Mover's checklist

HELPFUL HINTS

TO ASSIST WITH THE PREPARATION OF YOUR REMOVAL

STAGE 1: ADVANCE OF THE MOVE

·         Arrange for the professional disconnection of kitchen appliances on the day of or prior to the move, including specialist attention to washing machines to ensure the securing of the drum.

·         Start running down the freezer.  Manufacturers and the trade association advise against removing freezers in a frozen state.  If, however, you require yours to be moved with food inside you MUST:

1.                  Check with your removal company

2.                  Have as much of the food as possible in boxes or trays to facilitate handling.

·         Bring down items from loft.

·         Dismantle self-assembly furniture that was not designed to be moved assembled, unless your removal company have formerly agreed to do so.

·         Dismantle sheds, greenhouses, climbing frames/slides, kennels etc.  Unless your removal company have formerly agreed to do so.

·         Have T.V. and other aerials taken down unless they are being sold with the property.

·         Prepare a list of fixtures and fittings you intend to leave for the new owner.  If possible, draw up a floor plan of your new home to decide where you intend placing the furniture and give a copy of this to the crew on the day of your move.

·         Drain fuel from motorised lawn mower, motorcycle and moped/scooter.  Disconnect and make safe the battery from battery powered lawn mower.

·         Advise your removal company of any access problems at both your old and new homes.

·         Obtain suitable cage/box in which you can transport pets.

STAGE 2:  THE DAY BEFORE THE MOVE

·         Defrost refrigerator and deep freezer, clean and dry inner casing.

·         If however, you require your freezer to be moved containing food; 24 hours before the move, turn the control to maximum to obtain the greatest degree of frost.

·         Disconnect Audio/Video equipment, T.V. etc, to be prepared for transit in accordance with manufacturers instructions.

·         Take down fixtures and fittings e.g. mirrors, bathroom cabinets, towel rails, curtain poles/tracks.  Unless formerly agreed otherwise.

·         Arrange the transportation of dangerous substances.

·         Remove cylinders from portable gas heaters.  Drain paraffin heaters.

·         Seal packets and tighten jars of food.

·         Remove lampshades from lights.

·         Prepare for plants for moving e.g. provide cane supports for large indoor plants and place in heavy duty polythene, also protect dried flowers.

STAGE 3:  THE DAY/S OF THE MOVE

·         Lock valuable and personal documents away in the car or any alternative suitable place of safety.

·         If your possessions are being stored, remember to retain any important items that you may need e.g. passport, driving licence.  Do not send anything perishable for storage.

·         Set aside an area and mark it up "DO NOT REMOVE" for coats, kettle, snacks, tools and cleaning material.  Remove and fold bedding.

·         After loading, ensure that absolutely everything that should have been loaded onto the vehicle from your property has been.  A return journey CANNOT be made.

·         Make sure the property is secure and hand over keys to the estate agents.

·         Ensure the driver has directions to the new address, a contact phone number and agree a time of arrival.

·         Bid farewell to neighbours.

·         Arrive at your new home before your removal company and leave your car/s a good distance from the property to give easy access for the removal vehicle and crew.

·         Label all rooms and direct crew for the positioning of effects in each room.

·         Most importantly, make the beds, hang bedroom and bathroom curtains and locate refreshment for when exhaustion sets in.