How to Move an Office

How to Move an Office

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How to Move an Office

Relocating an office requires a much more careful planning process. Think logically and make a list of all the steps to follow. A successful office move requires the right amount of people, each of whom has to be responsible for an exact list of tasks.

Manage these people and their progress at every stage of the move. Spare no expense whenever you need advice or service from a professional in the fields of design, long-term storage, removals and relocation, real estate management, etc.

Taking the position of the “jack of all trades” in a situation like this may have and an adverse effect on the office relocation process, better invest in hiring professionals if your the office move manager cannot handle all tasks alone.

Office relocation planning guide – How to plan an office move

A professionally designed office relocation planning guide contains a thorough explanation of the company’s motivation to move their office.

When planning your office move, start with the most important stuff first:

Determine motivations for moving the office.

When planning your office move, your first step should be to clearly express your position on why the relocation is necessary. Anyone related to the business would expect a reasonable explanation of why the office move cannot be avoided and what are the pros and cons of the office move. These are some of the most common reasons for changing the office building address:

  • Finding new talent easier
    The young population is concentrated in bigger cities where opportunities for work and education are much more than in the less populated areas.
  • New Address is Closer to Your Target Audience
    The majority of businesses prefer to be accessible with ease by their customers and business partners.
  • More Business Growth Options
    Moving an office also has the potential to expand your business. Operating in a region with a high concentration of well-established companies will attract lots of attention to your company as well. Entrepreneurs and investors will contact you, providing original ideas and plans for mutually beneficial work.
  • Lower Renting Fees
    Companies rarely buy a building that serves as their office. It’s a common practice to rent a property instead. What’s frustrating is that owners of rented buildings have a tendency to raise the price for the rent each year. When a landlord notices that the business who has hired their building is prosperous, they tend to raise the rent price. Moving your office is one of the ways to reduce the expenses for absurdly high monthly rents by hiring a new building or buying a place.

The pros of changing your office address are not limited to what we’ve listed above. Read more on why you should move and what are the positives of doing it when it’s a well-planned and professionally executed procedure.

Assign an office move coordinator

Assign a person in the office, who will be fully responsible for the major tasks during the office move. If there’s an office manager, they are the most suitable person for the job.

Build up a great moving and packing team

Build up a team for the office move project management that will create, optimise and track the progress of your top-notch office move plan.

The whole team will be managed by the office move coordinator who will make all necessary changes to the process and will have to take additional actions whenever required.

Assign each member with specific responsibilities that best fit their personality.

Create a calendar for important office move events

Figure out all key dates of the move. Mark these as important events on a digital calendar and send notifications to all interested parties. Example of such key steps are any of the following actions:

  • Lease termination at the current address
  • Preparing all office goods for transportation
  • Emptying the building of personal items
  • Signing a lease contract with a new landlord
  • Setting a final date of the move

Feel free to assign in the calendar any additional tasks that seem important for your business relocation.

Ready to move office?

At St Albans Removals, we deal with relocation jobs of all sizes. We do commercial and office moves as well as we provide business storage and document storage service to our corporate clients. You can get in touch with us for a quote and ask about the many supplementary services that we offer.

How to Move a Piano

How to Move a Piano

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How to Move a Piano

Pianos are a great musical instrument, inspiring centuries of classical musicians and giving way to a beautiful imagination. It’s not the same if you want to move one.
Before moving a piano yourself, take in mind that it is a dangerous task and think about calling for help. It’s highly recommended to call a professional mover if you think you won’t be able to move the piano by yourself, despite that the removal service prices are not low for piano removals.

What you need to move a piano

If you have a grand piano, stop whatever you’re thinking of doing and call a removal company. Removals experts do not recommend amateurs to do any experiments with those. This guide is all about moving an upright piano. So, for the removal of a piano are needed:

  • Tape;
  • Work gloves;
  • Plastic wrap (cloth can be used too);
  • Heavy-duty dolly;
  • Dolly straps;
  • Weightlifting straps;
  • Van ramp;
  • Cardboard pads;
  • Upper body strength of at least 4 people.

How to move an upright piano by yourself

Measuring the upright piano dimensions

Before doing anything else, start by measuring the piano’s size. You have to be 100% sure of the exact dimensions of your particular upright piano. This will help you to carefully plan the whole process of moving it. Normally, an upright piano has a height of 110 to 135cm, a width of about 150cm, and an approximate depth of 60cm. Mind that these dimensions vary, and yours are probably a little bit different. Though the average size is usually 125/150/60 cm.

Transporting your piano properly will help you to cut down on moving costs because you will not have to pay professionals to do it for you.

Proceed with the moving process

  • Measure and clear the path. Use tape or a rope to measure the door frames and make sure the piano can fit through them. Then clear the path from any obstructions, including carpets.
  • Remove decorations, if any. A good thing about upright pianos is that they have a shape that’s not a pain to handle, unlike grand pianos.
  • Wrap the piano. Firstly, wrap the lid over the keyboard with tape, just in case. This is done to ensure that the lid stays in place during the ride. For the rest of the instrument, you can either use a plastic wrap or a cloth that’s big enough to cover it completely. Secure the wrap with tape.
  • Lift the piano on a dolly. For this, you will need to put on your work gloves and get help from friends. If you never thought about how heavy a piano is, the weight of an upright piano is around 130 kg. As a comparison, a grand piano can reach 500 kg. You need at least three strong pairs of arms for lifting an upright piano on the dolly (and at least six for a grand piano). While professionals use electronic devices to make it easy, safe and with minimal strain.
  • Strap the piano securely with dolly straps.
  • Push with the dolly.
  • Use a ramp for the van. The piano should be both pulled and pushed in the van at the same time. Use the lifting straps for that and be very careful when standing behind it, the piano’s weight is big enough to crush you or at least cause a minor injury if you’re not careful enough.
  • Secure the piano in the van. The piano should be placed against the back wall of the van with plenty of other stuff in front of it. You can secure it with furniture.
Money Saving Tips For Moving House

Money Saving Tips For Moving House

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Money Saving Tips For Moving House

Moving houses is normally an exciting part of our lives – a symbol of a new beginning. Sometimes, however, it could also lead to a significant amount of stress if not properly planned and executed. One of the most important things people usually want to do is save as much money as possible in the process. So, read this article, if:

Carefully plan the packing process to save money

One of the most exhausting and time-consuming parts of the moving is the process of packing all your possessions and belongings. Even a small flat or house could be the source of an endless number of boxes, furniture, clothes, etc. To avoid the hassle as much as possible, follow a few important steps:

  • Declutter your current property
    As much as we don’t want to admit it, most of us hold onto things we do not really have any use for. Make sure to go through your belongings and put aside all of the items you won’t need anymore. Any clothes in good condition you can donate to a local charity. All furniture that is still in good shape, you can sell or again donate to people and/or organisations in need. Throw away all the unusable things. At the end of the day, clear space means a clearer mind. And of course, you’ll save money by not having to use packing materials for clutter that you don’t really need.
  • Prepare all the items and furniture for the move
    Do you have a washing machine you will take with you or any other appliances like dishwasher, oven, etc.? Make sure you disconnect all of them prior to the arrival of the movers The same applies in case you have a sofa, wardrobe or any other piece of furniture that needs to be dismantled. In most cases, a company will charge extra for this or you will have to hire a plumber and/or electrician, or furniture assembly team to assist you at an additional cost. Bear in mind that the move of heavy items, such as gym equipment, piano, etc. could also come at an extra cost due to the specifics of the particular task.
  • Try to source the packing supplies
    Once you have a rough idea of how many boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, etc. you’ll need, you can try and find those yourself. Ask around – your friends, family, people you know, who have recently moved houses and can help you out. This way, you’ll save up from the packing materials expenses. We will let you in on a secret – read this article to find out where to get free boxes for your move. Oh, and here is an extra one with a few ways to reuse the boxes afterwards.
  • Do the packing on your own in advance
    If you do the packing, you will further increase your savings. Make sure to secure enough time as this could take a couple of days, in some cases even more. It is always best to start packing the least used items first and leave the essential ones, such as toothbrushes, toiletries, etc., for last. Carefully pack fragile items to avoid damage and put all valuables in one box. It is crucial that you label the boxes, as well, in order to prevent the chaos that is going to unfold when you start unpacking at your new place. If you feel like you need some help, you can always ask a friend or family member to assist you.

Do not overspend on unnecessary things

When we are in the process of moving houses, we normally avoid buying things that we’ll have to leave behind or throw away. This includes food, small items and other bits and pieces. Bear in mind that you will be leaving this apartment or house in the very near future and do not stock up on stuff you are going to have to get rid of or you can simply buy when you move to your new location. It will be helpful if you can plan your budget and spending in advance. It’s perfectly normal that some last minutes expenses arise, but if you have most of it covered, you won’t be getting any unpleasant surprises.

How we can assist you

If after reading this article, you are still not convinced that you have the time or desire to do all this yourself, you can always trust the St Albans Removals to do the job for you. The experts provide end-to-end service – box delivery, packing, removals and storage. For small or partial moves you can book our flexible man and van services available in Hertfordshire. For bigger moves, you can book a team of professionals with a transit or a luton van. You can check out the main differences between the man and van service and the full removals service to make an informed decision. We also do international removals services in case you are moving abroad. All of the professionals are fully ensured and highly-skilled, so your hassle-free moving is guaranteed. Learn more about the full range of removal services we offer at competitive rates, 7 days a week!

Where to Get Free Boxes for Moving

Where to Get Free Boxes for Moving

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Where to Get Free Boxes for Moving

Are you moving home any time soon? If the answer is yes, you’ll certainly need plenty of cardboard boxes. Take all of your stuff from your house-sized box, put them in small boxes, load them onto a mobile box, often referred to as a van, and unload them into your new house-sized box. See what we did there?

Places where you can get free boxes for moving house

So, where can you get free moving boxes? It turns out, there are plenty of stores and supermarkets ready to spare a free cardboard box or two. You just need to ask! The next two questions on your mind are most probably what stores will give you boxes and what to look for in a second-hand cardboard box?

Most establishments that sell goods have scheduled deliveries throughout the week. This means that they either have an abundance of free cardboard boxes or recycle them because they have no further use for them. Here are some of the places you can check:

Major supermarket chains

Your first go-to places should be any of the major supermarket chains. Since these stores often have discounts and sell items in bulk, more often than not they receive daily deliveries. You can get moving boxes from ASDA early in the morning or late in the evening when the shelves are being restocked. If you want to try your luck with Tesco, you need to go there between 6 and 7 o’clock in the morning before they take away the empty boxes for recycling. Keep in mind that the availability of the boxes depends on the company’s individual policy.

The best boxes to look for are fruit and alcohol boxes. They are made to carry heavier and fragile items, which makes them perfect for moving house. See some tips on packing fragile items because they need to be taken better care of than the rest of your belongings. Be sure to check for any tears or bugs, and you’re good to go! You can also consider looking for cleaning detergent boxes. They are sturdy and also made to withstand moving heavy items.

Discount stores

The next place you should check are pound shops such as Poundland. Needless to say, discount shops also have daily deliveries as they also sell items in bulk. Don’t be afraid to go to your local pound store and inquire about any free cardboard boxes. Even if there aren’t any available at the moment, you can ask for the time of the next delivery and go then.

Grocery stores and off-license shops

The next places on your list when searching for free boxes for moving house should be local groceries and off-license shops. The store owners would be glad to get rid of a few liquor boxes. These stores are smaller, hence, there’s no place for stacking unneeded boxes.

Bars and restaurants

Spare alcohol boxes can also be found in bars and restaurants. However, although liquor is regularly consumed in such places, keep in mind that the amount of boxes you can get is limited.

Bookstores

If you need packing boxes for books, look no further than bookstores, such as WHSmith and Waterstones. Apart from any household appliances, the heaviest items you’ll probably need to pack are books, folders and paper documents. Of course, there are some tricks in order to do that properly. Read our article on how to pack books to get a better idea of how to do it.

Print stores and copy centres

Likewise, print stores and copy centres have an abundance of copier paper boxes. Not only are these boxes perfect to store heavy items in, but they are uniform and easy to handle too. You’ll have one less thing to worry about when loading the boxes onto the moving van.

Local schools, colleges and universities

Are you living in an area with many educational establishments and student halls? If you have scheduled your home removals for the spring or fall season, chances are there are many students moving at the same time. Ask around the schools or hall staff members for any discarded moving boxes or school supplies boxes.

Fast food chains

Most people don’t usually associate fast-food chains with anything other than fast food. But did you know that you can ask for the fry boxes? Those are the boxes in which frozen chips are delivered to the local fast food branches. Frozen food is usually very heavy, hence the boxes it comes in are sturdy enough for removals purposes.

A professional removals company knows how to keep things intact and deliver them safely. The man with a van service we offer comes with full insurance when the professionals pack your belongings before the move.

Second-Hand Boxes For Moving

Second-Hand Boxes For Moving

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Second-hand boxes for moving

Now that we’ve covered the free cardboard boxes options, let’s move onto the used moving boxes.

Gumtree

Gumtree is a treasure trove of free items, including second-hand boxes for moving. You can set the filters only for your area, and you can also buy and sell things if that’s more up your alley. You found what you needed? Good, just don’t forget to thoroughly inspect the boxes before taking them. Keep an eye out for any insects, wet spots or tears.

Freegle

Freegle is a place where you can give away basically anything you don’t need and you are not alone. All of the UK uses the website to give away items ranging from forks and knives to old furniture. And, guess what? Used moving boxes are on the menu, as well.

Freecycle

Another place that offers a good variety. However, we encourage our readers to have realistic expectations because, let’s be honest, free things are often of low quality. Free cardboard boxes might do more damage than you expect.

Social media community groups

Social media community groups can be very helpful for many things, including finding cardboard boxes for moving. You can start by browsing these places:

  • Reddit
  • Nextdoor
  • News Now

Free boxes from neighbours and friends who have recently moved

A friend in need is a friend indeed! If you have friends or neighbours who have moved recently, you can take a load off their shoulders by reusing their moving boxes. What’s more, the boxes might be in good condition, unless your friends don’t care for the state of their belongings.

Where to buy shipping boxes?

If you have exhausted all other possibilities, you can try buying used moving boxes for under £1 on Sadler’s website. Take all precautions before buying and purchase only boxes you feel certain will do the job.

Affordable moving boxes

You’re probably going to pay a professional removals company for transportation anyway, so why not spare yourself the additional work and simply add the packing and box delivery services to your query as well.
A professional removals company knows how to keep things intact and deliver them safely. The man with a van service we offer comes with full insurance when the professionals pack your belongings before the move.

Things About Moving House

Things About Moving House

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8 Things No One Tells You About Moving House

If you’ve ever had to move, then you know how stressful and tiring the whole process is. Sure, a new beginning is always great, but to get there takes a lot of organizing, packing, and let’s not forget – physical strength. However, if you are new to it, remember – you’re not the first person to go through this, nor would you be the last one. And there is just so much information on the topic out there. But there is actually more to it than just getting your belongings into boxes.

With that in mind, in this article, we’ve combined everything you need to know in order to prevent the huge disaster that a move can easily turn into. Have a closer look at the below tips, take notes, and help the process of moving go smoother. In fact, we promise you that it may actually turn into a somewhat exciting experience!

It’s never too early to start

Normally, people put extra effort into planning the layout of the new property and buying new furniture that would create their perfect home. Although those are exciting tasks to think about, you shouldn’t forget to spend some good time organizing the move itself. Something to keep in mind is that packing and moving can actually take weeks, if not months of planning. No matter how many things you own, or the size of your old place, it’s best to start packing as early as possible. This way, everything will be ready and organized for the big day.

The most difficult part is starting. All you need are small steps, and it will all fall in place later on. It will make the whole process a lot easier when you’ve got everything planned out and thought of. In fact, St Albans Removals recommend to start planning the move 6 weeks beforehand and packing – 3 weeks prior to the move date.

Disruption of your daily schedule

As you can already imagine, moving to a new house can be extremely time-consuming. And in case you are employed full-time, you most likely don’t get enough free time to yourself anyway. This being said, it will be a real struggle to combine both work and the move in the same week, not to mention the same day. Take a day off.

There will be stress and anxiety

No matter whether you consider yourself an anxious person or quite laid back, we can assure you that the stress around moving houses is real. Not everyone is honest, and once done with, many forget about their complex moving experience. It’s normal to get anxious the second the decision on this big life change is made. And we won’t sugar coat it – it will likely last all the way through, up until you get the last piece of clothing through the entrance of your new property.

What’s worse is that most of the discomfort feeling often comes from the fact that you pretty much depend on others, as much as you depend on yourself and your own abilities. Hence why you should choose your professional packing and relocation services wisely.

You have more belongings than you think

You will be shocked by the number of items you actually own. We all forget about the existence of some. Items that we once thought were important and had a high value, but then end up finding years later in the most bizarre places. And this always happens when either spring-cleaning or relocating homes. Although it can be challenging, you should sort all items you’ve collected over the years into two piles – one for items to keep, and one to clear.

Get rid of everything unnecessary

Yes, we all keep hold of dozens of unnecessary things, such as old clothes. Or those green and purple glass vases that we all seem to get from our aunties for Christmas. Giving those to charity or holding a garage sale are great ways to declutter your home. Offering them to neighbours or listing them on websites, such as eBay or Facebook, are also good alternatives.

You will always forget something

There is not much you can do to prevent it. The whole process of moving is extremely exhausting and mentally challenging, so it’s almost certain that something will be left behind.

This is where checklists come in. If you don’t lose them as well, of course. Making a checklist for moving house is a quick and easy way to take control of your move. They shouldn’t be too complicated – a simple piece of paper and a pen will do the job, so close the Excel file. Now, sit down, make yourself a cup of tea and take a few hours to write down everything that comes to mind. And we are not talking about listing items alone – you should write down all important tasks, and plan Bs in case something goes wrong with the move.

It’s better to arrange pet care

If moving is stressful for you, imagine how nerve-racking it is for the furry family members. No matter the scale of the move, simple changes can significantly impact your pet, and you should plan ahead accordingly.

Moving is particularly stressful for cats and dogs. You’re their best friend and will be the first point of contact in case they feel overwhelmed. You, on the other hand, will be occupied with packing, cleaning, and planning the move. This being said, it’s best to ask someone to look after your pet, as you won’t be able to spare the needed time and attention at that very moment.

Having kids around on moving day is not ideal

People imagine the way their happy kids react once they go through the doors of their new home. But jumping around in excitement to see their rooms and playing on their own will take no more than half an hour.

So, for your ease and even their safety, you should ideally leave them with someone they are familiar with. Try asking family or friends to look after them for the day of the move. If possible, having the kids taken care of for two-three days would give you the perfect opportunity to set up their new bedroom. This will speed up the process of the little ones getting used to the new place.

Takeaways

Remember – there is not one house move that has gone perfectly. If you do your best to organize it well, the process will go smoother than expected. And yes, you will have boxes lying around for some time until you get the energy, and you feel strong enough to take care of them. And that’s fine. The good news is that at this point, it will all be coming into place and start feeling like home.
Moving houses is incredibly exhausting and time-consuming. And why should you do it all on your own? Go ahead and give us a call. Trust St Albans Removals and let the team of professionals give you a hand with your relocation.

questions to ask your moving company

Questions To Ask Your Moving Company

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Questions To Ask Your Moving Company

Choosing the right moving company can be a challenge. There are lots of options out there. And if you don’t know the right questions to ask, they can all start seeming much the same.

Here are the best questions to ask your moving company if you want to find the best fit for your needs:

What removal van sizes do you offer?

If you want to make your move as swift and smooth as possible, knowing that your moving company can transport the volume of items is pretty important. But there are other important aspects to consider about removal van sizes:

  • Do you have any large, long, or bulky items of furniture that have to fit inside the vehicle?
  • Are the streets the van will have to negotiate limited in size?
  • Will your moving company have a vehicle to match them?

Most removal firms have a small fleet of vehicles, so you’ll probably have some options. But it’s best to make your requirements when it comes to individual items, overall volume, and any narrow streets too, clear before you start asking about types of vehicle.

Are there any items you won’t take?

Confirming your removal company will take all of the items you want to transport should be high on your list of questions to ask. Questions To Ask Your Moving Company

Because there are some items that a removal company can’t or won’t move. These are usually things that are outside of health and safety regulations or because those items are considered dangerous goods.

Common problem items include acids, corrosives, and anything that’s flammable. But even some relatively innocuous things can fall afoul of these restrictions. Always check any list on your removal company’s website before you book your service.

Is removals insurance included?

Accidents happen even with the safest and most reliable of movers. Make sure you’re protected in the event that something unexpected goes wrong during the transport of your possessions.

Removals insurance should be a standard these days. But not every firm offers the same kind of insurance. Not all insurance policies cover all items. Some removal businesses charge extra for any protection or certain types of cover.

In short, it’s best to get things laid out in black and white first. Make sure you’re clear and upfront about what you want to transport if you want to be sure you’re protected.

Do your movers bring packing materials on moving day?

Will you need packing materials for moving day? Some companies may bring things like extra cardboard boxes, packing tape, and so on with them. But it’s not common practice to do so – some removal companies don’t offer packing services at all.

If you think this might be an issue for you – or if you just want to avoid the hassle of sourcing packing materials and doing the boxing altogether – it’s worth asking your removal firm early on what they offer in the way of packing materials and support.

What is included in your quote?

Don’t let your final moving bill be a surprise! Get this question in early and make sure you’re clear about what your removal company will include in your service – and what is going to cost extra. You might want to ask them about:

  • “Heavy item” surcharges or charges for specific items (e.g. grand pianos)
  • Late hour charges
  • Assembling or dismantling furniture
  • Packing materials
  • Permits, parking, and fuel costs

What other services do you offer?

These days, most removal firms have realized they can do more for their customers. This means they offer additional services like:

  • Professional packingPacking everything you own can be a stressful part of a move. Getting professional packing not only does away with this, but it also minimizes the chances of anything getting damaged during transit.
  • Packing materialsone of the most irritating things about moving house is the need to find suitable cardboard boxes and other packing materials. Why not ask your moving company if they can simply supply some this time?
  • StorageAnother handy service you might be able to get your removal firm to provide is storage. Downsizing? Not a problem. Have items sorted for convenient storage and taken away at the same time as you move.
  • End of tenancy cleaningNot always possible with all movers, tenancy cleaning is a hugely useful additional service. Using the same company means everything will fit together neatly on moving day.
How To Prepare A Box Of Essentials

How To Prepare A Box Of Essentials

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How to prepare a box of essentials

One of the most important moving tips you will ever come across. The box of essentials should contain items you will need right after your move is over. It’s important to take into account any other outside factors which may affect what you pack into your essentials box. Depending on weather conditions and the location of your new home, you might need to include more items than you think. For example, if you’re moving house during winter, you will have to pack extra duvets, scarves, hats, and gloves.

If we haven’t stressed it enough already, here is another reminder to start packing as early as possible. This way your essentials box will be halfway full by the time the moving day comes. Leave some spare room so you could later add last minute items. Put this box last in the moving van, so you can later have easy access to it once you’re done relocating. Don’t forget to ask your house removals service supplier about a man and van insurance – for the safety of the rest of your moving boxes.

Here is a basic list of what your box of essentials should contain:

  • Double purpose garments
  • Set of office clothes (if necessary)
  • Bedsheets and duvets
  • Snacks, canned or boxed food
  • Can opener
  • Eating utensils
  • Pans and pots
  • Towels and dishcloth
  • Toiletries
  • First aid kit
  • Baby supplies
  • Pet food (if you have a pet)
  • Instruction manuals for all your electric appliances remote controls
  • Toolbox

For more detailed information, you can check out what advice the St Albans Removals Team gives on how to prepare a box of essentials, as well as the most important rules when moving with Heavy Boxes.

Now that you know how to pack for moving home, we wish you happy packing and good luck!

10+ Packing Tips 

10+ Packing Tips 

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10+ Packing Tips

Use plastic bags for spillable items

When it comes to packing toiletries and detergents, it’s best to reduce the number of liquid items you wish to take by packing only essentials. Select a sturdy box and some plastic bags. Take the bottles and unscrew the caps. Afterwards, place a plastic bag over the neck of each bottle and screw the caps back on. Ideally, you should be able to fit the whole bottle into the plastic bag. Tie/Zip the bag and secure it with scotch packing tape. That way, if your bottle opens by accident, its contents would remain in the plastic bag.

Roll your clothes

Ask any frequent traveller what is the best way to store your clothes and most of them will agree that rolling them is most practical. This is way easier than following any guide on how to fold your clothes properly. Plus, rolling reduces the amount of space they take and wrinkles are less likely to appear. So you can store more clothes in one box and not worry about ironing them before you put them back in your wardrobe.

Use roll tubes to pack cables and appliance wiring

We all know how annoying it is to get your earphones tangled in your pocket, right? To avoid the same from happening to all the wiring you have at your house, use toilet roll tubes to pack them individually. Afterwards, label them with a small sticky note and store them in a single box.

Store all of your valuables in one place

Needless to say, pack all of your valuable belongings in one place and make a detailed inventory list so that you won’t forget or lose something. Another option is renting a safe deposit box at your bank of choice and place your valuables there for safekeeping.

Take all of your documents with you

These include birth certificates, passports, bank account statements, etc. If your documents can fit into one box, pack them in one of suitable size and load it into your car. In case you run your own home business or have a private practice, you may need to consider the packing and office removal services of a professional removals company depending on your needs. Don’t forget that such services are usually insured.

Fill empty gaps

Remember when we said to start by storing items you use less often? Here is why: You can use clothes, old newspapers, styrofoam, packing paper, or just old rags to fill gaps in the boxes. They will fix your items in one spot for the ride or in case you have decided to transport your belongings to a long-term storage facility.

Put heavier boxes on the bottom

Packing tips like this one might be common sense, but they’re still important to mention. By putting your heavy boxes underneath the lighter boxes, you ensure no breakable items will get crushed during the move. This comes of great use when packing books in boxes or when loading furniture in solid containers and inside vehicles.

Label your boxes

Write the name of the room of each box with a marker next to the inventory list. Write on the sides of the boxes and not on top, as this will make it easier to recognise them if they’re stacked. It’s also advisable to use a different colour for every room. If you have children, ask them to help out and get creative. Kids love drawing and colouring, so what better way to reduce the stress of moving? This is just one method of helping your kids cope with the move.

Dispose of hazardous materials

International removal companies would usually remind you that they will not allow transportation of such materials. If they haven’t provided you with any information on the topic, you should certainly ask them. If they happen to handle hazardous items and you wish to transport such materials, ask about certifications and qualifications. Keep in mind this significantly increases the cost of your move.

Per the website of the Government of the UK, such articles are sorted according to their class, identifying the type of danger they pose, and by packing group (PG), which points to their level of danger. The following are considered dangerous goods and are regulated by strict international laws:

  • Gases
  • Explosives
  • Flammable solids
  • Flammable liquids
  • Oxidizers and organic peroxides
  • Toxic and infectious substances
  • Radioactive material
  • Corrosive substances
  • Miscellaneous dangerous substances

Put simply, these include household items, such as boxes of paint, cleaning products containing bleach, pesticides, asbestos, batteries, fluorescent tubes, etc.

So, the best way to deal with hazardous materials is to dispose of them in an eco-friendly manner. Lots of companies have the equipment to do this for you. If you need to take such items with you, make sure you shut them close as tight as possible and place each type in a different box. It’s NOT a good idea to mix them together. Close the boxes well and label them.

Set aside items for your box of essentials

One of the most important moving tips you will ever come across. The box of essentials should contain items you will need right after your move is over. It’s important to take into account any other outside factors which may affect what you pack into your essentials box. Depending on weather conditions and the location of your new home, you might need to include more items than you think. For example, if you’re moving house during winter, you will have to pack extra duvets, scarves, hats, and gloves. For more information on what to include and how to do it properly scroll down.

Be mindful of your pets

If you have had pets for a while, you know how big changes can affect them. Some get very anxious, while others can become very lethargic. It depends on your pet. But there are ways you can accommodate their needs during the relocation process and reduce the overall stress levels. One way to do this is to let your pet get acquainted with all the packing materials. For more detailed information, you can check out what advice the St Albans Removals Team gives on how to move with dogs, as well as the most important rules when moving with cats.

Now that you know how to pack for moving home, we wish you happy packing and good luck!

Packing Tips You Must Know When Moving

Packing Tips You Must Know When Moving

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Packing Tips You Must Know When Moving House

Moving house sounds exciting, but it never is an operation we look forward to because very often we don’t know where to begin. You have to contact utility companies, clean your entire home before you leave, hire a removals firm in advance, not to mention pack all your belongings. So, how to pack up your house for relocation and make sure you don’t forget something in the process?

Packing supplies you need

No matter how many boxes you have lying around the house, you will need a variety of box types to accommodate all your belongings. You will also need to make sure that they are sturdy enough to weather the moving itself. Many often overlook the fact that purchasing moving boxes and other packing materials is a necessary part of house relocation.

If you have any spare plastic boxes, you can pack your fragile and valuable items in them. Alternatively, provided you have the time to search for free moving boxes, there are plenty of ways to obtain them. Keep in mind that sometimes you might have to go during a specific time of the day to procure the best ones, as some grocery shops, for example, receive shipments only once a week. Generally, you’ll need:

  • Small boxes
  • Medium boxes
  • Large boxes
  • Heavy duty boxes
  • Wardrobe boxes
  • Mirror boxes/ Telescopic cardboard boxes

For safety reasons, it’s best to use telescopic cardboard boxes if you want to pack mirrors and artwork.

You can make wardrobe boxes yourself by using a tall enough box and adding a metal rail you can find on eBay in different lengths. Additionally, you’ll need:

  • Packing tape
  • Bubble wrap
  • Styrofoam
  • Old newspapers
  • Stretch wrap for furniture
  • Marker
  • Plastic bags
  • Labels

There are whole moving house kits online you can find for different types of properties. Another option is to book a packing service from a removals company. Not only do they have different types of boxes suitable for all sorts of items, but they can also do all the packing professionally for you. Moreover, items packed by moving companies are usually insured against damage and loss.

How to pack for moving house

Begin packing well in advance

The average time it takes to pack all of your items depends mainly on their number. However, in most of our articles with packing tips, we state that you should start the process earlier than most people think. For a large house, two months should be enough if you pack one box a day. For smaller homes, one month should be just fine. Of course, there is not an exact number, but you get the idea.

Start with rooms and items you use less often

For instance, you can first tackle the rooms on the highest floor, especially if you have a loft, and then, little by little, move your way towards the bottom floors. Seasonal items you’re currently not using such as garden tools, coats, and Christmas lights are perfect examples of items you can pack before you handle everything else. Sorting through already packed belongings makes it easier to set aside the boxes you’re taking with you and those, which you would like to donate or give away.

Declutter and donate

Speaking of things you don’t want to take with you, hold a garage sale or give your old unwanted items to charity. There is also eBay, so your options are plenty. If you have friends helping you with your move, ask them whether they need anything you’re planning to sell. After all, you’re not paying them and they should get something for all their troubles. You can sweeten the deal with a pizza or drinks.

Make a detailed inventory list

These are extremely helpful if you have large collections of books, CDs, trinkets, etc. It’s okay, if you write just “Books” on the labels of your moving boxes. However, if you have specialised literature collection, which is not kept in a single room, we recommend typing out detailed inventory lists. That way you can upload the spreadsheets on your phone, while you print out and stick copies to each box.

Pack one room at a time

This is one of the most important packing tips which for some reason often gets neglected. There is a debate whether storing your items by room or by category is better. It really depends on what’s easier for you. Nevertheless, we recommend packing your belongings by rooms. Doing this will help you stay organised and will later tell the movers, or anyone unloading, which box goes where. Additionally, you can begin unloading and unpacking your items in reverse – from the top to the ground floor. Begin with the items you know won’t need any unpacking, then move the remaining boxes. This will also prevent unnecessary strain on your muscles as by the end of the relocation process you will probably be too tired to climb stairs with even more items.

Do not exceed the limit of 30 pounds per box

This is of high importance, if you move abroad, as there will be many more moving boxes to pack for sure. You might get a back injury or one of the boxes might not be able to withstand the weight when moving it. Pack light items in large boxes and heavy items in small boxes. This packing tip alone will save you a great deal of pain… literally.

Now that you know how to pack for moving home, we wish you happy packing and good luck!