Moving Home? Here's How You Can Pack Your Possessions Like a Professional

Moving home can be a stressful experience, in fact research has shown that people who are relocating can experience the same levels of stress as someone who is going through divorce or bereavement.

The main problem is that there is so much to do in such a tight timescale. You need to liase with estate agents about selling your existing property and purchasing a new one, you have to deal with all kinds of paperwork from different companies and government agencies, you need to call and cancel subscriptions in your current home such as cable television and phonelines, you need to find a reliable removals company and if that wasn't enough - you still need to pack up all your possessions ready for removal.

Most removal companies will offer packing services and you should always ask for a quotation, however these types of services can be an expensive extra so if you're on a tight budget it might not be a viable solution.

If you've decided to pack your possessions yourself, take a look at the tips we've laid out below which should ensure all your furniture and possessions arrive at your new property with no damage.

Get a head start
Packing can take longer than you may anticipate so it's very important to begin as early as possible. The more time you have, the better the quality of your packing and having extra time will also give you the opportunity to ditch any junk which you don't want to take to your new home. If you leave packing to the last minute you will end up feeling very stressed.

Use proper, appropriate materials
If you value your possessions you should invest in decent packing materials. You can pick up some supplies from self storage centres and the majority of removal firms will also be able to supply you with a range of boxes, bubblewrap and tissuepaper. It is important to buy good quality boxes, many people use old or previously used boxes and this can result in disaster as the box may rip apart in your hands when you pick it up because the material has become worn, there's nothing wrong with saving some cash and packing with used boxes - just make sure they're in a good condition.

Use bubblewrap and tissue paper to pack fragiles
Fragile items can be difficult to move and often prove to be the things that you're most worried about. It doesn't have to be like that however, by properly packing your fragiles you can guarantee they will arrive at your new home safe and sound. Firstly, everything that is likely to break in transit or of high value should be wrapped in protective bubblewrap and kept seperate from non fragile items. Secondly, glassware is best packed by using tissue paper to prevent chips and scratches appearing on the glass - don't use newspaper as an alternative as this can leave ink marks on your glass. Finally, pack all the fragile items into the same box or have a few boxes specifically for fragile items if you have a large amount. You can also use styrofoam pellets for extra protection.

Set aside essential items
Sometimes when packing, people get a little carried away and will accidentally pack away their essential items. These items are things like your important documents, medication, toiletries and even your kettle so you can have a nice cup of tea when you're settling in to your new home. The best idea is to keep these kinds of items in one box, mark the box as essentials and keep it to one side out of the way of the removalists to ensure they don't load it into their truck.

How to Choose a Good Removals Company

Moving a house can be a highly stressful time, and there is always a lot to organize. Using a removals company can help relieve the stress, but there are so many companies out there, how do you know which one to pick? This simple guide will help you through the questions you need to ask.

Firstly, do you need a removals company? If you are happy to move house without a removals company, it can save you a lot of money, but do not underestimate the amount of mental and physical organization it takes to move your belongings into your new home. It is one thing packing boxes, but it quite another having to haul them up and down stairs, particularly when you are on a time constraint. Plus, if you are moving a long distance you will be very tired once you arrive at your new home, and unloading boxes will be the last thing on your mind. If you have a lot of valuable possessions, such as antique furniture or fragile belongings, using a removals company can help take the pressure off.

Shop Around. As soon as you have your moving date, ring around for quotes from a number of companies. Do not automatically choose the cheapest company - be sure to take note of what you get for the price and what services are included. Some removal companies will include packing for extra ease and convenience. Some companies will be able to give you an instant quote online, but this may only be an indication. Other companies may want to see how many belongings you have to move before they give a quote. Make sure you have confirmed the final quote before you book anything.

Negotiate. If possible, try to move house on a weekday rather than a weekend as prices may be cheaper. Be aware that peak periods like school holidays may be more expensive so there may not be discounts available.

Plan Ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to book a home removals company, as many will be booked up weeks in advance (particularly the best companies). Once you have chosen a company, provide them with as much detail as possible e.g. how many flights of stairs, if any furniture will need to be taken apart.

Get Organized. If you are doing the packing yourself, make sure you have enough boxes and equipment as you need. Pack away things that you rarely use at the earliest opportunity. Label boxes by what room they will need to go into in the new house.

Get Insured. Most professional removals companies will include insurance for while your belongings are in transit - make sure this is the case. Contact your current home and contents insurance company to check whether your belongings are covered during the move.

Be Safe. Whichever company you go for, make sure they are a member of either The British Association of Removers or The National Guild of Removers and Storers, who both set standards by which members must abide by. A good idea is to ask family and friends for personal recommendations. Above all, make sure you are completely happy with the company you choose, after all they will be handling your most previous possessions.