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.
Removals to Italy20/02/2025 - 16:26
Moving to Belgium to Improve Sporting Prowess
There are many reasons why Britons are planning on moving to Belgium, most of them connected with work. However, there is a small group of young athletes who are moving to Belgium to pursue their aims of racing with the best cyclists in the world. Belgium has long been seen as the place to go to hone the skills which are necessary of you want to reach the top ranks of the professional cycling scene. Even if you are connected with cycling and you are moving to Belgium, it won’t be long before you realise that cycling comes second only to football in terms of popularity among Belgian people, which is why there is a growing number of young Brits who want to get involved.
Between February and November just about every town and village in the country will host a bike race which will attract more than 200 competitors. With lucrative prize lists and a fantastic atmosphere – enhanced by the carnival which usually accompanies these races – it soon becomes clear why Belgium is the place to be for aspiring racing cyclists. Of course, many young British riders come to the conclusion that moving to France or moving to Holland will help them reach the top of the sport, but over the last sixty years Belgium has been at the top of the list for young Brits. If you are planning to join them, make sure that your furniture and belongings – especially those valuable bikes! – are entrusted to the experts at European Removal Experts.
Those Tricky Swiss
Moving to Switzerland is in many ways, very similar to moving to any UK address but with a longer distance to cover. The way in which it differs greatly from a UK house move, or even moving to Germany or France for example is in the need for detailed customs practices to be adhered to.
Switzerland has a fairly unique culture and a high standard of living in a beautiful environment. In order to maintain this, they do have a culture of rules and regulations that can appear prohibitive if you do not understand the correct way to navigate them. This should not be mis-interpreted as a negative statement about Switzerland; it is a very desirable place to live but you are required to respect their rules and regulations. They do have strict customs rules and for a successful move you will need to adhere to them.
The best method to navigate these rules when moving to Switzerland is to use a removal firm that specialises in such international moves and understands these rules and regulations. At European Removal Experts, we possess these credentials and will be able to assist you with any scale of move to the continent. This move may be moving to France, moving to Spain or moving to Switzerland or one of many other European destinations as well as Switzerland.
Some house moves will necessitate a dedicated van and full packing service but others may only require the moving of a select few items. With varying deadlines and schedules for each move, flexibility and a range of moving options is key to being a great removal service provider. We are able to include a period of Long and Short Term Storage with many of our house move options and aim to deliver what you need from your house move experience.
Taking some of the stress out of your property moves
There’s no denying the fact that property moves can be stressful. Uprooting your life can be taxing on both an emotional and a practical level. Of course, it can also be financially problematic.
However, it’s now easier than ever to take advantage of high quality and affordable removal services. Even if you need additional help, such as piano removal, you won’t find this process difficult.
Property market on the up
Meanwhile, there are signs that the UK’s property market may be improving, meaning now may be a good time to sell up and move on. Recently, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) predicted that 2013 would be more positive and stable.
It noted that the number of loans advanced to first-time buyers in October returned to levels similar to those witnessed during the summer following a dip in September. Meanwhile, lending to home movers also increased, which contributed to a jump in house purchase lending.
Some stats
During October, a total of 20,000 loans were advanced to first-time buyers. This was up by 14 per cent compared with the previous month and was a rise of 19 per cent compared with October 2011. In total, £2.5 billion was lent to these buyers.
Meanwhile, lending to home movers, including those who may have needed removals companies in Romford, went up by 13 per cent in October compared with September. During the month, a total of 29,400 loans were advanced with a combined value of £4.8 billion.
Underlying trend
Commenting on the figures, CML director general Paul Smee said: “More positive figures in October, after a slow September, suggest that the underlying trend in house purchase lending of modest year-on-year growth will continue. However, usual seasonal factors may act as a counter to lending levels in the coming months. An up-tick in remortgage lending may be an early sign of a small positive impact of the Funding for Lending scheme, but it’s still too soon to evaluate the effects of the scheme.
“If the incremental improvements in house purchase lending that we are currently seeing persist as we expect them to, then next year should feel a more stable and positive year in the housing and mortgage markets.”
Making your life easier
If you want to minimise the stress associated with your property move, it’s wise to invest in professional removal services that you can have complete confidence in. By turning to specialist providers, you can save yourself a potentially long and tiring task. Also, you can help ensure that your possessions make it to their new home unscathed.
Here at European Removal Experts, we’re experts when it comes to moving and packing and should be perfectly placed to help you.
Going the extra mile
To ensure our customers benefit from total peace of mind, we make sure all the goods we transport are packed with security and safety in mind and we use highly trained staff for this purpose.
We also offer insurance options for additional protection and this financial cover is available at low rates.
Holland: More than just a Great Weekend Destination!
A city like Amsterdam has a strong reputation as a weekend destination, however there is much more to Holland than great weekend breaks! And moving to Holland could be one of the best life decisions that you will ever make.
Firstly, on a technical point, Holland is actually the name of a Western part of the Netherlands, however in this instance – and quite commonly – Holland shall mean the Netherlands! And with this in mind, it really is true to say that there is more to Holland than you think.
Of course Amsterdam alone is a good reason for moving to Holland, with its unrivalled nightlife, its laid back attitude and its impressive cultural credentials; however, whilst anyone moving to Holland will fall in love with Amsterdam, there is more to the Netherlands than one city.
In stark contrast to the bright lights and bicycles of Amsterdam, the Netherlands is also home to some of the most unique landscapes in the whole of Europe; and in fact much of what is now known as the Netherlands has been reclaimed from the sea – which means that a large part of Holland is in fact below sea-level.
This, combined with open expanses, makes Holland a truly awe inspiring place to live – and that’s why relocating to Holland could be the best decision you ever make!
Of course, whilst Holland may be a short flight away, moving your possessions there will still be a challenge – which is where European Removal Experts comes in. We have a strong commitment to getting you to exactly wherever you want to be in Europe.
Why Just Go Abroad Once A Year?
If you love to travel and love to see the world then it may seem like heading abroad once a year is much too little, and offers you nowhere near as much of a glimpse at different cultures – as well as what the sun actually looks like – as you would like.
So for those who like to get away as much as possible, why only travel abroad once a year? If you love to get out of Britain and move around then why not simply get out of Britain for good?
Moving to Switzerland – or anywhere else in Europe for that matter – will not only offer you a chance to be abroad all year round, but also a much easier way to travel on a very regular basis. Suddenly, heading to another new country will be as simple as jumping in your car and exploring another new place. One of the great benefits of moving to Switzerland is that you are surrounded by five countries, meaning there is always the chance to head off to somewhere exciting any time you feel like it.
Moving to France also offers a great range of benefits, not least that the weather down in the south is much better meaning that those sun-seekers who crave the sun all year can now enjoy it pretty much all year. Moving to France also offers a quick way home to visit family and friends with the channel tunnel being a quick and easy way to get back whenever you like.
Things to take with you when moving to Europe
Whether you’re moving to Switzerland or just across the same city you were born in, there are some things that should be packed up in boxes and others that should stay close to you on the trip. There’s nothing worse than realising that one of the documents you really need is at the bottom of a box, inside a moving van heading towards the Alps at 50 miles an hour.
The essentials
This list is a short one- wallet, passport, and important personal items like credit cards, car keys, and a mobile phone. If you’re relocating to Switzerland the journey from door to door may take a quite a long time so it can be helpful to carry a phone charger too. Batteries can be easily depleted by playing games or browsing the internet while waiting in airport lounge, for example. Keep the batteries topped up so that your phone will be ready to use when needed.
Handy information
It’s also a good idea to pre-load certain phone numbers or at least write them down and carry the list in a safe place, like your purse or wallet. Note down the contact detail for your moving company, an emergency contact back at your starting point, and any numbers you might need on arrival in your new home. If moving between countries, don’t forget the international dialling codes!
Some people also like to look up helpful local contacts before they leave home. The phone number of a local 24-hour plumber is a good example, and make sure that you know the emergency services number if it will no longer be 999. If you get stuck, dialling 112 should work across the EU and in some other countries too.
Pack for your first night
When you and your family have just finished moving to Zurich (or Paris, or Stoke-on-Trent) you’ll probably be tired. Pack a first-night bag and carry that with you, so nobody will have to start unpacking straight away. Include a toothbrush and toiletries, soap, a towel, and a change of clothing. If you expect to arrive at an empty house late at night a roll of toilet paper might also come in very handy!
In the morning, when you’ve had a shower and are feeling fresh and ready to tackle those boxes, you can start unpacking in earnest.
Don’t forget the kids
Mums and dads won’t need us to tell them what to pack for their babies, but toddlers and primary school children sometimes have trouble when moving. The process can be scary for the younger members of the family, even if it’s just a case of saying goodbye to the old house and moving into the one next door. Relocating over a long distance is certainly daunting for smaller kids.
Let them choose a toy to take on the journey and make sure they have plenty to do. A colouring book can go a long way and a few sweets or cereal bars can also make sure the whole family stays cheerful on the way to their your new home.
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.
How European Removal Experts Can Help You
If you’re thinking of moving to Belgium, Holland or indeed anywhere else on the continent, you’re going to need a bit of a helping hand. No matter how much you may want to there’s no way you’ll be able to do absolutely everything on your own, and that’s when European Removal Experts can help.
Here at European Removal Experts, we’re specialists in helping people to relocate to the continent whether they’re moving to Belgium, France or just about anywhere else. We’re efficient, affordable and reliable and can offer every removals service necessary whether you want a few boxes moved or the contents of an entire house. We can even offer storage, so no matter what you need we’ll have it covered.
We’re a London-based company so can easily get to wherever you are in the UK, and can offer a bespoke door to door service so there’s absolutely no hassle on your part. We deal with customs, clearance and the logistics of actually getting your stuff over there, so all you have to do is sit back and wait for everything to be delivered to your new home.
So, whether you’re moving to Belgium, Holland, Switzerland or indeed anywhere else in Europe, here at European Removal Experts we’ll be able to help. We can get your possessions to you safely and efficiently so you don’t have to worry about a thing, so if you’re thinking of moving to Belgium make sure to contact us so we can get you on your way.
A Few Facts about Holland
Although Holland has something of a reputation as a free and easy, Bohemian kind of place, full of liberal minded locals who like to experiment with various substances which are illicit in many countries, this is really only the case with Amsterdam. If you’ve spent any time there, you’ll know exactly what I mean, but it would be wrong to think that the rest of the country follows the lead of this particular city. If you are moving to Holland because of work commitments, the chances are you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect when you get there.
You may have spent time working in one of the major Dutch cities, and now you have been asked by your company to think about moving to Holland to further your career. If this is the case, you will be getting help with relocation fees and other expenses which you will incur, so make sure that you choose the best company to take care of moving your belongings and furniture when you are moving to Holland, moving to Germany or moving to any European country. European Removal Experts have many years experience in this field and have built themselves an enviable reputation for professionalism. This is what you need when you are moving to Holland. The move itself may be traumatic – particularly if you have young children – so why not make it as easy and as smooth as possible by asking the professionals to take care of the move for you?
Understanding Foreign Culture
If you are looking to move abroad, then it is worthwhile taking some time to understand the culture of that country before you go. Doing so is not just about trying to fit in and not cause offence, but more importantly it is about understanding why certain customs exist and discovering what makes the place you are moving to so unique.
It will also help you to understand how their culture allows them to overcome problems that people living in the country might face, whether they be political, religious, environmental or educational. Understanding the culture will help you fit in, yes, but it will also help you make the most of your new life abroad right from the very start, as well as understanding the great aspects that give life there its true character.
For instance, for those moving to Belgium understanding its cuisine is very important. Whilst moving to Belgium offers one a chance to live amongst one of the most verbose nations in Europe, and one where language barriers will rarely be a problem, they are very passionate about food and certain things may easily offend when you are eating out.
For those moving to Holland, it is wise to remember that appearance is very important to the Dutch, with cleanliness being imperative and modesty an important asset. Shows of wealth or bragging will not find you in favour with the Dutch.
So whether you are moving to Holland or the furthest tip of Spain, take a while to understand the culture and you will find your new home much more inviting and rewarding.