Planning a move is a big adventure and one that can rapidly deteriorate into chaos if you don’t plan ahead. Most people find that removal services are a huge aid when getting all your belongings from one place to another. However, many don’t realise just how many services are available for the move.
Domestic and Commercial Removals
When you think of
removals services, you probably think of moving house. However, most removals companies offer a range of services tailored to both domestic and
commercial moves. This means they can help you move your store, office, or factory, as well as your home.
If you’re looking for removals services that can handle more than the usual furniture for a house, then you should ask your removals company if they do as well.
Packing Services
No one really enjoys packing up an entire home to move. It’s boring and frustrating, but it’s something that most people assume they need to do themselves. However, that’s not actually the case. Some removals companies provide you with all the help you need when it comes to packing.
If you’re interested in having someone else handle all the annoyances of packing, a removals company is ideal. They have the necessary experience and will bring everything they need. Since this is a regular task for those who will be packing, they are already experienced in everything from wrapping breakable and fragile items to packing art so they won’t be damaged in the move.
You can supervise the packing, or work on tidying the home while it’s all taken care of for you. You do need to make sure you plan ahead and schedule enough time for the packing, however, since it can take some time. It’s also a good idea to be aware of how much space your belongings will take up. Your removals company may offer an assessment visit to ensure they have everything necessary for packing.
Packing Materials
Not everyone is willing to turn over a task like packing to the professionals. If you’d rather handle all your belongings yourself, then you will need to have the right
packing materials on hand. Most removals companies provide everything you need for a fee. Here’s a quick rundown of what is necessary when you’re packing your home:
Boxes
Good quality boxes are best if you want a trouble-free move. While free boxes from the supermarket may work for some items, it’s best to get a heavy-duty option for bigger or heavier belongings. Ideally, you’ll want a variety of sizes so you can pack according to weight. The heaviest items can go in small boxes, while lighter things can be placed in medium and large boxes. You may also want to dig out any of the appliance boxes you’ve kept.
Packing paper or bubble wrap
Both of these packing materials are essential for packing your more fragile items. You may use newsprint or even old newspapers if you like, but it’s also possible to get proper packing paper. To reduce the amount you use, wrap your dishes in clothing or linens.
Packing tape
You’ll need plenty of packing tape to seal up your boxes and to tape around items that you’ve wrapped to be sure nothing comes apart. Be sure to get more packing tape than you think you’ll need, since you can use it for many things if there is any leftover. Nothing is more frustrating than running out of items when you’re in the midst of packing.
Utility knife or scissors
It’s guaranteed that you’ll find yourself in need of a cutting tool at some point while packing. Scissors work well for trimming tape, opening a box that you accidentally sealed, or cutting down packing paper or bubble wrap. A utility knife works well if you need to cut cardboard or zip ties and anything thicker than heavy paper.
Painter’s tape
Some things are just not ideal for packing tape. For example, if you want to keep drawers closed or tape screws to the original item to prevent loss, painter’s tape is a better way to do this without the sticky residue.
You can also use painter’s tape to make your own labels as needed. Alternatively, purchase labels that you can slap on each box as needed.
Pen and paper
Keep an inventory list if you’re doing your own packing. This will help you find everything again. It also helps ensure you don’t lose any boxes without noticing. You’ll need to give every box a special name or code that can be checked against the list so you’re certain that all boxes are accounted for. Then you can check to make sure you find the right box for your needs, based on what was packed inside.
This makes unpacking much simpler.
Loading and Unloading Items
You’ll likely need some help with loading and unloading everything from the moving lorry and this is something that can be done with friends, or you can hire a removals company to help out. Rather than just hiring the lorry, you can have the removals company handle everything once you’ve packed (or they have).
Self-Storage Services
Sometimes, you need to move less than you actually own. This may be due to moving into a home that already has furniture, or you move into a place that is smaller than your existing home. In some cases, you may just need to temporarily put some things away, such as when moving temporarily.
In all of these cases, the best way to ensure your belongings stay secure if you keep them is to use
secure self-storage services. You can put your belongings that will not move with you into storage where you’ll have access to them as needed. Some removals companies provide this service. You can choose between short-term and long-term storage, depending on your needs. For example, if you plan to travel for a while before settling down or if you will be living abroad for a few months or even a year or two, you may wish to keep your belongings tucked away in a safe place.
Self-storage allows you to store whatever you want, from furniture and heirlooms to children’s toys and holiday items that you may need again in the future. This simply gives you more space to keep your things.
Transportation of Your Belongings
A major part of moving your house is getting all your furniture and belongings from one place to another. Whether you’re moving across the city or to a completely new village, you have to actually get your belongings there.
Once everything is packed up and prepared, you will need transportation. In most cases, you need something large enough to carry quite a lot of possessions. You may consider begging a friend for help or hiring a lorry for moving, but lifting and carrying everything can be quite exhausting and potentially dangerous if you aren’t used to it.
Hiring removals services usually means they will do the transportation side of things. In addition to loading and unloading all your belongings, the company will also have a vehicle that is of sufficient size to move everything and can ensure it arrives safe and sound.
Setting a Timeline for Your Move
Planning ahead of time is essential. You need to decide which removals services you’ll need and then book them with at least a month or two notice. This ensures you’ll get the company you want and will have time to organise everything in advance.
Once you’re ready to move, take full advantage of the choices you have. You can make moving a much easier process when done properly.
Ready to plan your move?
Michael Garrett Removals & Storage can help, with our wide range of removals services.
Contact us now to book your consultation or to find out more about what we do.
