We understand how stressful moving home can be. So the team at Green4Logistics have provided you with a home moving checklist to get you organised prior to your next move.
Before You Start the Important Task of Packing
The most important thing not to do is to leave everything until the last minute. Before you start packing consider what you don’t need to take with you, what will need careful packing and the company you have chosen to do your next home removal are covered for any potential breakages etc. (Green4Logistics provide free ‘Goods in Transit Insurance’ cover.
- Make a priority packing list
- Take some time to sift through your belongings and have a good clearout. Some unwanted items can go to charity or sold on the internet.
- Estimate how many boxes you require and get them in your home well in advance (we can provide boxes for you if you require our packing service). Get your boxes in a selection of sizes. Bubble wrap will also be required and resealable bags. The resealable bags are great for keeping nuts and bolts in a safe place for any furniture that requires to be dismantled. Old newspapers are also good for the lining of removal boxes.
- Do not overload packing boxes. Check you can lift the box. If you cannot lift them our team will not be able to as well.
- Use sturdy packing boxes, particularly for heavier items, or your belongings will end up strewn all over the pavement. Boxes made from corrugated cardboard are stronger than regular ones.Argos provide boxes that are great value and sturdy
- Put all hazardous materials such as paint, bleach and aerosols into a separate box and keep them away from the rest of your items. These items are not transportable in removals vans.
- Make sure you write on each box what you have in them and what room they are going in. Different coloured post it notes are also good for sticking on furniture which are required in different rooms.
On the Day of Your House Removal
On the first day of moving into your new home you will not be able to unpack every box, unless you are only moving a small amount. A good idea is to prioritise what items you want to have easy access to on the first evening. Our home moving checklist will help you along the way
- Why not pack a box for your essential items for the first evening in your new property and keep it with you. Easy access to hot and cold drinks, snacks, cups and a kettle nearby will be welcome upon arrival. Plates and utensils as well as a kitchen cloth will also be handy.
- Get an overnight bag organised for each member of the family and also double check that you have plenty of toilet paper and toiletries on hand for each person.
- Also make sure you have a first-aid kit, a torch, as well as some pain killers, pen and paper and resealable plastic bags, a small tool kit will also be handy.
- If you have time it’s always best to get your laundry finished before removal day to avoid having any damp clothes when packing. Have a separate box or bag on hand for any dirty washing.
- Make sure the boxes containing the items you need the least are loaded onto the van first
Best Packing Practices
Take time to organise how you are going to get your possessions packed. Books are straightforward but carry some weight, carefully wrap valuables and you need to take more time when been wrapped. Also consider what furniture will need dismantling.
- Try and start your packing early. Packing will always take that little bit longer than you estimate. Especially when you start looking through old items discovered in the attic. You might also discover that certain furniture will need dismantling to allow it to go downstairs.
- Begin at the top of the house and move downwards. If you have a loft, it's a good idea to sort it out first.
- When packing heavier items always pack into smaller boxes. Books are a good example. When in smaller boxes this allows for easier transportation. Try not to overload the weight of the boxes. If you struggle to lift the boxes then this will be difficult when loading / unloading them.
- Try to pack one room at a time to keep things organised. Label each box with a marker pen and write on the contents of the removal box along with the room it is going into. If you have any breakable items that you are packing make it known that the box is fragile
- If possible keep all boxes for each room together. This will save time unpacking.
- It may sound obvious but pack heavier items on the bottom of the box and lighter items on top
- Wrap items individually and place in a box that's been lined with several layers of newspaper and a sheet of bubble wrap. Any breakables should also be wrapped in bubble wrap. Use clean tissue or wrapping paper for the first layer to prevent newspaper print leaving marks. Pillows and blankets are also useful for wrapping valuables and protecting furniture prone to dents and scratches.
- Pack important documents together, such as birth and marriage certificates, and keep them in a safe place.
Also take a look at TalkBeckyTalk video from YouTube below. She has some great hacks that will also prove valuable on the day of your move
Enjoy Your New Home
We hope our ‘Home Moving Checklist’ as proved beneficial in preparing for your future move. We wish you all the best in your new home and hope it brings you happiness. Have you any tips that could help people when moving home? Or you have a question to ask? Please leave a comment below.
