You have a wonderful home in London – small but cosy kitchen with the most convenient cabinets and worktop, perfect bedroom with relaxing wallpapers and the best linen wrapping you, and last but not least your bathroom is a real spa centre – you have all the right salts, soaps, body lotions, shampoos in almost every size and shape. It is a dream come true… And now you have to move that dream to that wonderful new house in the suburbia? Ok. So, you have to pack the expensive china from the kitchen, and of course this huge collection of magnets you gathered throughout the years (not without the help of your friends, of course), all your clothes and shoes, the books and magazines. Ah, and do not forget the plants, and the numerous bottles from the bathroom.
Does your dream start turning into a nightmare?
Relax. Here are a few clever tips from a removal company professional (who has seen a lot) that will make your life easier. Let’s start with the smaller items – because you need to empty your closets and cupboards before you can disassemble them, and then we will proceed with bigger staff.
- Pack a suitcase or a bag with essentials that you will need the first day at the new home – toothbrush and toothpaste, a night gown, a pair of cloths you can use to unpack or change after the unpacking, maybe a snack;
- Use clear plastic bins to pack the items you will need first. Thus you can recognize them quicker;
- Label and number your boxes, include a note to which room they should go – this will ease unpacking. It’s a good idea to put the labels on the sides, not on the top, thus they will be more visible;
- Use clothes or bed linen to wrap any breakables – dishes, glasses, etc. Thus you save money for bubble wrap and pack two things at one time – clothes and kitchenware;
- Water your plants at least a day, preferably two prior to the move. Thus they will not be too dry or too wet when the removal company comes;
- Use any suitcase, basket, laundry bin you have to pack your belongings. If you are using a removal company check with them in advance if they have any specific requirements about the packing, e.g. if they only transport goods packed in boxes;
- Use pillowcases to pack soaps, shampoos, washing powder, etc. If they spill, you just need to wash the pillowcase;
- If you are not “the cable man” it’s a good idea to take a photo of how your TV and computer are connected. It will be easier than to remember which cable goes where;
- Get a roll of stretch wrap. Thus you can wrap up an entire drawer with all its contents, and also use it to protect your furniture from scratches and spots;
- If you have expensive fragile pieces – like a piano, for example, make sure to hire professional movers. They come with an insurance;
- Defrost your fridge the day before and wipe it dry;
- And don’t forget to notify everybody of your new address.
Do you see your dream clearer once again? And last but not least. While you are planning your move you will surely come across some plates, clothes, even pieces of furniture that you don’t need or like any more. Donate them. But ask the charity organization to come a week or two prior to the moving. Thus you will also have less to pack and you will have done your good deed for the day.
Good luck with your moving!