Removals Advice

Six weeks before the removal date.

Discuss with the callsenter operator the type of service needed and decide whether you will be packing everything yourself or if you would like the removal company to do everything for you. Discuss insurance details or agree the liability levels. Inform the removal company if you have any special items (such as plants, fine arts, antiques, wine collections, IT equipment, shotguns, firearms etc) so that special arrangements can be made.

Dispose of any effects you no longer use or need. Remember to check in the hidden paces like loft, garage and garden shed. For some all and un used staffs you might consider whether it is worth taking them with you. Donate items to a charity shop, offer them to friends, have a jumble sale or run an online auction. This will reduce the amount of posessions to move as well as the cost of your move.

If you have chosen to do the packing yourself, start gathering packing materials such different sized boxes, tape, old newspapers, non permanent felt pens, scissors etc. Alternatively you can purchase a wide variety of quality export packing materials from Fantastic Removals. If you need us to do this ofr you , our movers would still be able to help bringing in appropriate packing materials and crew members if warned

Four or more weeks before the removal date.

Schedule the date of your move with us and make arrangements if storage of goods is needed.

Start running down food and drink stocks from your freezer and cupboards.

If not included in your removal service contract, you may need to make arrangements for electrical fittings and gas appliances to be professionally disconnected. Book these services now.

If you need new furniture, carpets or any decorating work to be carried out in your new house, get quotes now and check delivery times and availability of professionals in order to have everything ready for when you move in.

Two or more weeks before the removal date

Start packing non essentials (e.g. non seasonal clothes, books, cd’s, dvd’s, tapes and remember to check inside the players)

If you are moving to/from a flat or a multi-storey building inform your movers whether there is or not a lift, its size and use regulations. Make arrangements for the use of lifts with the property manager

Check your home insurance and make sure you have cover from the day you move into your new house.

Notify utility companies about your move (e.g. water, gas, electricity, telephone, internet service provider, cable tv). Schedule last meter reading and disconnection if appropriate but remember to keep services connected at your current home until the last day of the move.

Notify your bank and arrange to close or transfer your bank account. Make arrangements to open bank and credit card accounts at destination and request bank and credit references for use overseas.

Inform regular home delivery services (e.g. milk, vegetables box, newspaper) and arrange a date when you want the services to stop.

Inform home maintenance service providers (e.g. gardener, cleaner, window cleaner)

Notify and deregister from your doctor, dentist, optician. Obtain your family's medical records.

Notify schools or colleges. Obtain or arrange for records to be transferred to the new school.

Cancel or redirect subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, book clubs and journals.

Keep a list of important phone numbers to hand.

One or more weeks before the removal date

Confirm the date of your move with the removal company. Let them know if you think they might be last minute changes.

Make sure your removal company have all your contact details (full address of your current house and of your new house, contact telephone numbers including mobiles). Do inform your removal company of any access difficulties such as narrow streets, overhanging trees, bridges, parking restrictions, small doorways, spiral staircases, etc.

Clean garden tools, bicycles, outdoor furniture and equipment.

Drain fuel from petrol equipment (e.g. lawnmower).

Drain water from your iron, garden hose and washing machine.

Place your personal records and certificates (e.g. birth, baptism, marriage certificates; medical, dental, school records; work, vehicles, legal, financial, insurance records; passports, visas, driving licences; credit cards, check book, rent or purchase contracts) and photocopies in a safe and accessible place

Inform of your new address to your providers of:
Financial services: bank, building society, credit card companies, council tax department, national savings and premium bonds, your employer, insurance companies (house, vehicles, life, health, travel), pension companies, Inland revenue, department of Social Security, solicitor, accountant and any other financial institutions or service providers.
Services and utilities: water, gas, electricity, telephone, internet service provider, cable or satellite tv, video rental, library.
Health: doctor, dentist, optician, veterinary.
Motoring: vehicle insurance, breakdown recovery company and in the UK, the DVLA for motoring and vehicle information.
Others: friends and relatives, subscriptions, home delivery services, sports club, electoral office.

Few or more days before the removal date

Arrange with neighbours to leave parking space at both addresses on the removal dates.

Give away plants and perishable items you won't be taking with you.

Remember to return all library books, dvds, video tapes and any borrowed items.

Empty drawers and lockers at work and schools.

If you have children try to involve them as much as possible, both during the planning and the move itself to help them understand the reasons for moving and reduce homesickness. You might consider having younger children and pets looked after while the move is taking place.

If you still have any original packing for electrical, electronics or fragile items, inform the removal company and make the material available on the removal day.

Take down curtains and take up carpets, unless the service has been arranged with your movers.

Identify and clearly label items for storage, airfreight, to be left, etc.

Remove cd’s, dvd’s and video tapes from players. Some players have a screw or lock that needs to be turned in order to safely move the player.

Back-up important computer files and send them separately for safety.

If you are moving your washing machine make sure that you have the drum securing bolts or bar supplied by the manufacturer and secure the drum after you have completed your last load of washing. The moving crew may be able to assist you with fitting these on the day of packing but the onus is on you to provide them with the parts and to advise them that it has not already been done.

Remove batteries from electrical items (such as radios, toys, electronic games, tools, personal stereos, cameras etc.) especially if your goods are to be stored.

To avoid leakages, remove and dispose of ink cartridges from printers, fax or copying machines.

Disconnect hi-fi and computer equipment. Secure and mark cables for easy reassembling, if you wish.

Dismantle furniture if the service hasn't been arranged with your moving company.

Disconnect, clean and dry electrical appliances. Take special care when preparing your fridge and freezer, specially for a trip abroad.

Disconnect light fittings and secure wiring. Your mover is not qualified to do so.

Separate personal items and documents that are to travel with you (keys, passports, travel documents,)

Pack a box of basic catering and essential items that might be needed immediately and on the first night at the new address (e.g. tea, kettle, snacks, toiletries, linen, personal clothes, torch, first-aid kit) and either load the box last onto the truck or keep it with you.

If you have children, pack a bag of books, games and activities for the trip.

During the removal day

Show to the suppervisor of the team exactly what to move.

Keep your documents and a box of essential items in a safe place.

You may wish to have your vacuum cleaner loaded by last. If you dont have moving out cleaning booked.

Before the crew depart the collection address, check all rooms, cupboards, walls, loft, outdoor buildings, garden, garage, sheds to make sure nothing is left behind.

Review, sign and obtain a copy of the packing inventory.

Record all utility meter readings.

Sometimes the removal vehicle will arrive at your new home before you do. If at all possible, give the suppervisor of the team a spare key so they won't lose any time waiting your arrival.

Give the driver clear directions and a map of your new address if possible.

Good Luck !