This is the moment you have been preparing for when you move all your possessions from your old place into your new home. However, there is more to moving day than meets the eye, and it’s important to not overlook any vital steps.
It's important to consider every cost you might encounter when moving - and to save for these accordingly for things like your deposit, the actual cost of using a removal company and any hidden costs or the need for additional storage, says Wynand van Vuuren, the customer experience partner at insurer King Price.
Another important factor to bear in mind is fragile items. What will you need to pack them? Biggles Removals offers tips on how to pack some of the items that require extra care.
1. Plants
Plants are as fragile as can be. Some might even understand that plants are just like raising a pet, they need contact care and love to grow and flourish.
How to protect them: First of all, you’ll want to protect the pots that are carrying the plants. Start by wrapping each pot in a few layers of packing paper. This will ensure that the pots don’t bump against each other. Next, use double-sided tape to tape each potted plant securely to the bottom of each box. This will ensure that the plants stay upright during the move. Thirdly, label each box that is used to transport your plants as ‘Pots’ or ‘Live Plants’. This way, when using a moving company, the movers will remain to take care of those specific boxes. Make sure to pack packing paper on top of the plants when closing the box for good.
2. Glassware
There aren’t many people who don’t use glassware in their homes. Even when you have little ones running around, every house has a few important pieces of glass that need to be moved to your new home.
How to protect them: Never pack too many glass items in one box. Wrap each glass item in either packing paper or bubble wrap. This will ensure no unnecessary bumps and breaking of glass items such as glasses while being transported. Lastly, clearly label each box as ‘Glassware’ and ‘Fragile’ so that both you and your movers will know to carry and transport those boxes with care.
3. Artwork
Art pieces, no matter their size or shape, can be extremely difficult and awkward to move. They can also be very expensive and depending on the piece, can be of great value to you as the owner.
How to protect them: If you have bigger pieces, consider using slat crates to surround the items, suspending the items from any dangerous bumps from your other belongings. If you have smaller items that can fit into smaller cardboard boxes, make sure to securely wrap them in bubble wrap to securely surround them from all sides.
4. Mirrors
Mirrors, no matter how appealing they can be, are a nightmare to move. Not only are they expensive, but they are extremely delicate and can shatter if moved recklessly.
How to protect them: Use special flat crates or frames to surround the mirrors, surrounding them in their special safe bubble. Or, if special crates are out of your budget, bubble wrap can become your new best friend.
5. Lamp Shades
Due to the soft materials usually used to create lamp shades, they can easily become dented or even ripped during the move.
How to protect them: The most efficient way to protect your lamp shades is to wrap them in your old best friend, bubble wrap. Then, to make the shade extra protected, is to stuff the inside of the lap with packaging wrap.
6. Large Furniture
The bigger they are, the harder they fall. And this is especially true when it comes to big furniture such as beds, tables and couches. Here, you need to move with care to make sure all of your precious furniture makes it to your new home in one piece.
How to protect them: Professional movers have extra items on hand to ensure the safety of your things, such as padded blankets and covers, which they will wrap around your furniture. This is also a great tip to use when you decide on moving your furniture yourself.
7. Books
Whether you are an avid chef collecting cookbooks or just love to read in your spare time, there are bound to be a few books laying around that need to be transported to your new home. You wouldn’t want to forget your favorite recipes at your old home.
How to protect them: An easy way to transport your books is to get some cardboard boxes and a bit of wrapping paper. Take the time to wrap each book carefully and then pack the books securely in each box.
Written together with SharpMoov & Biggles Moving Company Cape Town
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