Ella Andrews, Guest Writer

Moving house internationally means that there’s a lot more factors you need to consider before you take the plunge. If it is a country that you are familiar with, then that is great. However, a lot of people make the mistake of not following a couple of solid ground rules that would tremendously help, especially when it is a new country. Moving house to another country, doesn't need to be as daunting when you observe a few things that will help you get there quicker.

1) Ensure that you end up getting a good value for money. A lot of removals companies that work overseas, have the nasty habit of charging you twice the price because you haven't done your due diligence. So always do your research when it comes to a moving company. This isn't a simple man with van situation. You are paying a company to be able to help you shift your stuff; you don't need any additional charges or hassle!
 
2) Find out the things that you are able to take along with you. Some countries are not allowed certain things at the border. Ensure that you read up on any travel procedures, well before you choose to move. The last thing you need is your luggage getting to your destination, and because of some reason—you do not make it.
 
3) Make sure that you look for commercial group-age services for your house moving. The reason for this is that you do not have to wait for a full container to have your stuff shipped out. With this method, you are able to get your goods shipped within a week and don't have any annoying waiting times. Many removal services now offer this fantastic service.
 
4) Find a removal company that is able to offer you a bespoke service. A lot of people do not realize that moving house internationally, is very demanding. When a company is able to offer you this service, the service they provide is often very tailor-made. You may want to reach there before your goods, or vice versa. Either way, these home moving companies have it down to a tee.
 
5) Don't take your entire house along. Part of moving to a new country is leaving your old life behind and beginning afresh. Sell as much as you can on places such as eBay and Amazon as well as donating and recycling. It is bad energy to carry a lot of junk along with you. Travel as light as possible and ensure that you look forward to a new life!
 
6) Start packing a couple of months in advance. It is easy to throw everything in at the last minute when it is a local move, however when it comes to an international relocation—take things like tea chests and pack them properly. This helps because when the removals people come to pick up your stuff, you won't have any issue handing it over, thinking where you packed what!

When you are able to follow the following rules, moving home becomes all that much easier. It is both exciting and nerve-wracking leaving where you live currently to move to an unknown place. Life is all about taking on adventures as best as possible, so the last thing you need is to wonder how the international removals process works. It is similar to a local or national removal, however things like customs—need to be considered before hand.
 
More helpful moving tips find at: http://removalcompaniesbarnes.co.uk/

Ayla Urwin-Toll P.R. Representative with Moving Made Smooth, Inc. 

Before any move it is a good idea to reduce the amount of stuff you have in your home.  This prevents you from paying to move items you rarely use, broken items, and trash.  The need to downsize doesn’t always come from getting rid of items like these though.  Downsizing can also occur for financial reasons, moving in with a significant other, or simply from getting a smaller place in a more desirable part of town.  Whatever the reason, I’m certain that you will find some of these tips for downsizing your home useful.

   7.  Donate or sell any items that are still in good shape, but won’t fit in the new place or you no longer want.  Kids clothes and toys can be donated to orphanages and many items, including furniture, can be donated to organizations like Goodwill.
   8.  Do not take duplicates of any items you will not need!  For example, you do not need table and glassware for a twenty-person dinner party if your new place can’t even fit twenty people.
   9.  There are many items in our homes that hold sentimental value, but I would suggest being choosy with which items you hold on to for these reasons.  If the item has spent a long time in storage already, I would strongly recommend parting with it.  If it is an item you frequently use or is a decoration for your home (as long as it doesn’t take up too much space) you can probably keep it. 
 
It is my hope that the above rules will help you save money and make your move to your new place as easy as it can be.  If you have any further advice or would like to say if any of the above advice has helped you, please leave a comment below.  And as always, have a great move!

Ella Andrews, Guest Writer

The first and most important thing is to use your free time to consider all the options. Start with the organization at least a couple of months before the planed date for the move. This will give you enough time to do everything in advance, which is much better than hurrying in the last minute.   

The organization may include a number of factors, which will help you with the choice of the right location. Factors, such as whether you move for school, or to see parents for the long holidays, are very important. Take into account your preferences for the arrangement of your new place – where are the connection points, the switches for the lights and the lights themselves, where is the best spot for a better Wi-Fi performance, etc.

Do some de-cluttering and sorting. Put aside all the useless objects that you’ve been hoarding over time. You don't want to pay for extra space and to get rid of them right after unloading the moving van. Empty all wardrobes, drawers, lofts and closets, while putting the clothes in pales, ready for packing. Donating to charity, selling by advertisement or to second-hand buyers are only a couple ways to get rid of the old clothes.

Search for a removal company in your region, as soon as you see the true scale and size of your possessions that you want to move to the new house. Scroll through the sites of the removal companies and request as many quotes as possible if you want to choose the best one that suites your needs. Ask which fees to pay, as well as whether the company makes any discounts if paying cash.

Choose the right boxes in terms of size, materials, protection amenities, etc. A great tip is to discuss this with the removal agency, because they may have rental, plastic or recyclable boxes, as well as help you with very useful advice to prevent breaking fragile or expensive items.

When moving quite big furniture – consider renting a bigger van with a mover. Choose the best moment for the move if you want to enjoy a smooth and trouble-less move. This moment is usually outside the big holidays when no one’s coming and going everywhere. The big and heavy items are difficult to handle, so another great tip is to call friends to provide assistance on the moving day. Or else, call two, three or more men with a van company – they are well trained and experienced in heavy lifting.

Make yourself a list with To-Do steps for the moving day, as well as inventory sheet/moving checklist that will help supervise the movers in their work. Such an inventory sheet will also help you in a myriad of other things, for example: labeling of the boxes, monitoring the condition of the objects, taking special notes, numbering the boxes, etc.

When it's time for packing - just follow the checklist and you can easily keep everything in order. Keep in mind that if you are doing the packing by yourself, the company is not liable for damages to your boxes. Deal with some partial packing and let the experienced movers do the difficult part.

There are plenty of important organizational activities, which should take place on moving day too. Supply your friends, helpers, and strongest family members with gloves for heavy lifting. Make a quick comprehensive tour around the house with the packing crew so they can see the volume and number of the packages they should handle. Inspect the route to the front door of the house and remove all the bumps and imperfections in the terrain.
 
Read more helpful moving tips on: http://removalcompaniesacton.co.uk/

Ayla Urwin-Toll P.R. Representative with Moving Made Smooth, Inc.

Everyone wants to stay within budget when moving.  This often involves getting multiple quotes for the service and choosing a company that is within your budget, but isn’t so low of a price that you question their quality.  And, if it wasn’t obvious, a quote is only as good as the information it is based on.  This means that to receive an accurate quote, you must give accurate and complete information to the person generating that quote.  Below are some tips on how to be prepared and get that accurate quote.

  1.  Be forthcoming with any information regarding your move. 
Yes, you want to save as much money as you can during the moving process, but you are better off being honest about what you have and anything that may increase the time it takes to perform your move.  We do not charge extra for moving items up stairs or if we have a long walk from the truck to your new home, but we can give a more accurate quote for how many hours the move will take if we know such information.  It can also take more time if you have numerous large, heavy pieces of furniture.  If you give accurate information upon scheduling your move, your estimate is more likely to be the amount you actually pay.

  2.  Ask questions!  We are here to help you. 
If you aren’t sure how a particular policy of ours works, then ask questions.  It is much easier for us to explain any company policies or procedures prior to a move than the day of. For instance, when a customer books a crew for four hours and the men finish the job in three, then we will not charge you for the fourth hour.  Or perhaps you are moving out-of-state and only need Moving Made Smooth to load your rental truck.  We would ask you to provide your own moving blankets by purchasing them from a company like Northern Tool or by renting some along with your truck (it is pretty easy to rent some along with a U-Haul, for instance).  If we are performing both the load and unload, then they would be provided for you.For any move we provide any dollies, furniture moving straps, and floor & door protection.

  3.  Make a list of things a moving company is likely to ask if you’re planning on getting multiple quotes. 
Some examples of what you should have on your list is date of move, any preferred times, load address, unload address, the size of your truck or desired size, flights of stairs in your dwelling or in the apartment complex, list of large, unusual, or heavy furniture, and include any special needs you may have.  This allows you to be prepared for most of the questions a mover will ask when giving a quote or booking your move.
 
Thank you for reading our latest blog and, as always, have a great move!

Ella Andrews, Guest Writer

Moving house is often feared by many, both for the psychological implications and the work to be done to complete the operation in time.

The best solution, in case you do not have the necessary help from your loved ones or when the objects to be moved are many, is to rely on a firm specializing in removals. One of the areas that require particular attention in terms of removals is the kitchen. The operation of dismantling, if you decide to proceed on your own with the kitchen removal, needs much time available, in addition to a certain familiarity with the job to be done. You will also need specific tools, such as drills, screwdrivers, and suitable wrenches. A moving company may help you deal with this.

If the furniture is modern, it is likely that some complex technologies have been used in the assembly, which means that a precise disassembly is necessary. But even those who have kitchen furniture of a certain value should consider the opportunity to rely on a moving company that can remove the kitchen without any problems, making sure that the value of the objects is carefully preserved. Considering the single objects, try also to think of the weight of them in order to avoid boxes that cannot be lifted and above all to decrease the risk of damaging anything. Given the fragility of items such as glasses and plates, a useful tip is to make use of bubble wrap; by using a couple of sheets as box protection before inserting any object you will avoid any possibility of damage. The plates, after being packed individually, should be placed in the boxes vertically; to prevent them from moving around, be careful to fill the horizontal volume available. If the box is not completely full, you should think of filling the space with quite small objects, like saucers, teapots or ornaments. Obviously, these must be individually wrapped. When done, close the container, putting the word ‘Fragile’ on it.

With regard to items such as glasses and cups, contrary to what takes place for the dishes, they will have to be inserted in the box by placing them in a horizontal position. Try to put the heaviest on the bottom and, if you need to stack multiple layers, remember to separate each of them with the bubble wrap. In the event that some bottles are to be moved, try to find boxes of medium size, wrap the objects in one or more sheets of bubble wrap and place them standing in the box. Turning to the pots, if they are different sizes it is possible to fit one inside the other but, in this case, remember to place a sheet of paper on the bottom of the previous pot so as to avert the danger of scratching the inside. Always try not to overdo the weight of the boxes, as this may cause problems especially when the entrance of the new home is far away from the street or if it is necessary to walk up some stairs before reaching the destination.

The important thing is that the boxes are filled to the edge. This will prevent dangerous movement of the contents. For users who are wondering how much it will cost to relocate a kitchen, the price of the service depends mainly on the number of boxes to be transported, the distance of the path between the two houses, the presence of an elevator, but also from the period in which the move needs to be made. This is an aspect that is often overlooked, but in reality, comparing the tariffs applied during different periods of the year, it appears that these increase in some months, when the demand is very high.

For more helpful information on house moving find at: collierswoodmanandvan.com

Ayla Urwin-Toll P.R. Representative with Moving Made Smooth,Inc

Moving to the country side can bring relaxation and a sense of peace that a city environment cannot offer. Most people who make the transition from city life to living in a small town are capitalizing on this fact. Take a look below to see some useful tips when making this transition.

• Remember to pack a lunch or grab some snacks for the day you move into your new country home. Often people forget that stores are a lot further from home and unlikely to be open 24 hours in small towns. These circumstances could make your move day even more tedious if you forget to bring food and beverages with you.

Please feel free to leave a comment below!  

Ayla P.R. Representative with Moving Made Smooth, Inc.

Ella Andrews, Guest Writer

If you are moving for the first time, there are many questions you are either asking, or are unaware that they need to be asked. Moving house is a slow, tedious, and encumbering process, and during it, you need to keep track of everything you are doing. This guide will help you through the course of moving, and will try to keep you aware of what you need to ask yourself before moving.A guide is only as good as the questions it raises, so let’s just go through the main questions:

1. Are you aware of what you own?
Most people start moving without even knowing how many possessions they have; shelves of books, wardrobes of clothes, boxes of kitchen cutlery & plates, dish stands, and furniture, and literally everything but the kitchen’s sink. A list would be a good start to keep track of what you will need to move. Put down on a sheet every item you can think of from the top of your head. Then walk around your house and put down everything you have missed and will probably also need. Then, go to your cellar, or closet, or cupboard and look through the things you have forgotten, but might also find a need or use for. A complete list is vital to keeping track not only of how many boxes/trucks/people you would need and how much time it will take to move everything, but also what you actually own.
2. Where will everything go before moving?
Before hiring a truck, you will need to arrange all the things you are taking with you. A good alternative to piling everything in front of your house in waiting for the movers is arranging it in boxes (otherwise known as packing) and subsequently arranging them somewhere in your home where it will not get in anyone’s way before the movers come and take it. Wrap everything up, and be careful with the fragile items. Use sturdy boxes that will last until you take everything out of them. Buy old economical wrapping paper from the dollar store – no need not to be green even if you are leaving the old home.

3. Where will everything go after moving?
This might sound as a silly question, but have you thought the relocation through? Do you know for certain whether the new home can fit in all of your old home’s furniture and items? That bed and end table can go to the bedroom, there is some room for the sofa and armchairs, but what about that dining table and desk you were so fond of? Find a place for everything before you move it
4. How will you move everything?
Finding a trustworthy company to help you move your home sometimes can be just as tedious as the moving itself. You cannot just hire any man with a truck, but need to think about viability, credibility, and reliability. A friend with a van would be brilliant, but if that is not an option, then you need some research done. Ask someonewho has recently moved about what service they used to do it. Moving furniture is the hardest part of the trip, so you need a reliable company that can get your huge bed from point A to point B without turning it into two less appealing and maybe less useful, bedsteads. Depending on the distance you are moving, you might also want to think about whether a single truck would be enough.
5. Get help.
No, this is not a question or a tip, this is a prerequisite. Do not get over your head about your moving skills and how much load you can handle. The amount of items in any house is too much for any one person, so call a friend, or a helpful hand. Think about all of this as you go through the process of moving. Relocation is hard, so put some hard thinking into it. But if you answer all the questions above, you should have a successful removal.
More basic tips on moving read at: http://www.removalsrichmond.co.uk/

Ella Andrews, Guest Writer

Moving house is stressful as well as expensive. Set a budget limit for yourself so that it won’t create a burden on your pocket. You might be changing your area, downsizing or up sizing your home, or you might be buying or leasing your own apartment. Each of these reasons for moving has its own expenses. No matter how excited you are, the anxiety of moving house remains on your nerves. It is a big job to transfer all of your stuff safely from one place to another. No matter if you are making your move locally or cross country, the stress remains the same. The job is not only to transport your stuff, but to transport it with safety and within budget.Even if the process of moving house is being performed at the lowest budget possible, it isn’t cheap. This is because you can decrease the services to some extent, but you obviously cannot compromise with the quality. In the case of quality compromise, you may end up with damaged goods or bad service. There are some costs that you cannot overlook including transportation costs, moving company fees, taxes and other legal charges. Obviously, you need to hire a truck and men to get your stuff safely loaded and then safely unloaded at the destination. You also have to pay for the fuel and packing supplies that you will need. If you are going to perform all of these jobs by yourself then it will get really hectic for you. Always remember, the more hecticthe more stressful. You cannot avoid these costs but there are ways that can help you in lowering your costs without degrading the quality of services.

First of all, you must have a detailed look at all of your belongings and then think carefully if you need all of this stuff. Always remember, the more stuff you have, the more packing boxes you will need and, in the end, the more space will be required in the truck. As a result, you will have to hire a big truck, you will need more men, and the costs for moving will also be more expensive. The moving companies usually charge for the volume of stuff on the truck, but at Moving Made Smooth we charge by the number of men and the hours. The lesson is the same though, the more stuff you own, the longer it will take our men to load and unload your truck. All these services need you to pay some charges and you can reduce these charges only by reducing the amount of stuff that you have.

Always hire the truck by checking the size of it. Sometimes, the trucks are small and they need to make two trips for transferring your stuff. In this case, obviously you have to pay for two trips and more fuel will also be consumed. It is better to hire a truck according to the volume of your stuff. It will cost you normal. If you are hiring a professional moving company then you can also discuss this issue with them. They can help you find the right sized truck for your belongings.If you are making a move in your own area, then it would not be a bad option to move on your own. You can do it slowly by transferring the stuff room by room making several trips. It will be hectic for you, but it will save money.

Finally, try to get some packing materials for free or check out the low rates on the Moving Supplies page of this website.
Read more helpful tips on moving house here: http://manandavanlondon.org/domestic-removals/