The summer months are our busiest time for home removals. Those people who put their houses on the market in the Spring have sold, gone through the necessary legal process and are now getting ready for a fresh start in their new property.
Hopefully the removal firm was booked weeks ago (don’t wait until you exchange, or you’re unlikely to be able to get in! Our top tip if you’re unsure of dates is to book and take out the postponement waiver, which allows you to change the date if needed). So, how do you go about best preparing for the big M-Day?
When you book your move with McCarthy’s, you’ll be asked if you require our packing service. We can pack everything you own – really taking the stress away from you – or offer a fragile packing service, to make sure your most precious belongings make it safely from A to B. With 50 years of experience in moving, we’re a dab hand at packing quickly, efficiently and safely!
If you opted to pack for yourself, our top advice would be two-fold – start early and get good packing materials (we can help with the latter if you head to our box shop, or visit one of our self storage centres). The reason we say start early is that you’ll no doubt be having a clear out as you pack – and you’re far more likely to get caught reminiscing over old photo albums than we are as the professionals!
Good packing materials are vital – you don’t want to risk breakages for one, but also think about the carrying. Awkward/weak boxes will lead to more difficulties in the long run. It sounds like common sense, but pack heavier items in smaller boxes, and lighter items in bigger ones. Keep checking the weight of the box to make sure it can be lifted – if, for example, you’re packing books, consider putting the books at the bottom and then something lighter like towels on the top, to even it out. Try to fill boxes, so they don’t crush when stacked and so items can’t roll around in transit. Bear in mind that items such a blankets and pillows can be put in big bags, they don’t have to be in boxes. Transportable storage you already have to hand – like suitcases – may as well be fully used too!
Always securely seal the boxes with tape when they’re full and write on what the box contains and what room it needs to head to in your new house. Don’t assume you’ll remember – and the removals team will be able to work more efficiently if it’s clear to all. Mark on if it contains fragile items.
For ‘awkward’ items such as breakables, use plenty of bubble wrap or tissue paper (we don’t recommend newspaper). Anything which might leak should be put in sealable plastic bags within the boxes so they don’t ruin anything should the worst happen. Take particular care with anything sharp such as knives.
When it comes to clothes, we can often transport chests of drawers with the contents still within, as long as it’s not too heavy. We bring hanging rails for clothes in the wardrobes, which makes life easier for you at the other end – they can be hung straight back up again, with no creases!
Any furniture which is too big to move will need dismantling in advance. Make sure the pieces are kept together and another top tip from us is to keep any screws for it in a plastic bag taped to it!
Fridge and freezers will need defrosting ahead of move day so bear that in mind – moving might require a few days of takeaways I’m afraid!
Day to day items will only be able to be packed last minute, so keep a few empty boxes handy. We always recommend you keep things you would need for the first night handy in a clearly marked box or bags so they can be easily accessed – you could even keep them separate in your own vehicle. You never know what delays there might be, and if you end up not getting the keys for your new house until late, you don’t want to be panicking trying to find the kids pyjamas and bedding. You should keep things like toiletries, a change of clothes, kettle, torches, chargers, essential paperwork, a towel, medicines and snacks in there.
Moving day needn’t be a scary prospect if you’re organised and feel confident in your removals team. Why not give us a call to ask any questions – we can guarantee you won’t be the first to ask them! Before you know it, you’ll be safely settled in your new home, finding a new place for all your prized possessions.