BEFORE MOVING DAY
Get rid of things well in advance. Offload on to charity shops, online auctioneers, car boot sales, street sales and – for goods no one wants – either recycle or throw away. Not only will you get some income, you’ll make your move a bit less bulky.
Anthony Ward Thomas Removals can deliver boxes in a variety of sizes, along with tape, bubble wrap and labels. Start retaining newspaper (good for wrapping fragiles and lining the insides of boxes). Of course, you could use the Anthony Ward Thomas packing service and save yourself the stress of this particularly job. One last thing to check: does your contents insurance cover you against breakages occurring during your move? If not, we can arrange it.
FORWARD PLANNING
Unless you’re using the Anthony Ward Thomas packing and unpacking services, it’s unlikely that you’ll empty every box on the Day One in your new home. That’s why it’s a good idea to think of the things you’ll need upon arrival. Then you can label one or two of your boxes with the word ‘essentials’ and pack basic cutlery and crockery, snacks, nibbles, a kettle or coffee machine, and so on.
An overnight bag is another crucial thing to remember. Don’t forget to include a change of clothes, toiletries, loo roll, medicines, a notepad and pens, a torch and some miscellaneous tools.
When moving day comes, remember that boxes containing the things you least need should go on to the vehicle first.
PACK RIGHT
Give yourself plenty of time to reflect on this. Some materials (DVDs, books) are straightforward but others (valuables, furniture) require attention. Fragile items need to be carefully wrapped and furniture often needs to be taken apart.
Give yourself a head start – packing takes considerable time and it’s also emotional, bringing you face to face with the past in the form of trinkets and photos. Having to rush just adds a heap of unnecessary anguish to the situation.
Start packing at the top of your property and work down. Attics first, cellars last. Distribute materials sensibly so that no single box is so heavy it can hurt your back.
Remember to label each box with: 1. Its contents and 2. The room in your new house to which it belongs. Indicate on the label if a box includes fragiles or if it’s sturdy enough to be able to be stacked underneath other boxes.
Important personal documents – marriage and birth certificates, passports, driving licenses – should travel with you as hand-luggage rather than in the back of the lorry..
