Getting it right on the day

For many the stress of moving house climaxes on removal day. Uprooting your-self, family and belongings is never easy and has the potential to wreak untold havoc. There are things, however, you can do to minimise the mayhem; the secret to a successful move is usually in the planning.

First things first: arrange removals as far ahead as possible, good firms tend to get booked months in advance, particularly during the popular periods of spring and summer. You can book a removal company through the moveme.com MovePlanner or from Removals Lookup - here you can also compare reviews and access discounts to the local companies in your area.

If the low cost option of moving yourself is appealing, take heed. It can, in the worst-case scenario, quite literally be back-breaking; professional movers know how to get a washing machine down two flights of stairs – it’s their job. What’s more, if a removal company drop or damage any of your personal belongings they are insured, which means you won’t be out of pocket. But if a bit of hard graft doesn’t phase you (and with enough willing helpers) you could save yourself a packet, just check the small print on your contents insurance first.

If (like most) you prefer to leave it to the experts, personal recommendation goes a long way. Ask your friends and neighbours who they used and how good they were. Once you have a shortlist ring round for quotes. Don’t forget to ask what is included, if you want boxes, bubble-wrap and materials supplied, expect to pay more. Packing materials are easy to source and it is significantly cheaper (and greener) to arrange your own; just make sure that any boxes you provide are sturdy enough to do the job or you might find your removal company reluctant to accept responsibility for their transportation. If you are paying a firm by the hour give them a set of keys, or arrange to have someone stationed at your new house to let them in, otherwise you could be racking up costly charges.

Pack one room at a time, starting with what you use least. An inventory might seem over-the-top but could prove invaluable. Books and vinyl (for those still nostalgically clinging to old 33s) weigh a lot, so small sturdy boxes work best with these items. Only fill to the brim and seal the lid, that way the boxes are easily stackable. Use lighter textiles (towels, cushions etc) to pack around heavier stuff. Labelling goes without saying, you don’t want to be rooting around in sixty identical creates for bed linen on your first night. Mark up any boxes containing breakables as fragile, IN BIG LETTERS, removal men rely heavily on your information, and it’s often all they have to go by.

To avoid headless chicken syndrome pack an emergency box [moveme hit list] of essentials; toiletries, torch, loo paper, toolkit, kettle, coffee, snacks, corkscrew and children’s favourite toys – you don’t want a full-scale missing teddy alert at bed-time. It’s a good idea to keep this with you in the car so that it is easily available.

On the subject of children, many get easily disorientated and upset by upheaval and change to routine, especially younger ones. If you are able to arrange for a friend or relative to look after them on the day of the move, do so. If this is not possible try to find them jobs, like sticking labels onto toys, which make them feel involved, without any risk to personal safety.

Booking pets into kennels for a day or two might seem unnecessary but better that than the family Daschund disappearing en-route to your new home. Most kennels charge by the day, check a few weeks in advance for ones in your area.

Just before you say goodbye to your old house take metre readings of all utilities, you don’t want to be billed three months down the line for someone else’s usage. Remember, even with the precision of a drill sergeant there is a strong possibility that not everything will go to plan on the day…just make sure the bottle and corkscrew (in afore-mentioned emergency kit) are to hand.