GC Parish & Sons Removal & Storage Contractors
Bovingdon, Hertfordshire UK

How to move house - Our step by step Guide

Let GC Parish and Sons take the hassle out of moving house. To assist in your move we have compiled the following guide to help you move more easily.

General packing guidelines

• Use common sense!
• Pack least used items first
• Pack boxes so the lids close flat and seal the top and bottom with tape
• Do not overload
• Write the contents, where they are to go and if the contents are fragile, on the tape sealing the box.
• We provide two sizes of box, use the smaller boxes for books and heavy items
  

More packing Tips

• China and glass - use plenty of paper to pad out, plates should be packed upright with heavy items at the bottom
• Lampshades - remove from lamps and pack in a suitable sized box.
• Records - stand upright, use smaller boxes because of the weight.
• Books - use the smaller boxes because of the weight.
• Electronic goods - use the original boxes if you have them, if not, use suitable sized boxes for smaller items, leave large items for us to deal with on the removal day.
• Toys - remember to leave one or two favourites out!
• Clothes and linen can be packed in large boxes or large plastic bags
  (Clothes in drawers can be left in situ and hanging clothes can be left on hangers, we will transfer them to our special frames on the removal day)
• Fridge – secure or remove glass shelves and remember to pack jars, bottles etc.
• Freezer (upright and small chest) leave for us to deal with
• Freezer (large chest) - place contents in large plastic bags and return to freezer – (Ideally run down contents or empty and defrost if possible)
• Self-assembly furniture – please note that some self-assembly furniture, particularly if made of chipboard, is inherently fragile - check with us if they require dismantling prior to the removal day
• Large pictures and mirrors – leave on the walls for us to deal with on the removal day
• Carpets and rugs – leave it to us to take up loose floor covering and rugs on the removal day. Carpets can be removed provided this has been discussed with the estimator and that all fittings and fastenings have been detached beforehand (Please vacuum!)
• Garden equipment – have sheds, playhouses, climbing frames, slides etc. dismantled ready for the moving day
  Clean garden tools and assemble together
  Tie or tape lengths of wood and tools – e.g. spades, rakes etc. into bundles.
• Young Children and pets – For their own safety it is better for young children and pets to be elsewhere while the loading and unloading takes place.

Inflammable or explosive materials- our insurance conditions stipulate that on no account should inflammable or explosive materials be moved or stored with household contents

Things to do a few weeks before removal day Checklist

• Telephone our office to confirm the removal date and send off the removal confirmation and payment
• Arrange packing materials and pet carriers
• Start to run down food especially that in the freezer – if fridge’s and freezers are to be stored – they must be emptied and defrosted
• Arrange to have the electric and gas meters read on the removal day
• Arrange telephone number changes – call diversions and final billing with the telephone company
• Notify the post-office to redirect your mail
• Arrange baby and pet sitter – children, animals and removals don’t mix!
• Arrange cleaning of rugs, carpets and curtains (if required)
• Arrange disconnection and reconnection of appliance (particularly gas appliance and electric cookers which require specialist personnel)
• For those moving out of the area, try asking the current tenants of the property you are moving in to for a recommended plumber, electrician, etc. and possibly a local phone book
• Book any accommodation (if applicable)
• Place orders or make decisions for any new appliances or furnishings (such as carpets) which you will require in your new home
• Find all of the guarantees and associated instructions for all appliances to be left – put to one side to avoid packing
• Write instructions for hot water and heating systems – put with guarantees above as instructions for the new owner
• Write instructions of the location of stopcocks for the new owner

Things to do a few days before moving -
people to inform