Tips for having professional packers when moving house

[bingoitsadingo]

We're moving house next week and have booked the packing service from our removals company. Never done this before - any tips? I was reading about a "no pack zone" for any items that shouldn't be packed, and making sure the bins/recycling are emptied beforehand - anything else I should know? TIA

Ours took packed the trays from the oven we were leaving behind! We did have a minor bit of damage to a mirror wardrobe door but that was covered on insurance. The packing and removal service is the only cost associated with moving house we were happy to pay for too.

Once you go pack you won't go back. Best thing ever.

If the configuration of rooms/where things are going in your new house is different to the old one, make sure you let them know. I had to get the movers to shift a load of boxes of books labelled 'lounge' because I didn't actually want them in my new lounge.

I moved house recently and cannot recommend the packing service enough... they asked me what I needed for overnight and left me with the bed, the telly, Wi-Fi router and the contents of the dishwasher overnight. I also packed a suitcase of clothes/toiletries/ laptop etc for instant use at the new place. Recommend a good declutter beforehand and get rid of stuff you don't want to take with you. They packed my three bed house super quickly and were amazing - nothing broken/missing and they dismantled/put back together my bed.

Even if you’re used to taking your shoes off when you go into your house, do not do it. They will get packed.

get out of their way, leave biscuits and tea, and a kettle.

Declutter before you move! I decluttered most cupboards and drawers, but didn't empty them. I still managed to stuff in the pantry that went out of date before we moved.

We packed everything we needed to hand into the cars. So an overnight bag for each of us plus duvets and pillows in bin bags so we could quickly make the beds (and collapse into them.) Also stuff for making teas and coffees (including the actual kettle) were packed into the car, loo roll and a toolbox with things like screwdrivers and screws, hammer and nails.

We left literally everything else for the packers other than cleaning stuff and the vacuum cleaner which we left in one corner of the kitchen and asked them to leave so we could give the house a clean after it was empty. I walked out of the house with my handbag and just left them to it, they were worth their weight in gold.

Definitely worth it but if there's anything you really value I wouldn't let them touch it.

As others have said they literally will pack everything even apple cores so make sure everything is clean.

We had two men come, one was a old man so basically the.yii g guy did most of it himself. They tried to get me to sign a form at the end which I didn't as I had a bad feeling. After inspecting my furniture, so much had been badly damaged. I'm talking about about 10 of the large items. Luckily I had insurance and because I didn't sign their document I got some compensation back. It was not worth the hassle and it didn't make up for the damage.
I'm not sure what my advice is exactly, perhaps see if you can get insurance (ironically this was one of the only companies that offered it), take photos of your items, check them as they are moved. Maybe even tell the movers up front. I think I had a bad experience as I've moved plenty of times with no problems, but I would be very wary next time I do it

Sorry, I've just realised you're talking about packing, not movers! In that case, make sure everything is packed so the movers don't wreck it. Although you would hope that professional packers would be doing this anyway

Make sure everyone has shoes that do not get packed!

Check EVERYTHING as soon as possible at new place (we had several broken items).

Ours wouldn’t transport any liquids.

I second PP re the wardrobe boxes - saved me hours at the new house (it was the one thing I wanted to pack and unpack myself)

It is the best money you will spend on a move. Our most recent move, last year, was £500 for a 3 bed, double garage and loft, on top of the removals.

600 just for packing? or does it include moving all of the things to the new place?

I was quoted £600 for just packing a 2 bed house. I did it myself instead and spent the money on a new carpet for my new bedroom 😂

Lots of good advice already.

We had a packing service - they wouldn't go into the loft, so we had to empty that first. They also wouldn't remove any furniture that was attached to the wall (we have small DC so had safety straps on a few pieces that we had to remove ourselves first)

They labelled the boxes according to what room the contents came from, not where it was going on the new place (which in some cases was different).

They did pack a couple of things we were meant to leave, like the grill pan, because we forgot to keep them aside.

We had no breakages but yes tonnes and tonnes of bubble wrap to get rid of!

Would absolutely do it again next year time we move. Total game changer.

We were only quoted 300 on top of removals for packing a 3 bed house plus garage rammed full of stuff last year.

Just for packing. I got eight quotes and they were all in the same ballpark, albeit I did move from a very affluent area of London. It might be cheaper elsewhere.

We’ve always used packers, they are brilliant. Our last move took 2 days and I went out for coffee with friends while they packed.
My tips are; put all documents, jewellery and small valuables in a briefcase/bag, in the boot of the car. Put all they keys in your pockets, so you know where they are. Like others have said they pack everything they see. In our case the children’s sweets and a bowl of loose sugar.

The thought of packing up my entire life gives me hives (literally, allergies and all). I'm moving soon and while I'm tempted to DIY the whole thing, hiring packers sounds pretty tempting – like a weight off my shoulders!
Reading these tips is super helpful, especially [mention a specific tip you found useful]. But I am curious – is the cost worth it in the end? I found this website, https://wildcatmovers.com (not sure if anyone's used them) that gives free quotes, but I'm wondering if there are any hidden costs to be aware of?

My friend eventually got round to unpacking some boxes that had been through several house moves with them .He discovered he had been paying movers to move boxes containing other boxes, wrapping paper and bubble wrap………

My Mil saw the packers out, then got ready to leave. Then she discovered her shoes and her bag were on their way to storage. No phone, no keys, no purse and in her bare feet! So be careful!