Moving home guide

It need not be the most stressful thing you do. Stay calm and on top of things by following this handy guide to moving your home…

Packing home contents guide

Glasses should be wrapped in tissue separately, with extra padding around the stems.
Plates should be packed vertically as this gives them greater weight‐bearing strength.
Sharp knives should be wrapped separately.
Pots and pans can be stacked with inverted lids and paper separating them in the box.
Cutlery should be wrapped, each type (e.g. teaspoons) being stacked and then wrapped together in paper or bubble wrap.
Small appliances should be packed in original boxes or wrapped in bubble wrap and the box lined with kitchen towels.
Bottles of wine should be put in wine boxes.
Clean and dry washing machines and tumble dryers thoroughly by leaving the door and soap drawer open for several days. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for transporting.
Gas appliances that are being moved need to be disconnected and re‐connected by a plumber.

Valuables such as jewellery should be moved into the “last out, first in” box.
Bedding needed as soon as you move in should be separated out.
Quilts, pillows and linen can be strapped and packed into large boxes.
Protect the mattress with large sheets of plastic.
Clothes on hangers can travel in a wardrobe box (supplied by the packers) and shoes placed at the bottom of it.
Folded clothing can be packed in suitcases or suitcase boxes.
Furniture such as beds and dressers needs to be dismantled (where possible) and the bolts with instructions placed in a self‐seal bag.

Books should be placed in book boxes and placed flat. Alternating bindings to prevent damaging the spines.
Houseplants can be placed in tall boxes to protect the leaves.
Dismantle what you can and place bolts and instructions in a self‐seal bag
Rugs should be rolled up and secured after they have been cleaned well.
Pictures with glass and mirrors should be taped with an ‘X’ across them and then bubble wrapped. The box should be marked ‘Glass’ on the outside.
Small ornaments should be wrapped in tissue paper and placed in a padded box.
Lamps should be disassembled. The bases and shades should be packed separately with bubble wrap.
TV, DVD player and stereos should be packed upright with plenty of padding all around.
Sofa and armchair suite should be covered with large sheets to protect them.

Dining table legs should be removed and tied together with all bolts placed in a self‐seal bag and attached to the underside of the table top, which should then be covered with a furniture blanket.
Chair legs and arms should be wrapped and then bundled into pairs by placing a blanket in between, resting seat upon seat, and then tying them together.
China and glassware is best wrapped separately, using plenty of tissue paper and placed in a box marked ‘Fragile’. Delicate areas such as stems and handles should have extra cushioning.
Silverware chests should be padded out with newsprint to prevent shifting.

Remove the handle from hand mowers and place the blade end in a sturdy box.
Drain hoses and pack at the base of a box. Fill the surrounding space with attachments, gardening hand tools, etc.
Long handled tools can be tied together and the base wrapped in bubble wrap.
Electrical gadgets such as hedge trimmers should be wrapped and placed in a box (if possible, the original ones they came in).
Bicycles should have the handlebars loosened and turned down at right angles to save space. Protect chain and pedals with corrugated cards. Cover the seat with bubble wrap.

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