Moving

• It's easier to clean your new home before you move in. If you can't do it yourself think about hiring professionals to whiz round for a couple of hours before your load arrives.
  
• Try to move on a weekday. It'll be less busy, may even be cheaper and you'll be able to get hold of the contacts you might need if there is a problem such as utilities companies not connecting services etc.
  
• You don't need to take drawers out of chests of drawers for the move - even if they can't be locked. To stop them falling out in transit place the item with drawers facing the wall of the moving vehicle or against a bigger item with a flat surface.
  
• If you're carrying heavy boxes bend with the knees and not with your back!
  
• Before you commence your move, try to make sure that all boxes and containers etc are stacked neatly in the room (ideally around the walls) and leave them room to manoeuvre. This will speed up the process.
  
• Moving is a weird mix of action and boredom. Prevent people flagging by taking regular short breaks. Feed people regularly - they'll be using a lot of energy.
  
• If you're moving with kids let them loose on their new bedrooms with a couple of boxes of stuff they can unpack to keep them occupied. Alternatively give them jobs to do such as helping put boxes in the right rooms etc.
  
• Don't lay major appliances such as refrigerators on their sides - it can cause damage if they're not kept upright.  If this is unavoidable, leave the fridge upright for 2 to 3 hours before operating.

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