Tips for moving house when movers are packing

[Jollyholibobs]

our last house move was horrible I developed back pain very early in the process and had to press on in agony. Can’t do that again. This time we have booked the removal company to pack for us. Packing tomorrow and moving on Tuesday. Any tips on what is reasonable to expect from packers. How will I know where to find everything when I get to the new house. How much of my personal stuff should I do myself. I like to be in control of everything but suspect I just need to relinquish control. Any tips or others experience in this would be great to hear. Feeling very anxious.

The locust description is very apt - ours wrapped everything in paper too, each toothbrush individually, kitchen sponges, all sorts. It was like Christmas for weeks!

With chests of drawers, they took the drawers out, moved the carcas and then put the drawers back in and cling filmed. Wardrobe contents into wardrobe boxes, still hanging. Huge boxes full of just books which were so heavy, rather than some books and some cushions, say, like you'd do to keep the weight manageable. Mattresses were bagged with the bottom sheets still on, duvet and pillows in a big box and then they stacked the box on the bed at the other end so they were super quick to unpack and be ready for bedtime.

I'd have the service again in a heartbeat. All we had to do was take pictures off the wall and curtains down, but laid them on other furniture for them to move.

I felt really indulgent hiring packers and movers, but it was the best money I've ever spent: they packed, dismantled large furniture (like beds), moved everything and then re-assembled the furniture in new place. I've honestly never seen people work so fast and efficiently. We kept them in hot/cold drinks and snacks all day. I packed our paperwork/important stuff and enough clothing/whatever that we'd need for a day or two. I also made sure that we had decluttered/got rid of junk.

At the time we moved, I had a 7yr old, a poorly 1yr old, and a sick husband. I was also juggling FT shift work as a nurse. I honestly wouldn't have been able to do a DIY sort, pack and move. If I ever move again, I'll try to make sure that packers/movers are factored in to my budget.

They will pack and move everything so fast!

Whenever I move I always do the following:

Pack all important documents and paper in my work bag and that goes in my car.

Pack bed linen, clothing, pyjamas, towels and toiletries in a suitcase so I can have them to hand for a couple of days whilst I unpack. Put it in the car.

Pack an essentials box with tea, coffee, wine, cat food, silverwear, mugs and the kettle. That goes with you on the day in your car

So all these things and the cat come with me.

I then make up the beds the minute they've put them together so we can flip after takeaway for tea.

If you can get rid of some stuff before the packers get there that would be good.

Good luck!

I packed my personal things and books. The packers did the entire kitchen and most breakables. Every box was labelled G&C - glass and crockery - which meant we were delving around for weeks. I'll be doing the next move alone as DH is very frail, so I shall organise what I want together and pack a mug, bowl and plate in the car. I must admit it was very instructive to see how the packing bloke did it, but did wonder why a plastic eggcup warranted three large sheets of wrapping paper!

Thanks everyone. Great advice. Has really helped us focus and get ahead today.

How did you get on?
struggling to sleep with stress as ours arrive tomorrow and we move Thursday.
im 8 months pregnant so iv not been able to clean / tidy and declutter like I wanted to.