Ramsey Douglas

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Tips for a 'stress-free' removal

Once you have decided to make the move, have a really good sort out.

There's no point in taking things half way round the world if you really don't need them, or use them. Be ruthless. If something is not useful and necessary, beautiful, or very sentimental - as the saying goes - then get rid of it. Particular items that seem to accumulate uncontrollably, can be clothes, ornaments, books, general personal items, children's toys and games, and all the things in the garden shed!

Consider whether you will still have room to display all those ornaments and china in your new home. Do you really still listen to all those tapes and cds? If an item of clothing hasn't been worn in the past two years - is it ever going to see the light of day again? And what about all those things you have kept that 'might come in useful one day' - if they haven't by now - will they ever? You will find plenty of grateful relatives and friends, or even charities, willing to help 'lighten your load'.

Also consider buying replacement goods when you arrive at your new home instead of transporting existing items - sometimes it can work out cheaper. You can always sell some of your existing goods before you leave, and put the cash towards buying new.

If you are packing yourself - make sure that everything is VERY well packed.

It sounds obvious but good packing is the single most important thing you can do to prevent items being lost or damaged. Boxes are relatively easy - make sure they are strong - and fill them correctly. Don't underfill them so that they can be squashed, and don't overfill them with heavy items. Try and put a mixture of light and heavier goods into each box. Use bedding and towels etc. to wrap around the more delicate items (after they have already been well packed themselves of course).

You can fill drawers and cupboards with smaller items too, but don't put in anything too heavy and make sure that you tape doors and drawers closed to prevent your goods spilling out. Make sure you cover the 'off white' sofa and chair, as although they will be protected whilst in transit, it's unavoidable that they will be handled. To ensure they arrive the same beautiful colour, spend a little time wrapping - sometimes it may be easier to remove loose covers altogether, and pack them seperately.

Avoid using black bags for clothes etc. as they tear very easily. Tape pictures together, face inwards for protection, and wrap. Also tape together things like curtain poles, collapsable furniture, ironing boards and garden tools.

Once packed, make sure you label EVERYTHING. Again boxes are easy, but also label the furniture, holdalls and cases, the garden hose, the wheelbarrow and the kid's bikes. A loose, un-named item is just crying out to get lost or misplaced. Also mark clearly anything that is either fragile, heavy or to be kept upright - and don't forget to empty the kettle before you pack it!

Finally, keep an inventory of all your goods and details of what is in each box, it will be invaluable and extremely helpful, especially if things are being held in storage.

Communication - keep in touch, keep us informed.

If you are made aware of a possible delay, let us know straightaway. Inevitable delays often arise, and re-scheduling is always possible with notice. If you have any queries or questions regarding your removal, please do not hesitate to contact us. The more we liaise, the better we understand your personal requirements and can tailor our service to suit.

Let us know if there are roadworks locally that might delay our arrival, let us know if you have a particularly awkward piece of furniture, or a mega-heavy tool box - that way we can be prepared. Also, please let us know if access to your property is difficult - it's no problem for us, we will still collect from or deliver to your door - but we can be prepared with a smaller vehicle if necessary, or allow more time if we literally need to carry items for a few metres, or take items up or down stairs etc.

Removal Day - it's all about preparation.

Unless specifically agreed, we are not able to access a loft to remove items, take up any carpets or floor coverings, disconnect electrical equipment or dismantle furniture, so organise these jobs well in advance of our arrival, or have someone else on hand on the day. We won't expect you to have everything 'piled up' ready for us to load up and drive off with, but there are things you can do to prepare for the removal day to help it run smoothly.

Try to ensure that there is clear access to your property - perhaps ask neighbours to park their cars further away from your property. Arrange for small children and pets to be looked after if possible - it can be quite worrying walking backwards with one end of a heavy wardrobe, knowing there is a dog and/or small child somewhere behind you! If you have prepared an inventory, have it to hand and 'tick off' items as loaded or unloaded.

Most importantly of all, stay calm and organised. If you have managed to have a good sort out, packed everything well, and prepared for the day itself, it will run like clockwork! We will work hard, and with diligence, to try and make your 'moving day' as stress free as possible.