to pack, it takes longer than you expect.
- Select the right carton for the job - Bournes can help you decide which ones!
- Pack heavier items at the bottom of the carton, lighter items at the top.
- Pack cartons as fully as possible, being generous with packing materials, particularly at the base and top of each carton - but don't overload or make to heavy to lift.
- Do not pack higher than the carton as this must be closed to provide a cube, which can then be stacked on the vehicle.
- If cartons contain fragile items, please mark appropriately - except when moving overseas.
- Clothing and paperwork can remain in drawers. However, breakables, spillable and heavy items must be removed and packed separately.
- Hanging clothes can be left in your wardrobe until the removal day when they will be transferred to a wardrobe carton to ensure they arrive as crease free as when they left.
- Bundle and tie or tape loose items, such as brooms, shelving, garden tools etc.
- Tell the children what is happening, and include them in the process (even the home selection) as much as possible. If the kids are happy and they feel included in the decision making process, they will "take ownership" of their new home and the transition will be much easier for everyone.
- Giving each family member an age-appropriate responsibility can help make them feel more involved, take their mind off the fact that they are leaving friends and familiar things behind.
- Don't forget to defrost your fridge and freezer in plenty of time for moving day.
- If you can ask someone to look after children and pets on moving day if not involve them in a job, or find them something to keep them amused.
- If you want your furniture placed in rooms at the new house, draw up a plan of where you want things to go. This will save you time on moving day.
- Let us know if there are parking restrictions at either address so we can make arrangements.
- Take down fitted items that are coming with you i.e. shelves, light fixtures, mirrors
- Don't forget to notify your utility companies of your move. www.iammoving.com lets you notify many companies all in one go.
- Arrange professional disconnection of gas cookers or any appliances you are taking with you.
- Pack a 'survival kit' for your first night at your new home. A change of clothes, essential toiletries, light bulbs, fuses, tools, loo roll, candles, matches, cash and an important list of phone numbers - just in case you cant find it amongst the boxes.
- Prepare food and drink for moving day that should be left out.
- Charge your mobile phone!
- Get a good nights sleep
- When the van is loaded take a walk around your house with the team leader to ensure you have everything you are taking with you. Don't forget to check for clocks and pictures!
- Remember to take meter readings on leaving your old home, and on arrival at your new home.
- When the crew arrive it is a good idea to give them a tour of your house pointing out any helpful suggestions or specifying what's not to be moved.
- Try and avoid moving on a Friday! Although it's the preferred day for moving there are often delays in exchanging contracts or monetary transactions which can mean you will have to wait until Monday to sort them out - this may mean additional charges for weekend storage and being without your things over the weekend!
- Pack knives and sharp objects inside another container i.e knife block or Tupperware box.
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