On the move? Then you need to think about preparing your move several weeks in advance.
Don’t forget that a well organised move means a successful move!
Below are some useful tips to ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Ask for an estimate

Firstly you need to set a budget for your move.
You will need to know or to calculate the volume of your belongings.
If you think you can afford to use a professional removal service, ask for a written estimate.
Fill in the quotation request form on our website to receive several free quotes with no obligation within 48 hours.
Ask for a quote 1 to 2 months in advance and reserve your removal service a month before the removal date.
For the busiest periods (school holidays, end of month) ask for a quote a month earlier.
Don’t forget to calculate the volume of your belongings on-line by using our fun to use
volume calculator in 2D.
Filling in the volume on the on-line quotation request form enables the removal companies to give you their best offer.
Giving as much detail as possible about access to your home, narrow stairways, lifts & any particularly fragile or heavy items is important too.
Filling out the form as precisely as possible will reduce the risk of being charged extra when you move.
Prices vary from one company to another and depend a lot on the time of year you wish to move.
For example, moving during the summer can cost up to 20% more.
Within 48 hours you should receive several comparative quotes by return from the independent UK removal companies working with Mistermove & you can then contact the removal company of your choice.
All the removal companies working with Mistermove are registered removal companies & have supplied Mistermove with their company details.
Do bear in mind that the least expensive quote may not necessarily be the most adapted to your move. Study all the quotes carefully & make sure that the volume & any important details that you provided have been taken into consideration, that the removal company offers a fully comprehensive insurance cover and that all services that you require are stipulated on the quotation (packing service, dismantling/reassembling, delivery of packing boxes, cleaning, etc…).

Prepare your belongings

Unplug electrical devices and turn off water and gas.
Certain items should be blocked before moving: washing machine door, dryer door, video head, DVD player etc. and it is your responsibility to check that this is done.
Avoid polishing wooden furniture before removal to avoid any marks being left by protective packaging.
Empty the fridge and freezer at least 24 hours in advance.
Take down all wall and ceiling fittings that you want to take with you: curtain rods, picture hooks, light fittings etc.

Security Advice

In order to protect your belongings from fire or leaks, it is vital to respect the following advice:
Do not pack inflammable or corrosive objects, or items such as matches, acid, fire arms, poison, gas bottles, cans of paint, mentholated and white spirit or other partially used or unsealed substances.
Drain petrol from all motorised equipment, lawnmowers, gardening tools and motorbikes.

Packing

Most removal companies will be able to offer a packing service.
This can save a great deal of time and effort.
Do not hesitate to ask for a separate quotation for a full packing option or for a fragile packing option. Remember that all goods packed by yourself will not be insured.If you have decided to pack your belongings yourself, it is important to understand that good packing is crucial to a successful move. Badly packed items could be damaged, but if you take a little extra time and care, this can be avoided. Make sure you buy sufficient packaging and plan your packing well in advance..
Pack several boxes each day to avoid getting overwhelmed by the job and pack one item at a time putting similar things together making packing and unpacking easier.
For packing you will need the following items :
- various different sized boxes
- packing tape
- scissors
- marker pens
- bubble wrap (or other protective wrapping)
- newspaper

Assembling boxes

Close the bottom of the box with 2 strips of tape lengthways & widthways.
Do the same when closing the top of the box. Make sure the top of all the boxes are flat when closing, this will make stacking them easier.

Filling boxes

Always try to fill boxes as much as possible.
This will avoid them being squashed during transportation.
A full box is more rigid and will keep its shape better.

Identifying boxes

All boxes should be clearly marked with the room they should be left in at your new address and a brief description of the contents.
Number each box & keep a list to hand of their contents.

Fragile objects

Put a layer of crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the box and begin packing, starting with the heaviest items first and putting fragile items at the top of the box.
Alternate each layer of items with a layer of crumpled newspaper and put in an extra layer before sealing the box.

Plates

Put a sheet of paper, or better still bubble wrap between each plate.
Pile up 6 plates at the most then place them on their side in the box on top of a layer of crumpled newspaper.