We've created a basic moving guide to help you with some of those things that can be easily forgotten. Moving house can be a very stressful time but it shouldn't be. Moving home carefully costs less in the end.
MAKING THE MOVE
Moving home can be a daunting time...
Here at Afordfable Services we know that moving can be a very stressful time. Consisting of packing, transporting lots of different objects of different value, shape and size; from one location to another. It’s enough selling, buying and renting homes, it’s no wonder that people often give little time thinking exactly what will or will not be moved to their new home. That's why we move you carefully and protect your valuable belongings giving you peace of mind to put your feet up.
It's just before you complete and move in, you're packing boxes, sorting final bills and booking moving vans; but what else do you need to know about the place your movng to?
It's nice to know that after you’ve moved, everything is in place and all you
have to do is unpack. In this guide we will give you some points to help you
get straight before you make that move.
1. BEFORE YOU MOVE
Questions to Ask Sellers
To make your life easier remember to ask the previous owner these questions:
• Where's the main stopcock (to shut off the water)?
• Where are the gas and electricity meters?
• Do any surfaces need special cleaning products, eg wooden floors?
• What day are the bins collected?
• Do you have any instruction manuals or warranties on electrical items?
• Where did the kitchen and bathroom tiles come from?
• Where did any fixed furniture come from, eg, kitchen cabinets?
• Which company supplies the energy, broadband and home phone?
• Where is the thermostat?
It's a lot to remember, so why not write them down and take them with you so you don't forget?
2. GETTING YOUR MAIL
Redirect Your Post
If you don't know who is moving into the property you are leaving, use the Royal Mail's Postal Redirection service. Ensure that any bills or other mail you've not changed your address on, still reaches you.
You can get post redirected for 3, 6 or 12 months, and longer if you're still getting
volumes of post through after your initial period is up. It costs from £29.99
(for three months) per surname, so couples may need to pay twice.
Remember that if mail isn't redirected, you need to call the sender and either
update your address or ask to be taken off its mailing list.
It's important to do this - any bills you don't get and therefore don't pay can damage your credit record, or result in you being traced by a debt collection company. Stray letters can also increase the risk of ID fraud.
When you receive your redirected mail, phone the sender then. Any mail redirected thereafter you know it needs your attention.
3. SMOOTH MOVE
Help Moving Day go Smoothly
Moving is one of the most stressful things you can do, but a little planning can help ensure you're not tearing your hair out on the day:
Label all boxes with which room they're due to go, and a description of what's inside. Put these labels on the top and side of the box so you know what's inside when they're stacked.
Put screws and bolts from bits of furniture in freezer bags and tie or stick it to the relevant piece of furniture with masking tape.
Flatten some cardboard boxes and lay them down to protect your flooring.
Make sure there are lightbulbs - you don't want to have to go to the shops mid-move or not notice until it's too dark.
It might seem like a bit of extra work beforehand, but you'll be thankful when it comes to unpacking at the other end.
4. PACKING
Get it Right
Pack early - All the items that aren’t used on a daily basis, start boxing them.
Start with rooms that you least use - Makes sense to do the Attic or spare room first.
Pack one room at a time - Doing this will help you stay organised and will tell the movers which box goes where.
Declutter - Hold a garage sale or take items to charity. Its always good to declutter.
Do not over pack boxes - This wil help with manual lifting and reduces damage to your belongings.
Fill empty gaps - Use old newspapers, rags or if you have enough of them, towels and cushions.
Label your boxes - Write on the tape on the top of the boxes to help them to be recycled.
State room/area and clearly mark if fragile.
Use double/tripple walled boxes where possible - Single walled boxes are a little flimsy, so use these for light items only if you have to.
Wrap everything individually - This reduces movement in the box, preventing excess damage.
Put heavier boxes on the bottom - By putting your heavy boxes underneath the lighter boxes, you help prevent breaking items that may get crushed during the move.
Prepare a box of essentials - Apart from the Kettle, hot beverage supplies and biscuits, the box should also contain:
Snacks, canned and boxed food;
Can opener
Eating utensils
Pans and pots
Towels and dishcloth
Toiletries
Baby supplies
Pet food, lead and poo bags (if you have one)
First aid kit and medication if required
Tool box.
These few tips should help, alternatively give us a call and we can do the packing for you.
5. ON THE MOVE DAY
Being Prepared
Take with you in your car all monies, jewellery and small valuables.
Keep all keys to your house, garage and sheds handy and labelled for the new owners.
When the removers have finished, do a walk round check with them to ensure nothing has been left that needs to be taken.
Afordable Services offer a full packing service with Removals and Man and Van hire.
Give us a call for a free no obligation quote.
Take a look at our Packing Materials page for supplies if your packing yourself. The vans are
fully equipped with blankets, ratchet straps, bungees, sack truck, lifting straps and tool bag for all your moving needs.
We would love to hear from you.