Advice for moving home

There are a number of things you can do to make the process of moving home less daunting and more efficient. The more you can you do before your move day, the better. Below we have listed a few tasks you can you do in the time leading up to your move, as well as some things you can do on move day.

Before your move day

• Book your removal company and ensure you have a written quotation with terms and conditions. Be sure that your chosen removers can assist you with all your requirements such as storage and packing

• Declutter and donate any unwanted items to your local charity. There are a number of local organisations who can help but we usually recommend one of the following:

  British Heart Foundation

  https://www.refurnish.org.uk/

• Acquire a good collection of suitable packing materials including boxes and bubble-wrap

• Start packing early, Begin with unused rooms and do not forget to include garages, sheds, lofts etc

• Create a document box for such items as passports and paperwork

• Prepare an essentials box including first aid kit, children's favourite toy etc

• Find a pet sitter for the day as moving home can be traumatic for your pets

• Notify your GP, Insurers, Bank, DVLA etc of your new address and date of move

• Setup mail redirect with the Royal Mail

• Save some space in your car for items such as paint, fuel and other flammables as most removal companies will not be insured to take these

On your move day

• Dismantle and disconnect furniture and appliances unless you have agreed for your removal company to include this

• Strip beds and pack bedding ready for beds to be transported

• Take final meter readings and provide to utility companies

• Collect keys from property agents if not already done

• Ensure your phone is fully charged as this will be needed throughout the day

• Save a parking space for your removal company's vehicle

• Complete a final check of your property ensuring nothing is left behind and all doors and windows are secured

• And finally keep the kettle and teabags at hand!

Packing tips

Should you choose to pack your own belongings, remember the following:

• Make good use of suitcases and bags to pack clothes in

• There is no need to empty clothes in drawers as these can be transported full. We do ask that books and breakables are removed from units though

• Clearly mark boxes with which room they are for

• Do not over pack boxes with heavy items as these can break during transit

• Keep a handy collection of tools available just in case

• Ensure water is drained from kettles, coffee machines and fridge/freezers are de-frosted

• Use plenty of bubble-wrap for fragile item

• Use cushions / spare linen to pad out boxes and add protection to fragile items

• Start packing early, start with unused items, clear lofts etc

• Speak to your removers for any packing advice

Remember that good removal companies should be more than just turning up on your move day. Empire Removals are always on hand to assist with any queries or offer any advice so contact us today and we will be ready to help.

Don't panic

If you have not already booked your removal company and your move is upcoming then do not worry. Good removal companies will be able to plan and implement at short notice. Contact Empire Removals today and we will work hard to meet your requirements.

Packing materials

We are able to provide a supply of standard recycled packing boxes and tape free of charge when using our removal service. We also offer a number of packing materials for a small additional cost should you require them and we would be happy to deliver to your address prior to your move date. Consider using our packing service if the packing is getting too much for you.

Choosing the right removal company

Price should not be the only factor when choosing your removal company. Be sure that your removers are fully insured and that their quoted price is not subject to hidden extra fees.

Do they use protective blankets to protect your belongings? Check for reviews online and finally make sure that they have visited before quoting to ensure an accurate price is quoted as there are many deciding factors when setting a removal price.