Moving Hints and Tips
Getting Ready for the Big Day...
5 - 8 Weeks before you move...
1. Book your free moving survey with Essex House Removals.
2. Receive your NO OBLIGATION quotation normally within 24 hours of your moving survey.
3 – 4 Weeks before your move...
- Book your moving date with Essex House Removals.
- Have a good clear out of any unwanted items.
- Start to eat down your fridge and freezer contents.
- Start packing the non-essentials household items.
- Notify all your service providers of your change of address, e.g Gp, Dentist, Bank, building society & credit cards, Dvla/vosa, Electric, water, gas and phone companies, Mobile phone company, clubs/associations
- Redirect your incoming mail if necessary.
- Cancel/redirect incoming newspapers and milk delivery.
- If you have a petrol lawn mower start to run down the level of fuel until empty and then leave the cap of for a couple of days to air the tank.
- Cancel old and arrange new telephone and internet connections if required.
1 week before your move...
- Arrange for your pets to be looked after & if your children are not in school then maybe them too!
- Arrange a space with your neighbours for parking the removal vehicle(s).
- Empty unused garden pots of any soil.
- Defrost your freezer.
- Start disassembling furniture (if this service is not ordered).
- Remove curtains and blinds if you are taking them with you.
- Start to eat down your refrigerated food.
The Night before Moving Day...
- Finish off your packing just leaving out the essentials as if you were packing for an overnight trip and of course tea, coffee, and the kettle!
- Place anything that is essential to you on your move day (e.g. documents, keys, medication) in one place and mark with a note so we don’t accidentally pack them into the removal vehicle.
- Take apart beds (if this service is not ordered).
- Have one last check around making sure that everything that can be packed, is, and then go to bed because we will be there bright and early the next day.
- Order your favourite take away!
Some more handy moving tips...
- Have all your boxes packed-up and ready to be moved, but try not to overload the boxes.
- Have beds, cots and furniture dismantled and ready to go, unless agreed at time of survey.
- If you do disassemble any furniture,remember to put the bolts and fittings in a plastic bag and attach it with tape so it will not be lost. Tape keys in a secure place.
- When packing, use the correct double walled Boxes: these boxes are designed for moving.
- Begin by packing items you do not use every day.
- Label each box, indicating in which room it should go. Mark fragile boxes in large writing so we will top load.
- Upholstered items should be covered with protective plastic to prevent stains or damage.
- Rugs and similar items should be cleaned before the move.
- Remove bulbs and shades from all lamps. Lamp shades should be packed separately in a sturdy box. To protect your lampshades wrap them in bubble wrap. Do not use newspaper as it may leave smudges.
- Glass table tops and glass doors on furniture should be wrapped with bubble wrap and heavy cardboard for safe shipping.
- Dry and canned foods may be moved as long as they are packed in a sturdy box. Liquids should be discarded or thrown away.
- Chemical and hazardous materials, such as, but not limited to, propane tanks, pool chemicals, fertilizers, paint thinners, solvents, bleach, aerosol cans, and firearms cannot be moved.
- Lawnmowers and other equipment with fuel tanks must be completely drained prior to a removal. We are not permitted to carry gas bottles.
- Drawers in furniture should be cleared of items.
- Appliances should be disconnected prior to your moving team arriving. Also, take down shelves, light fixtures or chandeliers if applicable.
- Pack largest and heaviest items in bottom of box first. Books and other heavy items should be packed in small boxes.
- Large mirrors or pictures should be wrapped individually, covering both sides with bubble wrap and heavy cardboard, then binding with tape.
- Items should be packed in boxes that are the proper size. If there is empty space in the box use wadded up packing paper to fill up space.
- Small appliances and electronics should be packed in the boxes they came in whenever possible.
- For dishes and glassware you should use butchers paper. Pack dishes on their sides.
- Fridge drip trays should be emptied.
- Wrap sharp tools to prevent injury.
- Organize a decent parking place for the removal van or vans.