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Page 1 of 2 For most of us moving house is stressful - up there with bereavement and divorce. However careful planning can make the whole process go smoothly, explains Andrew Scholey.
After all the complications that beset us just selling and buying a house, the actual job of moving is often neglected. This results in a needlessly stressful additional headache. As soon as you are 85 per cent certain you are moving, start planning your removal - don't leave this until you exchange contracts because these days this can be within the same week. Start by throwing out items you no longer need - don't pay to transport things you never use.
So start with items that you seldom use: for example, CDs, videos, books and the pressure cooker at the back of your kitchen cupboards. Make up boxes that can be hidden in the loft, garage or under the bed; this way you can start the process without disturbing your interior décor, which can put some potential buyers off. If you are going to use a removal company then most will only allow you to have their boxes once you have signed a contract with them, but you can buy storage boxes to get you started.
Plan your move early: write lists, contact companies and advise them of your new contact details. Remember that some utility companies require at least four weeks' notice for cancellation, so do this early.
Top ten tips1. Choosing your removal company can be daunting but don't be swayed purely by price. Pick a remover that suits your circumstance and your requirements. Ask questions and don't be afraid to ask for references. Being a member of a trade association, such as BAR (The British Association of Removers), The Guild (The National Guild of Removers) or FIRST (The Federation of Independent Removers and Storers) offers peace of mind because the companies have agreed to abide by a code of practice. However, there are also many long-standing, family-run companies who are reputable but do not feel the need to belong to an association. Alternately, a good way to choose your removal company is by word of mouth from friends and family. Recommendations are worth their weight in gold to a company.
2. Avoid moving on a Friday, and especially at the end of the month. Although it seems desirable to have the weekend to unpack, so many completions occur on this one day that there can be delays, leaving you without access to your new property until late afternoon and a removal crew on overtime - or worse still, because of the new 'mobile workers' working time directives, a crew that cannot get home.
3. Shop around and get at least three quotations. The online quote form at www.helpiammoving.com ensures your details are forwarded to five reputable removal companies in your area. These forms offer a guide for the removal company to quote for a job and can reduce time, however it is still always recommended that you arrange for the companies to visit you, so you can check them out and make sure you feel comfortable with them. They can also verify your inventory.
4. Before you buy extra insurance from your removal company, check that your household policy doesn't cover this already. Make sure that your removal company, if selling insurance, is licensed to do so by the FSA - new laws came into place last January with restrictions on who can and cannot offer this service.
5. Always write a list of everything you need to do. Use checklists to remind you which companies to contact and things that are still outstanding.
6. If you are doing the packing yourself, make sure that you use strong enough boxes. 'Double-walled' boxes will be able to take a larger weight and stack easier. Never make the boxes so heavy that they cannot be lifted safely. If they do start to become heavy while you are packing them, fill the remaining space with light bulky items such as linen, towels, cushions or soft toys. Books are the worst offenders when it comes to weight - pack them in smaller boxes.
7. Tape the boxes properly using strong parcel tape. Fold the flaps inside each other and tape along the middle of the box and then again at each end to strengthen, forming an H on top. This is known as the H method. Do not just close in a criss-cross way, because as soon as the box is picked up with any weight inside, the flaps will unfold and everything will fall out.
8. Self-assembly furniture isn't designed to be taken apart, moved and reassembled, so usually isn't covered under the insurance policy that removal companies offer. No matter how hard your removal crew try, most of the time this type of furniture will not go back together perfectly after a move. It is often better to move it in one piece.
9. Always label your boxes clearly, preferably along the tape. Clearly label each box with "Lounge", "Bedroom 1" etc. It is also a good idea to attach an A4 piece of paper to the side of each box with a list of the contents - this way you can find items quickly at the other end. This is especially important if your contents are going into storage so that if you do need something then hopefully you do not have to go through each box to find it.
10. Always have the kettle to hand: moving house is a thirsty business.
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