Our helpful packing and moving tips – just for you!  Haslam Cooper Removals do offer a dedicated packing service, but if you prefer to pack your belongings yourself, we have put together some top tips to help you out.

 1. Begin Packing Well in Advance

It always seems to be an understated task ‘packing up your life into boxes’ but when it comes down to the nitty gritty of going through all your cupboards and drawers, it’s always a much longer job than anticipated.  Allow yourself plenty of time to make sure everything is packed and wrapped.  It’s advisable to start with the rooms you use the least.

 2. Declutter and Donate

Is it ever the right time to go through that drawer or cupboard? The answer is YES!  Take moving as the opportunity to declutter and donate the items you no longer need so you can start afresh in your new home.

3. Make a Detailed Inventory List

This is always a great way to make sure nothing gets left behind and plan where everything is going to go in your new home. Pack One Room At A Time

This will help with the decluttering and make sure you have packed everything efficiently in every room.  It will also give you a picture of how many boxes you’ll need for your move and if you’ll need to order any more.  Try not to exceed 15kg  weight in each box if possible.  Also, try to use smaller boxes to pack heavy items, like books and larger boxes or bags for lighter items such as bedding.

4. Label, Label, Label

Clearly labelling or marking your boxes is the best way to ensure your belongings end up in the right room in your new home.  It’s also advisable to write FRAGILE on boxes containing your delicates.  This helps our teams to handle goods with care and make sure the teapot doesn’t end up in the bathroom!

5. Use Plastic Bags For Anything Spillable

There’s nothing worse than opening a box and finding your toothpaste has exploded!  The easiest way to prevent spillages is to pack them in plastic bags.

6. Check If We Can Move It

Not everything in your home will be suitable to travel in the back of our vans.  But don’t worry, there isn’t much on this list.  Please make sure you don’t pack anything hazardous like fireworks, paint, paint-thinners or explosives.  Also animals in or out of cages won’t go in the back of the van!

7. Organise Your Utilities

It’s beneficial to set up your Utilities such as council tax, gas, electricity, water and home insurances early when planning your move.  Doing this in advance will allow you to enjoy your new home without a last minute panic.  However, if you’d like us to take away the stress completely, Haslam Cooper Removals provide a free of charge HOME MOVE ASSISTANT which you save you up to £358* and around eight hours of admin time.  Please see the separate tab on how it all works.

8. Pack A Survival Box

Pack the things you use every day in a separate bag or box and keep this with you.  Items such as medication, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toilet roll and phone chargers will all come in handy.  And don’t forget a ‘brew box’ – who doesn’t need a cuppa in the midst of a move!

9. Take Photo’s

Photograph the wires at the back of your TV or any other electronic set-ups.  This is a great way to keep track of how to put things back together in your new home.  Also, take a photo of your electric/gas/water meter just as you leave so you have an accurate record of your final meter readings.