Removals
Packing and the art of Zen
John Durrant - Estate Agent

You may well laugh, but packing, (and more to the point, unpacking), can bring tears to your eyes.

It's the bit everyone dreads and can turn a move into a nightmare if not done properly. So if you want to avoid a complete mental breakdown, take a minute to read these Packing Tips!

Before...

• Plan your move in advance. An extra box from every supermarket trip over time will save you a lot of hassle later on.
• Do yourself a favour and throw out all the accumulated junk that you know will never be of use! (Try a Car Boot sale - hire a skip - local charities might take unwanted furniture (make sure first, though, that it isn’t a Chippendale!).
• Collect packing materials early. Ask your friends to save you anything of use. (If using a Removal Firm, they will often supply you with containers). Keep hold of that stack of newspapers too.
• Try to pack non-essential items in advance - plan ahead!
• Try to prepare a sketch plan of your new home - plan where the removers will place your items.
• Defrost the freezer.

During...

• Clearly label all boxes (and carpets), stating which room they should go to.
• Avoid a slipped disc... keep the weight of boxes to a minimum.
• Make sure the boxes are easy to carry and the tops are secured.
• Use bubble wrap and newspaper to wrap fragile items.
• Disconnect appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers in advance.
• Say which boxes contain fragile items for the benefit of the removal company.
• Take apart large items (e.g. tables) as much as possible.
• Pack a separate "emergency" box with things you'll need on the day before the move and the day you arrive.
  Tea/coffee/milk
  Kettle/crockery
  Toothbrushes
  Towels/soap
  Cat!
  Address of the nearest takeaway

After...

• Open that bottle of Champagne.
• Relax

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