Packing

Disconnect your appliances

Unless special arrangements are made with our surveyor, our staff are not authorised to disconnect such items as cookers and washing machines. We therefore recommend that you organise this with a plumber and the appropriate Gas and Electricity Board.

Fixtures

Please ensure you remove all fixtures and fittings that you intend to take with you, unless arranged with us. Washing machine drums should be secured before moving. If you still have them, you should use the shipping bolts that were supplied by the manufacturer. Freezers should ideally be defrosted and empty. If not practical please ensure all frozen food is put into strong polythene bags which can be quickly removed and replaced when carrying the freezer. Refrigerated foods can be boxed up last before your move. Our surveyor can quote for dismantling of furniture and/or disconnection of appliances.

Loft

You should normally clear out the loft yourself, unless otherwise previously arranged.

Outbuildings

All garden and garage tools should be bundled and bagged in such a way that they can be easily and quickly carried to the van.

Garden

Please let us know if any plants are to be moved. In this case they should be made secure and watertight. Swings and climbing frames should be dismantled in advance, unless arranged with us, with all relevant bolts safely retained. Please note we will not carry any flammable items such as all gas bottles and all types of household paint.

Whom to notify?

• Your telephone (including mobile phone) and/or digital TV company and ISP (internet service provider)
• Mains services for disconnections (gas, electricity, water)
• TV licence, passport, car licence, and registration offices
• Your banks, credit card, store card and insurance companies
• Insurance and private pension schemes
• All your creditors
• Your doctor, dentist, optician and vet
• Your local council
• Local groups you have joined
• Your employer
• HMRC to update records such as income tax, National Insurance, child benefit, Child Trust Fund, student loan, tax credits, VAT registration details, pension, income support, etc

Things to do

• Clear the loft
• Run down the contents of your freezer
• Sort out items which are not to be moved
• Put garage and garden tools together
• Take down all light fittings which you are keeping
• Take down curtains and take up carpets (unless we have been asked to do this)
• Arrange carpet fitters for your new home, if required
• Cancel milk and newspapers
• Cancel all rental agreements
• Re-route your mail
• Send change of address cards to friends and relatives
• Find and label keys for your purchaser
• Arrange minders for pets and very young children on the day of the move

On moving day

• Provide us with maps/directions, if possible, of your new address
• If possible, provide us with spare keys to your new residence
• Prepare overnight bags for your convenience
• Prepare valuable items and important documents to carry with you
• Collect children’s toys for the journey
• Prepare a basic catering pack for arrival in your new home – including the kettle!

Protection

All your furniture will be protected in transit with special blankets. Very fragile items will be export-wrapped. We also provide covers for sofas, mattresses and TVs.

Clothing

You will not need to pack suits and dresses, as we use hanging garment carriers for your clothes. Likewise, other clothing and non-breakable objects can be left in drawers, subject to the size of the drawers and strength of the furniture, preferably covered with a cloth or polythene.

Carpets

Carpets will be protected with carpet covers. If taking fitted carpets with you, simply release the edges – we’ll roll them up at the appropriate time.

Barometers

If you have a barometer please ensure it is in a suitable state ready for moving. Alternatively, ask us to send a qualified member of staff to assist.

Pets and children

As they say in the film industry, never work with animals or children! Younger children are best left with a friend or relative until it is time to go. Pets, unfortunately, cannot travel in our vans.

A nice cup of tea!

If you ensure the kettle is packed last, we might all be able to enjoy a nice cuppa before we go!

Tipping

There is certainly no obligation to tip but if you feel particularly happy with our service the person in charge will make sure any gratuity offered is evenly distributed among the team.

Utilities

Make sure water and electricity supplies are turned off.

Doors and windows

Check that everything is locked and secure.

Personal items

Take all your important personal items with you.

Keys

Hand over your house keys to the new owner, estate agent or solicitor, whichever is applicable.

And, finally… we wish you the best of luck and lots of happiness in your new home.
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