If you going to to defrost your fridge and freezer, do it no later than 3 days before your move day. Otherwise don’t do it at all. Ideally you should run the contents of these down over the last couple of weeks before you go.

Kitchen appliances such as fridges, freezers or washing machines that contain water should be drained and allowed to dry before removal.

If you have young children it would be advisable to look for baby sitters while the move is taking place. You will be stressed enough without trying to look after the kids.

If you have pets you should consider what is to happen to them on the day of removal. It is generally better that they are removed from the premises before the move takes place.

Self assembly furniture does not usually move well. Make arrangements to have this dismantled before your move. You should also arrange for someone to reassemble it at your new home.

It goes without saying that it is far easier if you can get your decorating and carpet fitting done in advance where possible.

Ensure that any petrol driven equipment is cleaned and drained of fuel well before the move.

If you have house plants you may want to consider leaving these with a friend or neighbour. Some plants are delicate and may be affected by dust and paint fumes. It is better to leave these until you are settled in.

Remove and pack all lamp shades before the move date if they are going to your new home.

Most beds require to be dismantled before they can be moved. Consider this and plan accordingly.

You should make arrangements for your evening meal in advance of your move. You don’t want to be trying to cook whilst the place is in turmoil. However people can get short tempered when hungry so arrange a take away if necessary.

Get a good nights sleep the night before the move with the peace of mind that comes from booking the right company for your house removal.

Do not overfill boxes, remember they have to be lifted. We are strong but we are not supermen. Also, they may break under the strain.

This may seem stupid after the previous tip but partially filled boxes may collapse if heavy items are placed on top of them. Try to distribute your things evenly in the available boxes.

Remember the boxes are protecting all your possessions. Do not be tempted to use just any box! Also be careful not to buy cheap, low quality boxes. Chances are if you are buying them online they will not be professional removal boxes even if they are advertised as so. We also see a lot of home mover packs, again be careful of the quality. Boxes for removals can be provided within your quotation if you require. We offer new or used professional removal boxes.

Make up a list to help you record what’s in each box. Devise your own system but keep it simple and ensure that it will allow you to easily identify where everything is packed. For example, you could use a number system and cross refer these to a list or notebook.

When packing your valuable and fragile possessions please remember that newsprint will rub off and does not protect belongings very well. Use Bubble Wrap for Glass, Ornaments, China and all delicate items. The boxes holding these items should be clearly marked as “fragile”.

Ensure that you don’t place heavy items with sharp corners on top of sofas and other upholstery. These can be damaged quite easily if you do this.

It is essential that you have plenty of paper, bubble wrap, cartons and containers. You will also need lots of adhesive tape.

You may want to consider writing the boxes contents and also what room it is from. For example Bedroom 1, Kitchen, and Dining Room etc. This will allow our staff to place the Boxes in the appropriate room.

Start packing two or three weeks in advance. Keep only essential items aside until the last day or two.

Boxes are preferred to bags for small items. Bags are easily torn and difficult to stack.

Ensure that any paint or other liquid is unopened and stored in leakproof containers. Pack in plastic bags before placing in boxes to minimise the effect of any spillages.

Unopened food should be removed from cupboards and packed before the move. Ensure that all caps and screw fittings on jars and bottles are secured.

If anyone in the household requires regular medication or items such as asthma inhalers ensure that these are kept safely aside. Remember that you may be working in dusty conditions.

Should your old house be getting left empty for a period ensure that everything is turned off and that you pass the keys on to the estate agent.

You should ensure that you have read your utility meters before leaving. You should also have made the appropriate arrangements with the utility companies for transfer of your services.

Keep all your essential items together in a suitable box for the day of the move. These will include things like your credit cards, keys, wallets and mobile phones.

Remember to cancel your milk, newspapers and any other items that are delivered to your old house.

Should you subscribe to any satellite or cable television services arrangements will have to be made to get this transferred.

This furniture is not designed to be moved in an assembled form. Please ask us for advice on whether it will need flat packing back into its original state as when purchased or delivered.

Some units are movable with care but we can’t take responsibility for any damage to these items.

If you are going to have a de-clutter and clear out, now is a good time. It may be easier to use a House Clearance Service than ordering a skip or to save on multiple trips to your local council tip. They are fully Licensed by the Environment Agency and are upper tier carriers.

At least a month before the move you also need to alert service providers etc.

Most builders conduct a final walk-through shortly before you complete on your new home.

This is the time when last minute details are noted. Many will have been taken care of before you move in. If there are any open items, check with your builder so that each item is attended to. A burned out light bulb, a chipped electrical outlet cover, or a spot of touch-up paint that’s needed are typical items that can show up during a final walk-through.

Your new home can be a bit of a mystery to you until you take the time to get to know it. That’s why most builders conduct a new home orientation. This is the time when the builder will show you the location and operation of key systems and components in your new home. The builder will likely also explain warranties and provide you with printed and/or electronic versions of operating manuals and warranties.

This is the time to make sure you know where the electrical circuit breakers, water cutoff valves and other key aspects of your home are located and how to operate them. Many builders also provide a record of the paint colors and brands, carpet and flooring choices and other decorative aspects of your home. It’s wise to file this information for future reference.

Lastly, consider determining the best plans in case of a fire or other emergency. Locating these basic parts of the house and planning ahead will serve you in the future.

Take with you in your car all monies, jewellery and small valuables. Also arrange to have tea / coffee and biscuits with kettle, cups and milk for yourselves and the hard working removal team.

Keep all keys to your house, garage and sheds handy and labelled for the new owners. When the removal team have finished do a walk round check with them to ensure nothing has been left that needs to be taken.