Getting Started - Lincolnshire, UK - BSJ Holdings

Planning is essential for a streamlined move, so make sure you start as early as you can to keep the job as simple as possible.

First thing's first

De-clutter

Moving house is the perfect time for a big clear out. This will allow you to see exactly how much you have to pack and saves you from packing things you no longer need or want in your new home. Most importantly, it's never too early to start, so even if you do not wish to begin packing before the exchange, a good clear out can help get you organised so you'll be more prepared when the time comes. Begin in storage areas like the attic or basement where you probably have belongings you never use or don't even realise you still have! 

If it's likely you'll have a lot of items to dispose of you may consider hiring a skip, this may seem a little excessive but it's amazing how piles of old junk can accumulate. Hiring a skip also provides the convenience of not having to work out where to dispose of your unwanted possessions or how to get them there. 

Don't forget that charity shops will be happy to take old clothes and possessions as long as they're clean and in good condition. Most shops will be happy for you to drop off donations during normal opening hours but it's always wise to phone and check first. 

Many charities will also be happy to take furniture which is no longer needed; national charities like Oxfam will often be willing to pick up furniture depending on the location of your current property. It is also worth having a look in your local paper for any charities looking for furniture donations.  

Getting organised

The best way to avoid stress is to make sure you know exactly what you need to have packed and when. Sit down and work out the best way to begin and try breaking up the task by packing in stages, beginning with the things you use least. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help you keep on top of everything. 

At this stage, it's also a good idea to write a comprehensive list of all things you will need easy access to on the day of the move, these can be packed in a hold-all or suitcase on the day before the move and taken with you as you travel to the new property. This can avoid any problems associated with delayed removal vans etc. 

What you'll need (Packing materials)

You can't start packing things up without the necessary materials. Whatever you're packing there are some basic materials you really can't do without 

• Marker pens
• Packing tape
• Strong boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Newspaper, and / or wrapping paper and tissue paper
• Wardrobe cartons with hanging bars
• Sealable plastic bags e.g. sandwich bags
• Self adhesive labels  
  

Make sure you have plenty of supplies; packaging materials are far, far cheaper than replacing broken belongings.

To help make the packing process as hassle free as possible, at BSJ Holdings we offer a range of packing materials at realistic prices which can be delivered direct to your door.  

Getting started  

Now everything is organised and all materials bought, it's time to get packing. Here are a few tips to bear in mind. 

• Use good quality boxes and always make sure you reinforce the bottoms with packing tape to avoid any disasters.  
• Clearly label all boxes and make sure you include which room they belong in. You may consider getting labels in different colours or using coloured markers so that you can tell instantly which boxes belong to which room. 
• Make sure you only fill boxes to a weight which you are comfortable carrying; it may mean you need a few more boxes but trust us; this is a better option than a slipped disc.
• Always remember to secure the tops of boxes with packing tape.
• Help your removal company by clearly labelling boxes containing fragile items.
• Pad the sharp corners of anything which won't be boxed to avoid them damaging other items.    
• On the day before the move pack a snack box containing food which does not require any heating, tea, coffee, sugar, a kettle, heatproof plastic or paper cups and a large packet of biscuits. Make sure this is one of the last things to be packed in the van and one of the first things off. Trust us, you will be pleased you did. 
• Try to place anything which is kept outdoors and is going to be moved e.g. garden furniture to a shed, garage or even inside the day before the move. This avoids the problem of loading wet furniture in the van alongside all of your clean, dry belongings.   
• When packing anything which runs on batteries make sure you disconnect them to stop the appliance turning itself on during transit.