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.

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!

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.