Hertfordshire removal services – Asking Your Friends to Help You Move

We’ve all been there at some point: you’re surrounded by a pile of boxes while preparing for a big move, thinking how nice it would be to have some assistance. Whether it’s a long-distance move or just a few houses down the street, you’re probably contemplating asking friends for moving help.

Moving is a daunting task, and few people enjoy the process. If you’re thinking about rallying some of your friends to help alleviate the stress and save money, here are some tips to make the request successful.

DO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT’S A BIG ASK

No one likes moving. It’s a fact we’ve come to accept, yet we all end up doing it at some point (or many). However, before you beg your friends and family for a helping hand, make it known that their help in your moving venture is appreciated! Your true friends will likely say yes and show up to assist, but it goes a long way to make sure they’re aware of how much it means to you.

DO PLAN AHEAD

What’s worse than being asked to help a friend move a heavy couch up four flights of stairs? Being asked to do it the morning of moving day. If you’re going to need a hand (or two) for your big move, make sure to give your friends a generous heads-up. Even if you’re just looking to borrow a vehicle to help transport larger items, a timely notice still applies. This will help the whole moving process go smoothly and give you time to get things organised before the day comes.

DON’T BE A BAD HOST

The last thing on your mind before a move is a trip to the grocery store; that said, do be sure to have snacks and beverages for your moving helpers. If you’re going to be lifting boxes, cleaning and organising all day, it’s important to keep your friends and family properly fed and hydrated. Remember to have some water, refreshments and healthy snacks on hand to keep you and your moving crew energised!

DON’T FORGET A GAME PLAN

It’s moving day! After asking friends for moving help, get your ducks in a row and make sure you have a plan of attack before they arrive with their sleeves rolled up. Do you need a hand organising boxes of delicate china, cleaning out your crawl space or loading heavy furniture in the back of a truck?

Come up with a plan so that when your help arrives, everyone knows what to do and where to be. Additionally, try to keep the natural tendency to over-delegate at bay. Your crew will appreciate some direction, but no one wants to be bossed around during a stressful day.

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER

Sometimes, no matter how kindly you ask (or beg) there might not be any takers for moving help. Schedules are busy, and life gets in the way; however, you don’t have to do it all alone. If you find yourself needing to hire professionals, Alban City Remvals has you covered. Our professional movers will help you make your new transition smooth and stress-free. Contact us today! Hertfordshire removal services – Asking Your Friends to Help You Move

Ever since I moved houses and broke a beautiful antique washbasin, I’ve become a patient person when it comes to moving! It was a lovely Delft Blue basin that had been in my family for years, and I eventually tired of looking at that sad, grey-gluey scar running the length of that gorgeous porcelain and had to dispose of the piece. Preventing these moving tragedies is just a matter of adequate preparation and having the right tools.

Here are our easy tips to pack up your fragile items and keep them safe:

1. Prepare in advance. Packing up the valuable crystal, porcelain, and other breakables requires some time. This is not the place to rush. If you are not hiring movers, start well in advance of moving day and take the time to properly pack these items and decide if they’ll go in the moving truck or by car.

2. Have the right tools. Here’s what you need: quality moving boxes in various sizes; packing paper, bubble wrap, pliable cardboard, scissors, and packing tape. A large table to lay out your items and pack on is also an essential tool. For larger items, you might need an extra pair of hands.

3. Label it! Having the boxes with your delicate items clearly labelled as “fragile” will help your movers handle them more carefully, as well as help when unpacking and organising at your new place.

4. Know what items you will be packing and how to pack them properly. A flat-screen TV and your grandma’s china are both fragile items, but quite different when it comes to packing. Do your research on the best way to pack each item, and plan so you’re not caught short of bubble wrap on moving day.

How to pack the most popular fragile items:

‍Plates – plates should be packed vertically in small to medium boxes lined with crumpled packing paper on the bottom and top. Wrap each plate in bubble wrap and secure it with tape. Place the paper between the standing plates. Do not overpack the box. Alban City Removals has dish packs available for purchase, whether hiring our packing service or doing it yourself.

Glasses – wrap glasses individually with packing paper and place crumpled paper inside the large pieces to diminish empty space. Line small or medium boxes with ample packing paper, top and bottom. Layer spaces around glasses with paper as well, reducing as much as possible the chance of the items moving inside the box. Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box, with lighter pieces on top.

Lamps – lamp shades should be boxed (flat side down) separately with lots of paper. Bases can be placed in a large box if necessary, and bubble wrap used where appropriate.

Pictures/Frames – picture frames should be placed in paper-lined small to medium boxes, and standing if larger than 8 inches, with crumpled paper in between each piece. Wrap frames in packing paper. Top frames with more packing paper to ensure items don’t move around in the box. When moving paintings and pictures that are over 3 feet in size, they should be secured with a moving blanket, plastic-wrapped, and moved separately.

TVs – flat-screen TVs can be tricky to pack. Start by removing any cables and accessories (such as the stand legs), and make sure to pack those in a clearly labelled box. Wrap the screen in a soft moving blanket, securing it all around the device with packing tape. Lastly, place it inside the box, and close it with tape. Make sure that the box is the correct size for your TV.

‍Speciality items – here is the way I should have packed my family’s antique wash basin, and this can be applied to all oddly-shaped, large, fragile items. It’s important to consider the shape and size of the piece, as well as any handles or protruding pieces that could break easily. Wrap the piece completely in bubble wrap, securing with tape. Place it on one piece of pliable, cut cardboard. Place an identical piece of cardboard on top of the item. Then bend the cardboard ends to meet and secure with tape.

Don’t be shy with the tape. Wrap the entire piece with tape if necessary. You want the fragile item snug and stable. Then place the piece in a paper-lined box that’s roughly the same size as the object, placing the crumpled paper in any gaps. Lastly, tape up the box securely and mark in bold felt marker: FRAGILE.

Many people use old towels, small blankets, newsprint, or even paper towels to wrap their fragile items. These are not wise choices. Newsprint can be dirty and means you have even more washing to do in your new home. Paper towels are not strong or reliable. Old towels slip easily and cannot be secured with tape, which is essential for proper packing of valuables. Please invest in the proper tools, and you won’t be sorry.

Finally, be sure to let your movers know which boxes contain fragile items. Most moving companies carry specialised boxes for fragile items, such as the dish packs and mirror/picture frame packs that Alban City Removals keeps in stock.

If you are at all unsure about your packing skills, ask for help. Alban City Removals offers professional packing services. Contact your local movers today to request an estimate.

Happy Moving!

Removals in Hertfordshire – Make Moving Less Stressful

1. Accept that stress is a normal part of the moving process

The first step to overcoming moving stress is acceptance. If you acknowledge that you are probably going to incur some stress throughout your move, you’re less likely to let it set you back when it happens. You will be prepared for it.

Think about it like this: stress is a natural human response to a demanding circumstance. However, you have a say in how you react to that stress. You can take it as something negative and have a bad time. Or you can work your way through it and accomplish great things.

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Our best advice is to take the stress for what it is and acknowledge the feeling. That way, you can work with it instead of being controlled by it. The most important thing is to recognise the stress without letting it deter you from the tasks at hand.

2. Stay organised!

Something that will help you a lot before, during, and after your move is to be organised every step of the way! For this, a list will be a very good ally.

There are a lot of things you have to do before, during, and after a move. Keeping all of this only in your head could lead to extra stress and forgetting some details. So, to reduce stress and minimise forgetfulness, writing everything down will make a big difference!

There are many resources on the internet that can help you. You can check out packing checklists or moving checklists to get some inspiration.

3. Honour the journey, all of it

Moving is also a heavily emotional process. Apart from all the things you have to do, moving means a lot of change will come to your life. You leave things behind, and you meet new people. This can generate both stress and excitement. So, honour that process and live the journey fully.

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Things that can help ease your stress are to research your new town, neighbourhood or city. Don’t focus only on what you are leaving behind and how that makes you sad. You can also look forward to all the new, cool things awaiting you!

4. Try to keep a positive mindset

Keeping a positive mindset makes a big difference in every aspect of your life, not just moving! Science has shown that positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health.

So while you face the stress generated by your upcoming move, remember to see it in a positive light. Embrace it, accept it, be patient with yourself. And try to see the bright side of things. This will make a difference for the better.

It is also very important to look for support from friends and family instead of dealing with everything by yourself. Speaking with others will help you keep your feet grounded and not get carried away by the stress.

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5. Reduce clutter as much as possible

Clutter is stressful. So to reduce the visual stress created by clutter, try to minimise the junk that’s occupying extra space in your home. You will feel more relieved almost immediately. You can clear the clutter using the Marie Kondo method or simply by organising things into three piles: sell, donate, and throw away.

This will also help you a lot with moving because you will have fewer things to worry about. You can even look at moving as an opportunity to declutter. Remember how we talked about trying to keep a positive mindset? Well, how you approach organising and decluttering can make a big difference.

Oh, and another pro tip? Unpack in your new location as soon as you can. This will help you avoid things piling up.

6. Hire Alban City Removals

​​​​The primary purpose of a final walkthrough is to make certain that the property is in the condition in which you agreed to buy it, including whether agreed-on repairs, if any, were made, and that nothing has gone wrong with the home since you last looked at it.​​​​​​​​

​​​​What to Check During a Final Walkthrough:​​​​​​​​

• ​​​​Turn on and off every light fixture​​​​​​​​
• Test all appliances​​​​​​​​
• Check garage door openers​​​​​​​​
• Flush toilets​​​​​​​​
• Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fans​​​​​​​​
• Test the heating and air conditioning​​​​​​​​
• Make sure all debris is removed from the home

The big moving day is almost finally here! Likely, you are probably feeling a mix of emotions from anxiety and excitement through to impatience for the day to arrive. You’re probably running on little sleep too, so don’t pack the coffee machine into the removal box just yet.

Here are some last-minute jobs you may have overlooked that are essential to make the move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Confirm with your movers

Things are likely to have been pretty crazy lately, but nothing would be worse than waiting for a removalist van that never arrives. So whether you have friends and family helping, using professionals or both, make sure you check in to reconfirm the time and date of the move.

Last-minute logistics

Here is a list of the essential – and some not so obvious – tasks that need ticking off before you close the front door on your old home forever.

• Head to the post office and arrange for your mail to be redirected.
• Cancel or rearrange any regular domestic services such as a gardener or cleaner.
• Cleaning the house for the next occupants is not just good manners, but often a legal requirement. You may want to book a professional for this job.
• Check all necessary repairs and alterations to your old home will be finished by moving day, such as painting and laying carpets.
• If you are moving out of an apartment, let your neighbours know of the date and apologise for any disruptions you may cause. An easy way is to put up a message on a notice board.
• You may also be required to cover the inside of lifts when moving in or out of an apartment. Simply check with your body corporate.
• Cancel any subscriptions, such as a newspaper delivery
• Back up your computer – you may even want to do this on more than one device or storage system.
• Pack yourself a moving day survival kit (see below).

If you have the energy

Hold a ‘house cooling’ party to say goodbye to the neighbours … plus it’s a great way to finish off any food in the pantry and freezer.

Surviving moving day

You have probably been more focused on clearing out your old home than what you will need once you arrive at your new one. Moving day is always busy and exhausting. The last thing you want to be doing when you’re tired is ripping open boxes trying to find items.

Don’t forget to keep these items close at hand.

Documentation

Keep any documentation related to the new or old house in a bright folder and next to your wallet and keys. Time is a precious commodity when relocating – you don’t want to have to be opening boxes searching for your moving contract or any other essential paperwork.

Pack a small overnight bag or suitcase

No matter how great your labelling skills may be, finding boxes with the right clothes during moving day madness may not be possible. Make sure you include at least one change of clothes for each member of your family, if not two.

Valuables

For peace of mind, keep all your precious items with you when you move. Whether it is jewellery, or something sentimental, you will feel better knowing it is safe. Also include important documents such as passports, car registration papers and medical records.

Toilet paper

We all know the importance of toilet paper – so throw a four-pack in the car ready to put into your new bathroom.

Basic toiletries

At the end of moving day, you will want (and need) a hot shower. So pack a special bag of essential items such as toothbrushes, tissues, deodorant, shampoo or soap in the car. Don’t forget to keep some towels separate – you don’t want to have to search for them in a box late at night.

Tools

A small toolkit containing a utility knife, scissors, screwdriver, Allen keys and a hammer can be a lifesaver when reassembling furniture and beds. Try and video yourself dismantling items – this can be invaluable in putting them back together.

Cleaning supplies

No matter how clean your new property is when you move in, you will want to clean it again to make it yours. Some helpful items include paper towels, wipes, surface spray, sanitiser, window cleaner, toilet brush, loads of cleaning rags and sponges. It is also a good idea to take the vacuum cleaner with you instead of with the removalist.

Eating essentials

We are not just talking about water and snacks to get you through the move. If your utilities haven’t been turned on yet at your new home, you will need to take some bottled water. Keep out some plates, forks, spoons, a few cups, mugs and of course, the kettle. Pick up some basics such as eggs, cereal, milk and bread on-route.

Electronic chargers

After a day of moving, your mobile phone and other important devices may be low on power. So make sure you keep the charges close by should you need to ring your real estate agent or maybe pizza delivery.

Bedtime supplies

When packing your removalist boxes, be sure to create one labelled ‘first night’. Load it up with sheets, pillows and blankets for each bed. You could also include some PJs in there. Don’t forget your kids’ favourite sleep toy. This will also make them feel secure spending their first night in new surroundings.

Kids toys and games

Youngsters may not be as excited as everyone else about setting up the new home. This is not the time to fret about screen time. Charge up those devices and download movies or games. Empty moving boxes or bubble wrap can be a lot of fun.

Give the kids crayons, textas or sticky tape and let their imagination run wild with some of your discarded packaging. You might be able to recruit older kids to help out with a few jobs – especially if you are paying some pocket money.

Medical kit

Be sure to have a first aid kit on standby and to pack any prescription medications.

Day of the move

 Say goodbye to your old home

Take time to farewell your old home before things get too busy. Children, in particular, need closure. Walk through the property, recall fun memories and talk about all the fun you’ll have in your new place.

Work with your movers

Assist your movers by identifying fragile or large items right away. Supervise – without being intrusive – as they load everything into the truck. You will be signing off to confirm everything has been completed, so you need to be sure.

Final Check

Before the movers drive off, do one last check through the property to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Take one final look around before walking out the door. It’s very normal to feel emotional about moving house. Then switch your thoughts to your new property and starting the next chapter in your life.