Who can’t use some moving tips when they’re packing up their whole life for a new home? If you’re among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.
Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.
Make a list.
Write everything down! You’ll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You’ll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don’t put the list down unless it’s in a place you’ll call Packing Central. This is where you’ll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific — “A-D files” is better than “files”, and “Tulip dishes” rather than “misc. kitchen”.
Have plenty of supplies.
Don’t make me say this twice– you’ll need LOTS of boxes–probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You’ll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you’ll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
Utilize wardrobe boxes.
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they’ll be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you’ll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.
Don’t make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?)
Strategize wardrobe box use.
Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if you’re doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won’t move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You’ll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
Color coordinate.
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It’s also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, (“Boxes here please”) to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.
For more moving tips, go on to Page 2 and find out more about strategies for filling wardrobe boxes, making a cleaning kit, and using “personal” boxes.
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Keep things together.
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes — to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in resealable bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a “Parts Box” open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.
Pack ahead.
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it’s summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. You don’t really need 5 radios or TV’s around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)
Consolidate cleaning supplies.
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it.
Use your luggage.
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves you’ll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas “Box #189” might remain elusive for days.
Safeguard valued items.
It’s a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled “Misc. from kitchen pantry”. Either way, check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.
Keep important papers with you.
Your list of “important” papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don’t leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!
Personal boxes.
Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family member fill theirs with items they’ll want ‘right away’ in the new home — a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, and travel cosmetic case, and so on.
Moving may not be the most fun you’ve ever had, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable.
Removals to Italy20/02/2025 - 16:26
Some Benefits of Moving to Germany
If you are moving abroad with your job, the chances are that the company you work for will be paying your moving costs. This is good news for you, because it means that you will be able to employ a team of experts to take care of every aspect of the move.
Although we tend to think of sunny climates like Spain and Portugal as the destinations Brits choose when moving abroad, more of us these days are moving to Germany and moving to Switzerland in order to continue working for the company we are currently employed by, or to look for a new career. If you are moving to Germany, this is a relatively straightforward process as the country is an EU member. Moving to Switzerland is a little more complicated, but citizens of EU member states will find it a lot easier moving to Switzerland than somebody from outside the European Union.
If you are moving to Germany, you can look forward to earning a salary similar to that which you would earn in London, but be prepared for the higher tax rate. The benefits of moving to Germany include much lower rents for flats and apartments, as well as generally lower living costs than the UK and an excellent health care service, which is thought to be superior to the NHS. However, if you are moving to Switzerland, be prepared for higher costs in just about everything compared to living in Britain, so make the most of the beautiful countryside and pristine streets in the towns and cities!
Speed Demon: Take Care on Germany’s Autobahn Roads
Moving to Germany can mean a huge plethora of thrilling new opportunities for every traveller. The kids might think moving to Germany will mean less school (German students generally only attend in the morning), teenage girls might become light-headed at the prospect of relocating to Germany to find… German teenage boys! But there’s one thing Dads, Granddads, sons, brothers and mates are thinking when the subject of moving to Germany is raised… AUTOBAHN!
Germany’s Autobahns are super-highways not dissimilar to our own UK motorways. Access to Autobahn roads is legally prohibited for vehicles unable to reach and obtain a speed of 37mph (60 km/h) The advised upper speed limit is about 80mph (130km/h), however there is no legal limit in place.
Foreigners can often get carried away at the suggestion of NO SPEED LIMIT, meaning crashes and collisions are more common amongst non-native drivers.
We’ve gathered these helpful tips from our drivers and clients –
• Be careful when entering and exiting the Autobahn. There are often sharp bends at access points!
• Don’t panic when people flash their lights at you; it’s often simply a polite notification that they’re approaching at high speed.
• Let go of the element of competition – it really IS NOT A RACE!
• Be wary of road surfaces. Some Autobahns are poorly maintained and can be dangerous when sensible driver restraint and caution is not employed.
• Never dawdle in the left (overtaking) lane; the Autobahnpolizei (Autobahn Police) won’t hesitate to issue a fine with your name on it!
The Benefits of Travel
In the recent general election, one of the hot topics was that of immigration and the effects this has on jobs. With the development of the European Union one of the key changes has been with border controls. People who live in E U member states are no longer considered citizens of just their country of birth but are also citizens of Europe. As such they have rights to travel and work in other member states and are entitled to the benefits not only of their country of origin but also of the country they move to. This has led to the development of a more flexible mobile workforce.
When we think of UK citizens moving abroad we usually think of people buying holiday homes and moving to France or Spain. However if we consider countries like Germany it is more likely that people will be moving there because of work.
If you are considering moving to Germany then we at European Removal Experts can help to make the transition as pain free as possible.
Once there it is also good to know that under EU legislation citizens of one country are entitled to the same benefits such as medical help.
Sometimes these benefits continue to be paid directly by the UK directly to you and sometimes they are paid to the country you are resident in and they in turn provide the same service as would be received by a native resident.
Also once you are working and paying into local tax and social insurance packages you are also entitled to additional benefits such as unemployment benefit and assistance when looking for work.
It is therefore good to know that even when making a big step like moving to Germany, you will not be without support should things not go entirely as planned.
Europe Calling!
Many people forget that the UK is an important part of the EU, and although we definitely have our own cultural idiosyncrasies, there is just as much that binds us to Europe as distinguishes us from it. This means that on the one hand, moving to the continent is something novel enough as to be really exciting, whilst there are enough similarities between the nations that it doesn’t have to be too much of a logistical nightmare!
Of course the biggest decision for anyone considering moving to Europe is where to go! For example, there will be certain advantages or disadvantages in moving to Germany as opposed to moving to France. For instance, France is a distinctly “legislature heavy” nation; therefore it can be difficult securing a property, whereas, the cost and ease with which you can by a house in Deutschland is a lot easier to swallow.
There are certain logistical factors that all moves to the continent have in common, and whether your moving to Germany or Moving to France there are certain factors you need to consider. For example, you’ll need to notify the tax office about the fact you’re leaving the country and have your mail redirected – essentially all the boring stuff.
Once you’ve put in the leg-work, all that’s left to do is to move all of your belongings. Luckily this doesn’t have to be as difficult or expensive as it sounds, and by choosing a removal company like European Removal Experts, we’ll take the hassle out of that big European move!
Tips to Stay Organized
Who can’t use some moving tips when they’re packing up their whole life for a new home? If you’re among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.
Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.
Make a list.
Write everything down! You’ll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You’ll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don’t put the list down unless it’s in a place you’ll call Packing Central. This is where you’ll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific — “A-D files” is better than “files”, and “Tulip dishes” rather than “misc. kitchen”.
Have plenty of supplies.
Don’t make me say this twice– you’ll need LOTS of boxes–probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You’ll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you’ll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
Utilize wardrobe boxes.
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they’ll be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you’ll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.
Don’t make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?)
Strategize wardrobe box use.
Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if you’re doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won’t move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You’ll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
Color coordinate.
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It’s also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, (“Boxes here please”) to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.
For more moving tips, go on to Page 2 and find out more about strategies for filling wardrobe boxes, making a cleaning kit, and using “personal” boxes.
<!–more–>
Keep things together.
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes — to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in resealable bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a “Parts Box” open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.
Pack ahead.
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it’s summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. You don’t really need 5 radios or TV’s around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)
Consolidate cleaning supplies.
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it.
Use your luggage.
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves you’ll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas “Box #189” might remain elusive for days.
Safeguard valued items.
It’s a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled “Misc. from kitchen pantry”. Either way, check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.
Keep important papers with you.
Your list of “important” papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don’t leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!
Personal boxes.
Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family member fill theirs with items they’ll want ‘right away’ in the new home — a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, and travel cosmetic case, and so on.
Moving may not be the most fun you’ve ever had, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable.
Moving to Switzerland?
If you are thinking of relocating to Switzerland, you are probably aware that this will not be as straightforward as, for example, moving to France or moving to Belgium. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, which means that there are important differences you must be aware of. Taxation is perhaps the most important of these differences from European states, and you will need to get some advice before moving to Switzerland, but the main points are outlined here to give you some idea.
You will become a tax resident in Switzerland if you are in the country for a minimum period of 30 days if you are working. This is extended to ninety days if you are not employed, so make sure that you let the local taxation office know exactly what your situation is. If you are planning to live there permanently you will have to apply for a Swiss Residence Permit, and it’s worth remembering that passport holders from within the European Union receive beneficial treatment when it comes to obtaining these residence permits.
Once you have received your residency permit, you must live in Switzerland to keep your residency status. If you are unable to spend 180 days a year in the country, you must ensure that you do not spend more time in any country other than Switzerland. So now you have some idea of what moving to Switzerland entails, it’s time to start planning your move, and don’t forget to book European Removal Experts to transport your belongings when you do move!
Moving to Germany? Learn the Language First
One of the things that can be most isolating when moving to Germany is not being able to speak the language. Although learning a new language is easiest when you immerse yourself in it, you can give yourself a head start by learning some German before you move. Here are some ways you can get a grasp on the language before relocating to Germany:
• Teach Yourself
Prior to moving to Berlin, Munich or anywhere else in Germany, teach yourself as much of the language as you can. Read a few beginners books and listen to some audio to give you an idea of pronunciation and intonation. You should also try to learn some grammar as this will help you to structure sentences.
• Take Some Classes
Before you move, aim to take some German classes, both one-on-one and as part of a group. One-on-one classes will enable your tutor to focus on aspects of the language that you need to, or areas that you may be struggling with. Group classes will give you a feel of real world German conversations and knowing other learners will help to keep you motivated.
• Befriend a Native
Only by talking to a native speaker will you get an indication of how the language is used in the real world. Use the internet to get in contact with native German speakers, and aim to converse via email or via Skype before you move. This will give you a chance to practice your German in a low-pressure environment.
Moving to France
Moving to France can prove to be a logistical nightmare, but at European Removal Experts, we have all of the expertise and professionalism required to ensure that your move proceeds smoothly and without a hitch.
Many UK citizens decide that moving to France is a positive step; perhaps to take up an employment opportunity, join friends or relatives or achieve a healthier work-life balance. If you are considering moving to France from anywhere in the United Kingdom, our London based removals service specialises in part and full loads, courier services and all types of removal services. Our professional and friendly staff have a wealth of experience in navigating the communication routes from the UK mainland to the continent safely and rapidly, and we, therefore, guarantee that all of your prized possessions will arrive safely at your new place of abode. With our assistance, relocating to France will become a pleasurable experience rather than a stressful chore, so please allow us to organise your removals through our outstanding comprehensive services.
Relocating to France from the UK is an exciting and life-changing decision for many individuals and families. Whether you’re pursuing a career opportunity, reuniting with loved ones, or seeking a better work-life balance, moving to France offers a chance to embrace new possibilities and experiences. However, the process of relocating can often feel daunting, especially when it comes to safely transporting your belongings across international borders.
That’s where our expert London-based removals service comes in. We specialise in facilitating seamless relocations, offering part and full-load removals, courier services, and tailored removal solutions to suit your unique needs. Our professional and approachable team boasts extensive experience in navigating the routes between the UK and France, ensuring that your belongings are transported efficiently and securely. From start to finish, we prioritise the safe handling and timely delivery of your prized possessions, so you can rest assured that everything will arrive at your new home in pristine condition.
With our help, the stress of international relocation is minimised. We handle every detail, allowing you to focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter in France. Our comprehensive services are designed to turn what might otherwise be a challenging process into an enjoyable journey. Let us take the weight off your shoulders and help make your dream of living in France a reality. Contact us today to begin planning your move with confidence!
Switzerland – Lessons in Education
Anyone considering moving to Switzerland from the UK will be comforted by the obvious similarities in culture or infrastructure between the nations, however, there are always going to be differences between European nations – whether its the food or the health care etc. One of the most pertinent differences between European nations are the differences in education standards, and arguably the UK does not have the best reputation when it comes to this important aspect of daily life.
By contrast, Switzerland has a world renowned reputation for education, and therefore this alone could be a great reason for moving to Switzerland; but why exactly is it that the Swiss have an impeccable reputation for education, whereas we don’t?
Well it is perhaps unfair to suggest that the Swiss experience in regards to education is far superior than that of the UK, however there are certainly differences; and therefore if you are moving to Switzerland then you should be prepared for a significantly different way of doing things.
The most immediate thing that you’ll notice is different when moving to Switzerland, is quite obviously, the languages; however, far from being a drawback in Swiss education it is perhaps one of its best features, and arguably the key to Swiss education is the fact that kids are obliged to learn four official languages, which is an organic way to help them develop there mental dexterity from an early age.
Moving to Limousin
Despite its decidedly small size, the French region of Limousin is as charming, delightful and relaxing as the name suggests, even though it might not represent the kind of luxury that limousines – as in motor vehicles – have come to suggest. It is composed of three departments, each with its own capital, extending over a landscape that varies in height between 200 meters and 1000 meters. Such mountainous scenery also explains why this little province is home to a famous breed of beef cattle as well as an attraction point for hiking enthusiasts. At 977 m, Mont Bessou, towering over the town of Ussel in Corrèze, one of the three departments, is the maximum altitude reached in Limousin, as well as the tallest peak in the Plateau de Millevaches, which literally translates as “Plateau of Thousands of Cows”.
The most important urban agglomeration in this region is concentrated around the town of Limoges, capital to the Haute-Vienne department. It is home to about 300,000 people, half of which actually live in the city and the other half in the areas around it. This is also where most employment opportunities and professionals converge – understandable given how sparse the population is in the rest of the region. Those who do live there are an interesting mix of French people, generally locals, and British and Dutch immigrants who came here seeking – and arguably finding – a place of rest and quiet. Other urban settlements of note are the town of Guéret, capital to the third department, Creuse, Brive la Gaillarde,second largest city in Limousine, inhabited by roughly fifty thousand residents, as well as Tulle and Aubusson, miniature towns that still retain the charm of rural markets.
Those with an interest in history would also find plenty of attractions in Limousine, in particular in Limoges, which was first established as a city by the Romans. Its location between Paris and Toulouse has led to it becoming a famous artistic and cultural landmark in the region, gaining fame as early as during the Middle Ages. Much later, around the XIX century, both its notoriety and its economic development were due to their manufacturing of high-quality porcelain, a product that is indeed as luxe as the renowned limousine motor vehicles.
We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers.
You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668
Author: Jean-Claude Serre