DICAR:HOME:REMOVALS

Removals

Below we provide you with some practical advice that will help you avoid problems and setbacks when it comes to planning and organising your move:

Classify your possessions in accordance with how fragile they are and what purpose they serve.
Pack fragile objects carefully in order to avoid breakages.
Draw up a list of priorities and pack a box with all your essential objects.
Compile a detailed list of all the objects packed in every box and number each box on a part that is clearly visible. It will help you greatly to store this information in a diary or on an Excel spreadsheet.
If you are going to do the move yourself, buy boxes, tape, newspaper and/or bubble wrap for any fragile objects.
Pack all heavy objects in small boxes and lighter objects in medium-sized boxes. Check that the bottoms of the boxes are firmly secured using special adhesive packing tape. In this way you will avoid the bottoms falling out due to excess weight.
Using a thick marker pen, write the name of the room in the new house on the boxes where the contents thereof will eventually go. This will make it easier for you to unpack once you get to your new home.
Cover pieces of furniture with sheets to prevent them from getting scratched and damaged.

Electrical Appliances

Defrost refrigerators and freezers 24 hours prior to the move. Once they have been located in your new home, you must wait a further 24 hours before plugging them in. Do not forget to secure all those parts that can move or open, such as the shelves and the door of the refrigerator, with adhesive tape. Take care with the plugs and roll up and secure all cables to make moving the appliances easier.

Crockery and fragile objects

Do not forget to clearly mark any boxes that contain fragile objects using a thick marker pen. If you also indicate the top and base of the object (i.e.: "THIS WAY UP") and protect it using corrugated cardboard, tissue paper or bubble-wrap, you should avoid any unpleasant surprises when you get around to opening the boxes.

Plants

Leave moving plants until last and make sure not to water them during the 48 hours prior to the move. When you get them to their destination water them, if possible, once they are in their final position.

Documentation and New Address

Do not forget:

To cancel any contracts you may have with your current electricity, gas, water, heating oil, telecommunications and TV suppliers.
Notify your bank of your new address and, in the event of moving to another town or city, remember to transfer your existing bank accounts or open new ones.
Notify your credit card providers, companies that might send you receipts, magazine subscriptions, and all suppliers that may generate documentation of your new address.
Ask your removals company to provide you with special boxes for packing your fragile objects.
If you write the name of the room in your new house on each box where the contents thereof are intended, it will make unpacking them easier once you arrive.
All mark any boxes containing articles that you will need at once.