Mumsnet Talk

So... what happens with this? I know I sound thick but we are wrestling a relocation deal with packing and moving and unpacking. In reality what do I have to do. I have never been in this situation before and have always done it myself. What is it they do? Do they really pack everything? Do be kind because I really have no clue about this at all. (but very excited about the prospect because the thought of all the work associated with moving is horrid)

We had packers for one of our moves and it was great. They will write on the outside of the boxes what is in them, or at least which room it belongs in, depending on the contents. We didn't have an unpacking service but they just put the boxes in the appropriate rooms for us to unpack. It worked really well!

Just to add, it depends on how much stuff you have how long it will take but in our case they packed and moved on the same day. Early start. I did pack a box of things we would want immediately on arrival. Kettle etc. and some toys. I also packed a suitcase of personal things like underwear that I didn't really want them to pack.

I know it sounds daft but I feel like I should be doing something. I have 5 children so it is very very welcome but feels a bit odd. Do they just turn up and do it? I am assuming they provide boxes etc. Do you just leave clothes in drawers and they take them out????

ah yes underwear......

There are potentially some things they wont take/ pack but it varies. Things like paint, solvents, bleach etc. plants, garden furniture, garden toys.

Likewise some will dismantle beds and rebuild at other end!

I second packing a box of bits you'll need when you arrive. Kettle, milk, tea/ coffee, cups, juice, toilet roll, kitchen roll, baby wipes, towels, bin sacks, pens and paper, phone book, phone, charger for mobile.

It i a few hours drive away so assuming it will be done the day before or something - then move and unpack on the day. How nice that someone will pack plates and fiddly bits!

Yes, they left clothes in drawers and they had cardboard wardrobes which they left with us until we had unpacked. I kept aside some cleaning stuff and if I remember correctly we kept the Hoover and put that in our car. We did end up taking a few things with us that I intended to leave behind, so did have to return those to the new owners. The packers know exactly what they are doing so it's really all very easy.

If they are going to pack the day before make sure you know where the truck will be overnight and that they are insuring the contents for that time.

Good point yes re. the insurance. I have moved so much when I was a younger single woman and only once since I had children and we did it gradually as we had another house. Seems like a massive thing to do with so many dcs and going to have to be massively organised (don't even mention the schools am already having minor breakdown...)

We're in the process of moving and the local family information service, found via council website, have been fantastic with sending us information about schools, childcare, holiday and out of school activities for the DC. Its the sort of local info that takes ages to gather yourself.

Oh thanks yes that is a brill idea. I quite forgot about them and that is exactly the sort of information I need.

Our packers packed literally everything. Even rubbish from the room bins!

We designated bathroom as a no pack room and kept stuff in it for NOT packing eg Hoover, kettle, tea supplies, overnight bag etc. 1 man came and packed the whole house in what seemed like minutes. No faff. Brilliant.

at packing rubbish in the bins! That is an idea to have a no pack room. Do they pack the loft too??? [hopeful] we have actually only been in this house a year so the loft should be easy anyway...................... our loft is in the eaves anyway so should be straightforward