Ways To Pack The Small Items For A Hassle-free Removal

Ways To Pack The Small Items For A Hassle-free Removal

Packing can be tiresome. So, removalists always recommend that you start the job a few days before the day of removal for your own convenience. And when you are packing, you might face a variety of problems with big and small items. So, today we will focus on how you can pack the smaller items before calling the removalists in St Albans.

We know that for packing the larger items, you will need to choose the best packing material. But what most people do not say is that the same thing also applies when you pack smaller materials.

Apart from the fragile furniture or appliances, careful packing is also required for smaller items that are fragile. And for that, you will need to gather appropriate packing materials.

  • Using Small Boxes For the Smaller Materials

Naturally, you will pack the smaller items in the smaller boxes. But before you can pack, make sure that the packing material is durable.

The most common packing material is a cardboard box, but there are various qualities of cardboard boxes that you can find in the market. So, choose the corrugated boxes that are thick and can offer good protection for fragile items.

  • Use Bubble Wraps for the Small Fragile Items

We assume that you are packing the small items by yourself. So, sound advice from the movers in Birmingham is that you use bubble wraps inside the cardboard boxes since they effectively protect the small fragile items like kitchen utensils, decorative items, etc. while they are on the move.

These bubble wraps are designed to protect the items from impacts and collisions. They are affordable and you can find them in any hardware store.

  • Wrap the Smaller items with Paper for Extra Protection 

Paper is always used in packing as it offers extra protection against impacts and a wide variety of packing papers are available in the market that you can use for packing. They are baking paper, the greaseproof paper, kraft paper etc.

The baking paper is water and oil resistant but cannot offer good protection against moisture. On the other hand, greaseproof paper is the best defence against moisture and among these; the strongest is the kraft paper.

It is a strong and durable paper and is designed for packing materials that will be transported.

  • Pack Small Tools with the Bigger Items

Companies providing the removal services in St Albans always recommend that you pack the small tools like screwdrivers, scissors etc. with the furniture because it will help you to better organise the items when you unpack them in your new location.

However, make sure that you pack them in a small box or a bag and attach it, or insert it inside furniture if there is necessary space.

Professional Removal Service at an Amazing Price

If you are searching for a company that provides affordable removal service in St Albans, Anytime Removal is the company you should choose. Our removalists in St Albans complete the removal safely and efficiently. So, call us now to book a professional removal service today.

Moving a Fridge Freezer

Moving a Fridge Freezer

Moving a fridge freezer is a complex and tedious task. Doesn’t matter if you want to install it into a different room or transport it to a new address – in both cases, it’s a risky move that can lead to a lot of hassle.

Those who are particularly clumsy, may even injure themselves or cause damage to the electrical appliance that will lead to high costs on repairs. St Albans Removals helped hundreds of customers to move hose while transporting their old fridge to the new address. When it comes to moving fridge freezers, St Albans Removals is able to provide trustworthy information on the topic, based on real-life experience.

General tips during fridge/freezer transportation

Keep the fridge upright when loading it into a vehicle. This minimizes the chances of compromising the sealed system but also protects from causing disconnection of components inside the fridge.

If transporting the fridge upright is not possible

  • Lay the fridge down opposite to the direction in which its doors open. This will prevent spontaneous door openings
  • If dealing with French door freezers, do not place in a total vertical position. Try to move through the doors only by tilting the domestic appliance a little bit
  • Small-sized freezers should also be transported upright whenever this is possible. Compact fridge/freezer appliances have a specific drain design that is often problematic if drain water travels back into the appliance. This happens to used compact freezers and does not affect new and unboxed appliances of this type
  • Monogram refrigerators with a size much larger than the average, are best transported in a van by professionals at a house removals price that is reasonable depending on the job specifications. Maintaining an upright position during loading and unloading from the vehicle is impossible to complete alone without any specialised tools. Using a dolly during monogram fridge freezers transportation is a common and safe practice. Truck the fridge on the dolly from its left or right side. Never apply pressure on its front or rear sides as there are sensitive electronics. Carefully reading the installation instructions is a must, otherwise, there will be an increased risk of incidents or malfunction of the device.

Moving a fridge freezer from one room to another

During property renovation, people often make the step to move their fridge from one room to another. Such interior change is necessary and cannot be avoided. It may also impact your budget heavily if you damage the appliance when moving it.

To reduce the risk of incidents we recommend taking as much time as you need to make perfect measures of the whole route. This will guarantee non-problematic transportation to the next spot in your home where you’ll install the fridge freezer.

Office Relocation: All You Need to Know

Office Relocation: All You Need to Know

An office relocation is a tough task. Not only do you have your office furniture to move, but you’ve also got to coordinate your staff. Plus, you have to plan your big move with minimal disruption to your business. To help with your office relocation process, we’ve created this office moving guide featuring the best tips you can put into place before your moving date.

How to Coordinate an Office Move

Use the following tips to prepare for your office move. Moving offices doesn’t need to be overwhelming when you have the right preparation and planning team in place.

1. Make Sure You’re Moving for The Right Reasons

Planning an office move is a big step so ensure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Is it for extra office space? Are you planning on moving closer to your clients? Will your new office be closer to the services you use? Is your rent going to be cheaper? Ideally, your relocation should be cost-effective in the long run.

2. Set A Budget

One of the first things to consider when moving office locations is your budget. You’ll need to incorporate an approximate budget for any office relocation services you use, such as moving companies and cleaning services. It’s also a good idea to consider the cost of setting up utilities, mail redirection, any extra equipment you need, project manager, property manager, and more. Contemplate having a backup fund for emergencies or unexpected costs too.

Need Help with Your Office Move? St Albans Removals Can Lend a Hand!

Planning an office move is challenging. If you need help with putting items into storage and are moving into or out of St Albans, we can assist you. St Albans Removals are here to make your moving process seamless. We’ll even pack, move, and bring your office items back to you when you require them. Contact us now for a free quote.

How To Store Clothes

How To Store Clothes For Long Term Storage

Most of us can divide our wardrobes into seasonal clothes, separating winter outfits from summer t-shirts and shorts. As seasons change, we tend to rotate the items in our closet, with last season’s wears becoming buried under our current favourite garments. If you have an extensive wardrobe, you may be considering putting your old clothes into storage. Placing material items into storage can lead to creasing, crinkles and musty smells if not packed away properly. So, how do you store clothes properly?

The Best Way to Store Clothes

Long-term clothing storage requires preparation to ensure your garments remain in good condition. Follow these top tips on how to store clothes to preserve your most-loved items.

1. Wash and Dry Your Clothes

Before you place your clothes into storage, it’s essential to wash and dry them correctly. Depending on the individual item, you may need to dry clean them or simply put them into the washing machine. There’s no need to iron them as they’ll require ironing once taken out of storage.

2. Eliminate Stains

Stains become worse over time if not treated. Always eliminate any old stains before putting your clothing into storage. Chemical stain removers are highly effective in removing older stains. For newer stains, you can try adding half a cup of baking soda to your machine wash cycle.

3. Clean Shoes and Accessories

Clean and polish your shoes to ensure they’re in good condition. Check over any accessories and clean these if they require it. Place scrunched up acid-free tissue paper inside handbags and shoes so that they keep their shape.

4. Donate Old Clothing

If you have old clothes, consider donating them to charity or recycling them. Fix any damaged items that you want to keep and tear up anything you cannot repair into rags for cleaning purposes.

5. Avoid Vacuum Sealed Bags

Vacuum packed storage bags are ideal for some items but not others. Clothes made with natural fibres, such as silk, can easily become damaged when placed in plastic bags as they tend to lose their shape. While storage bags are fine when used for a couple of weeks, it’s best to use plastic boxes instead for long-term storage. Just make sure that they have an airtight lid to prevent moisture from getting into them.

6. Avoid Cardboard Boxes

It’s also important to avoid storing your shoes and accessories in cardboard boxes. These can quickly become damaged by water or mould, destroying your items in the process. Place them in a plastic storage box to prevent water damage or infestation.

Moving House With Kids

Moving House With Kids

Moving house is stressful. How do you try to entertain your kids while moving home? How can you juggle moving days? Here, we reveal our top tips for moving house without overwhelm.

How to Navigate Moving House With Kids

Moving with younger kids or older children doesn’t need to be stressful. Read the following tips to cope with the moving process.

Plan Ahead

Planning is the easiest way to stay organised when moving. Start decluttering a couple of weeks before you move. Once you’ve discarded the items you don’t want to keep, you can start packing. Begin with the things you barely use and leave those you use daily until last.

Meal Plan

Meal planning is another effective way to stay organised. Take note of what you have in your freezer. It’s a good idea to plan meals on moving day. Making sandwiches or a packed lunch for the kids will ensure they don’t go hungry.

Get Childcare

The best option for moving with children is to find childcare in advance. Whether it’s a relative, friend or childcare professional, you’ll know that they’re in safe hands, so you have plenty of time to move boxes and clean. It makes life much easier, and even if you can only find childcare for a couple of hours, you’ll be able to get more tasks ticked off your checklist.

Give Them Something To Do

When moving house, children can quickly become bored. What if you could involve them in your moving activities instead? It’s good to let them know they’re moving a few weeks beforehand. It gives them plenty of extra time to get acquainted with their new area. You could plan an adventure hunt, pointing out new local spots to try. If you enjoy getting creative, write down some local points to your new home, such as the nearest school, park, and supermarket. You can then turn it into a game that your children will find exciting.

Planning on Moving With Kids? St Albans Removals Can Assist You!

Ready to move house? Moving with children can be a breeze when you’ve got St Albans Removals Experts. As a moving company, we’re here to lend a helping hand by moving boxes and putting your goods into storage. We can do all the packing, heavy lifting and moving so you don’t have to lift a finger. Get in touch now for a free quote.

How To Pack Your Clothes

Easy Tips on How To Pack Your Clothes for a Move

Moving can be overwhelming from packing, the actual move, up to unpacking. To make this process go as smoothly as possible, you must know how to pack the items you will bring with you.

When we talk about packing, clothes are usually the first on the list. And although this may sound easy, some people cannot just let their clothes be shoved in boxes with neglect.

Our clothes can have multiple purposes too. Some can just be tossed in laundry bags such as lounge shorts or boxers, while some need to be folded neatly in a suitcase such as those we use in formal events or luxury clothes.

Today, we will talk about several ways to speed up packing your clothes and ways to properly protect them from any damages before and after the move.

Need-to-Know Packing Tips for Your Clothing

Before packing your clothes, it’s important to check first which clothes go together and which need extra care. For example, casual shirts, night clothes, and rugged clothes can go in the same boxes or bags. Suits, gowns, or costumes may need a specific containment. Luxury clothing can also go in their old boxes, bags, or a suitcase.

Keep in mind that you also need to maximise all available moving boxes or plastic bags. Simply roll your clothes to allow more room for other clothes you intend to bring. Don’t forget to separate the ones you will no longer be bringing or those up for a garage sale.

Have Available Laundry or Plastic Bags or Hanging Packs

Once you finish sorting and folding your clothes, the next thing you need is containment. Clothes that didn’t get to the laundry can be tossed in laundry bags to remind you that once the move is complete, you will need to wash them. Gowns, dresses, suits, or other formal wear may need to be in hanging packs and go together in a clothes hanger rack. Undergarments can be placed in string bags to easily identify them.

Use Other Bags or Plastic Materials Like Zip Lock Bags

Other bags you have at home can also be useful during the move. A duffel bag can serve as extra storage for singlets, boxers, socks, and small towels. Large to medium zip lock bags can be useful for wet or laundry items. Vacuum bags can be used for bulky jackets or winter coats. Lastly, a drawstring trash bag can be used for lounge or casual clothes.

Make Sure All Bags, Plastics, or Boxes Are Clean for Unused Clothes

Clean and unused clothes must be kept in clean bags, boxes, and plastics too. This is to reduce extra work when it comes to washing a bulk of dirty clothes once you get to your new home. The last thing you want to do is unpack them, start arranging them in your new closet, and rest.

Once you have tucked all clothes into their respective containers or bags, label them accordingly. Labelling your packed clothes can lessen the work of unpacking them. When you also know which ones should go first in your new closet, it also reduces the time spent rearranging them.

 

Removals & Storage For Fragile Items

Removals & Storage For Fragile Items

Moving house or relocating your business can be stressful but when you’ve got delicate items to consider, it can be an overwhelming process. What is the best way to pack breakables and how can you ensure nothing gets broken or damaged? In this guide, we’ll show you how to pack breakable items for moving and how to store fragile items with ease. First, let’s look at what essential items are required for packing fragile items.

Essential Items For Packing Breakables

Extremely fragile items can break easily so they must be packed correctly for extra protection. Here are some essential items that are a must for packing fragile items.

·        Layers of bubble wrap to prevent items from breaking.

·        Fragile packing tape so the removal or storage employees know that these items need to be moved with the utmost care.

·        Strong cardboard boxes to protect your items when moving or placing them into storage.

·        Packing peanuts to help fill any empty spaces in the boxes.

·        Corrugated inserts to provide more protection.

·        Packing paper to place inside the cardboard boxes.

·        Small boxes for small glassware and ceramic pieces.

·        Towels or blankets can be used to protect smaller fragile items.

·        Ropes or cord to keep towels or blankets in place.

How To Pack Breakable Items For Moving

What is the best way to pack fragile items for moving delicate removals? Here are our handy tips for packing your valuables. Use these and you’ll learn how to pack breakable items for moving with optimal confidence!

Use small boxes for glassware and ceramics

The best way to pack breakables like glasses, vases, plates or china cups is to ensure they’re placed in bubble wrap and secured with tape. Alternatively, you can wrap them in towels to protect them. Placing them in small boxes means there is less space for them to move during transit. If you do have small gaps in your box, place packing peanuts or paper to cover them.

Stack items where possible

Breakable bowls or plates can be stacked together. To pack these effectively, place a piece of strong cardboard at the bottom of the box. Then, place packing paper and a piece of bubble wrap between each bowl or plate. Stack four of five plates, placing paper around the stack and seal with packing tape.

Place televisions or monitors in their original boxes

It’s always best to place televisions or monitors in their original boxes as these will offer the most effective protection for their size. However, if you don’t have the box, remove all the cables and wrap them in bubble wrap for protection. Label them and place them in a box. As the screen is the most fragile part and susceptible to scratches and damage, use bubble wrap all around the screen and then a layer of packing paper. Wrap a thick towel or blanket over the screen, securing it with rope or a cord.

Pack appliances in protective layers

Home appliances like kettles and toasters which can easily break or get damaged should be packed in layers of bubble wrap and packing paper. This will prevent scratches, dents or marks. Just remember to seal the layers with fragile packing tape.

How To Store Fragile Items

Storing fragile items can be a concern. After all, you want to be certain that your breakable goods are going to be placed where you know they will be kept safe from damage. Furthermore, there are a few additional things to consider when putting fragile goods into storage:

·        Opt for a well-ventilated and temperature-controlled environment

·        Choose a storage unit business that understands how to store fragile items

·        Items should be stored away from water or where potential damage could occur

Arranging professional storage is the best way to store your fragile items. Professional storage units are safe and secure, protecting your valuable or breakable assets from damage or destruction.

We’re Experts At Packing, Moving & Storing Fragile Items

Now you’re aware of the best way to pack breakables and how to store fragile items, you can be confident that the items you’re moving are safe and secure. If you’re looking to save time and hassle when moving, we can help. At St Albans Removals, we’re highly experienced movers and we also have storage units available, should you need it. Get your free quote today.

Removals Cost On Average

How Much Do Removals & Storage Services Cost On Average?

Whether you’re moving home, relocating your business or simply placing items into storage, the thought of furniture removal and storage costs can be overwhelming. First, there is the cost of removals and transportation to consider. Then, there are storage facility fees to determine. If you want to save money and get the very best deal for your budget, doing your research is imperative. However, you’ll also need to be aware of average removal and storage costs within the UK. In this article, we break down house removal and storage costs,

Furniture Removals & Storage Costs

What moving costs can you expect for furniture items? Are storage costs going to be excessive? Here, we reveal how furniture removals are priced, as well as the average costs for storing furniture items.

House Removals Costs

Full house removals are around £1200 for a 3 bedroom house travelling 50 miles. This cost is based on loading and unloading, packing services and dismantling and reassembly. If you don’t require all these then you’ll pay much less. There are certain aspects to take into consideration when estimating the full cost.

We Offer a Complete Removals & Storage Service for Competitive Prices

Do you need assistance from a professional removals and storage service? As a storage and removals company with several years of experience, we understand how to pack, move and store fragile items, heavy goods, and even bulky furniture without causing damage. What’s more, we’ll give you a comprehensive quote covering all the services you require upfront – so no hidden extra fees. Whatever you need, we are here to lend a helping hand. Get your free quote now.

How to Label Moving Boxes

How to Label Moving Boxes – 6 Simple Steps to Follow

Moving home can be so all-consuming that seemingly small things – such as labelling boxes – can fall by the wayside. But labelling your moving boxes can make a huge difference to your life when it comes to moving day.

Read on to find out how to label your boxes properly.

Why is it important to label moving boxes?

Labelling your boxes can benefit both you and your removal company.

Moving box labels will help your professional movers to understand which boxes need to be loaded first and where to put them once they’ve been unloaded from the van.

It’ll also make your life a whole lot easier when you come to unpack.

It’s also vital to label fragile items so that you and your removal company know to take special care when handling them.

There are a few different ways to label boxes – choose the one that suits you best.

Essential items for labelling boxes

Before you start thinking about what to put where ensure you have all your packing and labelling materials in order.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for box labelling:

  • Cardboard/plastic boxes.
  • Boxes packaging, e.g. rolls of bubble wrap.
  • Packing tape.
  • Printable moving itinerary.
  • Colour tape.
  • Colour pens.
  • Colour paper.
  • Marker pens.
  • Packing labels.

How to label moving boxes

There’s no size-fits-all approach to organising moving labels for boxes, but there are some tried and tested methods you can adapt to suit your needs and preferences.

1. Make an inventory of your items

We’d highly recommend that you make an inventory of the things you need to pack and move. We’d also suggest doing this digitally and saving a copy on the cloud – if you do it by hand, you risk losing the piece of paper.

Keeping an inventory will make it easier for you to track missing items. Write down all the items you need to pack, one room at a time. When you pack it, tick it off the list and write down which box it’s in (use the colour or number method as explained below).

2. Know WHEN to label

It might seem a little silly, but it is a must to know when to label your boxes. The general rule is this: don’t label your box before you’ve packed it. It can be tempting to label a box to fill it with your belongings later on but don’t.

Similarly, avoid labelling your boxes hours or days after you’ve packed and sealed them. With so much going on, there’s no way you’ll remember what’s inside. The best time to label a box is straight after you’ve packed and sealed it with strong packing tape.

3. Use colour-coded labelling…

You might decide to go down the colour-coded boxes route when labelling your moving boxes. This labelling system is especially popular with visual thinkers and works like this:

  • Choose a colour for each room, e.g. kitchen = orange, bathroom = blue
  • Once you’ve packed a box, label it with its appropriate colour using a colour marker pen, colour tape or a colour label
  • Mark the colour next to the items on your inventory
  • Place the colour paper on the doors of each room in your new home. This will make it easier for whoever’s unloading your boxes to put them in the right place.

4….Or the number system

Try the super simple numbering approach if colour coding isn’t for you. Both approaches work well whether you’re moving straight into your new place or are planning to place your items into a short-term storage facility first.

Just write a number on the box and the room it belongs in.

For example, Box 1: living room; Box 2: loft; Box 3: spare bedroom, and so on.

Be sure to label the box number after each item on your inventory list; if you organised your inventory list on a room-by-room basis, even better!

Pro tip: Label or number each box on the top and at least one side so that its exact destination is visible when the time comes for you to unpack.

5. Label boxes containing fragile items

Fragile items need a little extra TLC to minimise breakage risk.

Be sure to wrap each item individually with extra paper or bubble wrap before placing it in the box. Use bubble wrap or old fabrics (e.g. towels) to fill any gaps.

As well as colour coding or numbering your boxes that contain fragile items, put a label on each side of the box that says: FRAGILE: HANDLE WITH CARE”.

You should also indicate which side of the box should face upwards. This will remind you and your moving company to move the box with extra care and avoid getting them wet or dirty.

6. Prepare a priority box

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll do all your unpacking the day you move.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to prepare a “priority box” that you can open on the first night in your new home. This could contain essentials or things to make you feel at home. While we can’t tell you exactly what to pack, here are a few ideas:

  • Toiletries, e.g. toothbrush and soap.
  • Pyjamas and teddy bears for the kids.
  • Snacks and a bottle of wine.

Again, don’t forget to label your priority box with what’s inside!

If in doubt, call in the professionals

If you’re looking for house removals help, you’ve come to the right place.

St Albans Removals experts can help you with the entire removals journey, from the packing process and home moving to storing and unpacking.

We’ll help you pack and label your cardboard boxes, so you don’t have to do it alone. We use recyclable and reusable packaging materials wherever possible and even provide packing and storage services for artwork, IT equipment and big musical instruments like pianos.

As well as a removals service, we can provide you with a storage solution should you need it. We pack smartly to minimise the amount of storage space you need to pay for, and our storage units are available to rent on a flexible, month-by-month basis.

Let us know when you need your items back, and we’ll deliver them to your new home!

How to Pack and Move Outdoor Belongings

The outdoors are the most neglected parts of the moving process. Most of us only put prime focus on indoor items while completely forgetting about what’s outside. The grill, your child’s swing, pots and plants, as well as everything outside in the courtyard. It must be understood that these things require attention too. Most of these items may be easy to handle but some are quite complicated to pack and move. It should be kept in mind that yard things aren’t easy to pack quickly. It takes time. The items are mostly heavy and need extra effort for moving too.

 

The Assessment

The first part of moving your old home’s outdoor belongings is assessing which parts are to be moved. There might be many things that be withering due to exposure to outside. A rusty swing is best left back there. Another thing to consider is selling things at this location to buy new ones at the new place. Make a list of items once you have decided which things you wanna keep. The rest must either be sold, donated or discarded. This makes the overall process light and saves your energy and money.

 

Procuring the Packing Materials

The second part of this process is getting the right kind of material for your outdoor stuff. Some speciality boxes can be bought, or some shops can be used to rent out packing material, including cardboard and plastic boxes etc. Some things are going to need a box made of harder material for proper safety during the move. Some common items that you’ll need are;

  • Bubble Wrap
  • Packing Paper
  • Specialty Boxes
  • Cardboard Boxes
  • Old Rugs
  • Garbage Bags (Preferably made of polyethene)
  • Labelling material (Markers, Pens, etc)

 

The Execution

The third part of this process is execution i.e.. doing the actual stuff. You can start with either the smallest material like statues etc.. or like chairs and sofas.

To pack the statues, pick up small suitable size boxes. Wrap the statues around in old towels and rugs. Then put these wrapped items into boxes with sturdy support.

Another point to start with is the sofa and chairs. The first thing you can do is remove all the cushions. The sofa is much easier to carry once you have removed all the extra material on it. Wrap it around in an old bedsheet or towels, and tie it with packing tape. If some corners seem delicate then cover them with cardboard box sheets. This way you are good to go.

Another common item to pack around is the patio umbrella. In this regard, you must dry it out first. Make sure that it isn’t wet at all. Wetness will decrease the efficiency of packing material. This in terms increases the chances of damaging the umbrella.

Grills and smokers must be cleaned out before packing. Wash it up or clean it using detergent before packing it. Once it is clean and dry then remove all detachable parts. Put all of these parts in one box and label it as such. The main body of a grill can either be wrapped in old towels or a separate cardboard box.

One of the trickiest items to pack from outside stuff is swings. They are hard to assemble and disassemble. Take pictures and if possible make notes of which part fixes with which. This way you can easily reassemble it once it has been shifted back. The rest of the process is the same. Wrap the delicate parts in wrapping paper of old towels, and all small detachable parts go in a separate box.

Plants are hard to transport too. Most moving companies won’t take the risk and not move them. But if you want to carry them yourself in your car then make sure you have enough space to keep all items upright. The pots must not fall else they’ll end up breaking. This is the first principle. Water them a bit before moving. Wrap pots in bubble wrap to ensure the water doesn’t leak and that the pots don’t break.

Voila, with these basic tips you are good to pack and move stuff from your courtyard.

It is always suggested that the best way of moving is hiring professionals. Save yourself time and stress by simply hiring any mover that you like in the area. We offer moving services in all colours too. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to move your house.