Packing tips
Once you've found your exchange it's time to start packing, this page should help you pack so that your possessions arrive safely at your new home.
De-clutter
Moving home is a great time to de-clutter, get rid of everything that's no longer of any use.
- Empty the loft and get rid of things you don't need
- Clear out the shed, if it's broken throw it away
- Clear out the garage of all those things you never use
- Broken toys your children don't play with should go in the bin
- Toys they've grown out of can be sold or given away
Finding boxes
There are several places you can get boxes
- Local shops
- Supermarkets
- DIY Superstores
- Off licences
- Pubs, Clubs, Hotels and Restaurants
You will need a variety of boxes in several sizes. The boxes should be strong and clean. Anywhere that sells wine can be worth asking, wine and spirits are usually supplied in strong boxes.
Packing boxes
You are going to need plenty of strong cardboard boxes, tape, marker pen and scissors
- Tape the bottom of all boxes, don't just fold them
- Only pack lightweight items in large boxes
- Don't put lots of heavy items in one large box
- Books should be packed in several small boxes rather than one large one
- Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top
- Fill boxes right to the top, packing with crumpled newspaper if necessary
- Fragile items must be wrapped in bubble wrap, paper or other materials
- Clearly mark any box that contains fragile items
- Close boxes when full and tape them
- Don't leave any box open or with things sticking out of the top
- Label all boxes with the room they'll be going into in the new home
- Don't use crisp boxes they are far too weak and will collapse or burst
Essentials box
For the moving day itself, pack an essentials box which should contain the following:
- Kettle - including it's cord or stand
- Tea and Coffee
- Milk (make sure it won't leak!)
- Sugar
- Tea-spoons
- Mugs or cups
- Drinks for your children
- Snacks - Biscuits, crisps and so on
- Headache pills
- A basic first-aid kit
- Medicines that are taken regularly
- A pen or pencil and a notepad
- A toilet roll
- A kitchen roll
- Light bulbs
- A torch (check the batteries)
Mark the box clearly and keep it with you during the journey. If it has to go on the moving van, it should be the last thing loaded and the first to come off.
You don't have to include all these items and can add to it as necessary.
If you have pets, it may be helpful to include their bowls and some food.
Large house hold items
Washing machine
Drain and disconnect from water supply the day before you move. Remove the water inlet hoses and put them inside the drum, you'll know where they are and they wont get in the way, or leak water, during the move. Fit the transit bolts if you still have them to lock the drum suspension, they must be removed before you do your first load in your new home.
Tumble dryer
Disconnect the vent hose and place it in the drum, that way it doesn't get lost. Once again do this the day before you move.
Fridge
De-frost and clean the inside in time for the move. If it's going to be off for more than a day or two use a small piece of cardboard to wedge the door slightly open to prevent mould growing inside. Use some tape to close the door against the cardboard wedge.
Freezer
Smaller freezers do not have to be emptied and defrosted if they are reasonably full. Un-plug at the last possible moment before loading. They won't de-frost during the journey, but should be unloaded and plugged in as soon as possible. Leave them for at least one hour in their new location before switching back on.
Large freezers should be emptied and cleaned in advance. Wedge open the lid/door as with fridges.
NB: Fridges and Freezers should be allowed to settle for at least one hour before they are switched back on when in their new location.
If you are a member of Under One Roof, don't forget to download the Movers Assistance pack from the Download Centre.
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council house exchange - housing association exchange - council house swap