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Original poster

Removals - packing service

14 replies

0ddsocks · 30/04/2015 08:47

Hi all,

Hopefully we will be buying a new house in a few weeks. We're using a removals service with full packing. We've never used movers before (hired a van to move into current house) but now we have a 1yo and a 3 yo and all the associated crap we need professionals Grin

My question is, what do we need to do before the packers come? We know to defrost fridge/freezer and disconnect appliances but what else? Do we do nothing and just leave the house as normal and let the packers do their work, or should we organise / pack some things ourselves?

Any tips or advice much appreciated!

OP posts:
chemenger · 30/04/2015 08:53

My advice is to leave everything to them, they pack unbelievably quickly and efficiently. Make sure you have a big clear out before they come, otherwise you end up chucking stuff away at the other end, much better only to move the stuff you want to keep.

GiddyOnZackHunt · 30/04/2015 09:02

You may want to pack a few personal items yourself
Also agree a safe zone where you can put things you don't want packed like phone chargers and wallets because they leave nothing unpacked otherwise.

Justyouwaitandsee · 30/04/2015 09:10

Depends on the quality of your packers (check any reviews you can find and see what previous customers suggest).

I would certainly suggest packing any particular valuables / sentimental items, and perhaps transport or store these separately during the move. Also pack a box of 'move day essentials' (eg. Kettle, teabags, gin Wink) as we found that the packers were like a whirlwind once they arrived and suddenly things were disappearing before our eyes. Without packing ourselves, it was difficult to remember what was packed where.

It is also worth insisting on going round with the team as soon as they arrive, visiting each room in turn and pointing out any special / valued items and discussing their strategy for packing. This gives them a heads up on your expectations and helps you understand their plans - hope this helps, good luck!

pocketsized · 30/04/2015 09:10

I'd pack an overnight bag for you all and pop it in the car, include anything you or the kids are likely to need in the first 24 hrs or so as it can be tricky to lay your hands on stuff at the new house. Also pack the kettle etc and some cleaning products in case you need them right away at the new place. If you have any particularly precious small items (jewelry etc) I'd be tempted to pop that in too. Other than that just leave them to it, they're amazingly efficient, and it makes moving so much less stressful. Good luck!

toomuchtooold · 30/04/2015 09:11

Yes, put everything you don't want packed in a safe zone, and police it - we told the boss of ours where the safe zone was and one of the guys went ahead and packed it all anyway!

Other than that, just have it as tidy as possible, and if you want electronics to be packed in original packaging put the boxes out alongside each item. Although sometimes they just don't have time and will end up wrapping your telly in 50m of bubble wrap and taking the box separately :-)

Justyouwaitandsee · 30/04/2015 09:13

Oh and yes to clearing out any rubbish/junk. My mum found all of her glass recycling carefully wrapped individually in newspaper, and also separate out an area for anything you are leaving behind for the next residents. Again, mum found the movers packed up all the door and window keys and had to post them back...

NotCitrus · 30/04/2015 09:38

Also plan how you will get to new house at the same time as them to let them in. You won't be able to stay and clean as well as drive to new place unless you split up or delegate to a cleaner or get someone to give them the keys in advance or at the other end. Or just leave the dirt made visible when appliances etc removed...

Ours quoted us prices with and without packing, and visited a couple days before the move to check how we were getting on. Best money ever spent!

Make sure kids have their own first-night bags packed with bedding, special toys, clothes and pyjamas and favourite food. And that beds are the first things to get sorted.

chemenger · 30/04/2015 09:52

Yes to being very clear about things you don't want packed and if possible remove them beforehand. I too had to post back keys and had my recycling transported to the new house. Don't imagine you will be able to keep track of what they are packing on the day, it goes too fast!

Justyouwaitandsee · 30/04/2015 09:59

Interesting others have similar experiences. Perhaps use post it notes stuck to individual items with any special instructions?

Stealthsquiggle · 30/04/2015 10:05

Anything which you don't want to disappear into a box, put it in your car, and make sure your keys are in your pocket.

Labels don't work. My parents' "do not pack" pile got packed. Complete with the large "DO NOT PACK" notice which was on top of it. And their passports. They were moving abroad.

If putting it in the car is not practical then clear one room, put all the not-to-be-packed stuff in there and lock the door (and put the key in your pocket). There will be a packing whirlwind moving through your house and you will no more be able to control it than you could stop the tide.

chemenger · 30/04/2015 10:08

Packers don't read post it notes. I think they are moving too fast for the light from words to reach their eyes.

haggisaggis · 30/04/2015 10:14

I am fairly convinced that removers use men to pack as they don't think but just pack everything whereas a woman would spend time thinking whether you actually need that or not..!
Yep we got leftover pickled onion jars still containing vinegar that dh at left at side of sink all carefully packed in several sheets of paper. Also the bucket containing the sweepings from the garage floor..

CMOTDibbler · 30/04/2015 10:15

Pack bags for a couple of days, plus any vital overnight things like teddies, and stuff to eat and drink from and lock it all in the car.

They really do pack like a whirlwind, and just don't have time to think about what they are doing.

Apart from that, you don't need to pack anything. Tis brilliant

Original poster
0ddsocks · 30/04/2015 14:45

Thanks all, some great advice here - I shall hide many things in the car and keep the keys in my pocket :)

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