Our Top Tips for Moving House

We understand that moving house can be a stressful process, even before you get to moving day!

With over 20 years' experience moving houses in Nottingham for our customers, we've picked up a few useful tips along the way which can go a long way to ensuring your moving day goes as smoothly as possible.

Moving House Tips - BEFORE MOVING DAY 

1.  We recommend arranging quotes for your removal from at least 2-3 reputable companies. This is a good idea so you can compare prices, but also so you have a back-up if your first pick is booked up when you get your completion date confirmed.
2. It's never too early in the process to get your removals quote! Far too often we have customers that leave it till the last minute, adding stress to an already stressful process. You can get your quote as soon as you put your house on the market, then that's one thing ticked off the list.
3. Book your preferred company as soon as you have your confirmed moving date. Most companies will accept a deposit to secure your date.
4. Take the opportunity to clear out anything you no longer want or need. Don’t pay to move things that you’re not going to keep! Be ruthless.
5. Don’t forget to re-route your mail before you move, and notify utility companies, banks, council, doctors, vets etc. of your new address.
6. Ensure your washing machine is disconnected before the day of your move, unless we have agreed to do this for you.
7. Ensure any furniture dismantling is done, unless you have booked furniture dismantling as part of your removal.
8. Check for any parking restrictions / parking permits required for both properties and let your removals company know.
9. Do not water plants directly before the day of the move; put smaller ones in an open-top box (preferably plastic); putting outdoor plants undercover in bad weather is helpful but not essential. 

Moving House Tips - PACKING 

1.  Most removals companies do not transport tins of paint, oils, or any fuels (please empty petrol lawnmowers). This is because they are usually not insured to carry these items.
2. Any personal documents / valuables that you would rather move yourself, ensure these are packed in your car.
3. Pack a priority box of things you may need for your first night e.g., clothes, toiletries, food and drink etc. Either label this clearly or take it in your car.
4. Packing materials are available to buy from us at an extra cost, just ask for details.
5. Heavy items such as books should be packed in smaller boxes, with larger boxes used for lighter items such as bedding and cushions.
6. Please ensure boxes are full before closing – fill any gaps at the top using unbreakable or soft items.
7. Boxes should be securely taped on the top and bottom – DO NOT FOLD.
8. Fragile items should be wrapped securely in bubble wrap / paper and packed in boxes with scrunched paper filling any gaps to avoid movement in transit.
9. Write clearly on top of the boxes the room it is destined for and, for your benefit, a brief description of the contents.
10. Professional removal companies will provide hanging garment carriers, so items on hangers can be transported more easily. 
11. If drawers can be removed from furniture, they can usually be left full (remove any fragile items). If not, please pack the contents in boxes. 

We also offer a packing service, which can be a huge timesaver. Ask us about this service when requesting a quote.

 Moving House Tips - ON THE DAY 

1.  Ensure there is enough parking space outside your property for the removal vehicle(s). This might mean asking neighbours to move cars temporarily.
2. Take final meter readings and inform utility companies.
3. Don’t forget to leave user manuals for central heating or appliances you are leaving behind. 
4. Don't forget to leave all of your keys!
5. Remember - it is your responsibility to have a final check of the property before you leave, to ensure nothing is left behind. 
6. Finally, most removals teams are fuelled by tea, coffee and biscuits, so make sure the kettle is the last thing packed and the first thing unpacked! 😊

If you're looking for a professional moving service in Nottinghamshire, get in touch with us for a quote. With Metcalf and Lee, you can expect a friendly, efficient and reliable team with plenty of experience to make your moving day as stress-free as possible.