Top Tips

Here are a few of our top tips to help you make your move go as smoothly as possible. Some of our tips highlight the issues facing children during a period of moving house and other issues dealing with sorting the preparation for the move. You can even print off a checklist from this page of what needs to be done in the preparation of the move

Moving with Children:

1	Tell your children about the move as early as possible. Remember children are very quick to sense that something is going on.
2	Take the time to talk with each of your children separately about the move and what it means to them.
3	Children should be encouraged to express any concerns they may have about moving and to ask questions.
4	Try to portray the move as an adventure with new and exciting experiences lying ahead.
5	Get your children involved in some of the packing, in particular giving them the job of packing some, if not all, of their toys.
6	Clearly explain the sequence of moving day events to your children.
7	Prior to the move, point out a Burke Bros Moving Group moving van to your children and explain to them in terms of “that’s what we’ll be doing”.

Planning your move:

8	The date - Arrange this as far ahead as possible. Avoid cancellation/postponements which can be costly.
9	The new home - A map showing your new address and a contact telephone number is always helpful.
10	Who to tell - Relatives and friends apart, there are a lot of people with a vested interest in your whereabouts. You’ll find some of them on our checklist.
11	Main services - Removers are not allowed to tamper with mains services. Make arrangements with gas/electricity boards well in advance.
12	Deep freezers - Run down food stocks. Although every care is taken, your mover is not responsible for the contents.
13	Carpets/curtains - Check your quotation and/or service specification. Your mover will take down curtains/blinds by prior arrangement – but will not put them back up again or lay fitted carpets.
14	System furniture - This can be difficult! In theory you are supposed to be able to dismantle and reassemble most system furniture. In practice, it never goes together again so well and can’t be covered by insurance. You can move it complete, but joints may loosen.
15	Packing - How much the mover does depends on your quotation and/or service specification. If you are paying for a total service, leave it to the professionals. The insurance does not cover items packed by you.
16	Insurance - Always insure for total peace of mind. It costs very little and protects you against the unknown. Remember that your insurance will not cover items you have packed yourself (another good reason for leaving it to Burke Bros Moving Group).
17	Special attention - If you are concerned about moving any items such as plants, fine art, wine collections or antiques, discuss them with your remover well in advance. He will advise you and give you an idea of cost.

Just before moving day :

18	Drawer - Leave drawers as they are but do not lock them. Avoid over filling chests, sideboards or drawers.
19	Plan - Work out where you want your possessions in the new home – drawing a plan is helpful. Make sure someone is at the new house to show where things go.
20	Parking - If there are restrictions at either house, warn your remover. You need about 50 feet of parking for one moving van. It saves costs if the vehicle can park close to your property.
21	Flats - You will need priority for the lift, if the lift is small (or non-existent) warn the remover in advance – do not leave it until the van arrives.
22	Unloading - You’ve seen the new house, your remover hasn’t! Warn about unexpected hazards such as poor access, small doorways, spiral staircases, or trees close by.
23	Spare key - It happens all the time – the van is at the house before the owner. Waiting time will cost more, so if possible, give the foreman a key.
24	Small problems - Try to have children and pets looked after by relatives or neighbour’s – you will have enough to do without worrying about what they’re up to.
25	Checking out - Print out these tips from the check list on this website and put the printout somewhere prominent and keep an eye on it ! Before you leave the house, check the rooms to make sure nothing has been left behind. Don’t leave the hall mirror!

Top Tips

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