Packing Tips Books and records are deceptively heavy, half sized cartons may be available. Drawers in chests can be left filled with linen and clothes, but ensure that any heavy, fragile or valuable items are emptied. Drawers in divan beds should be emptied. Plastic bags can be provided for linen and clothes. Clothes rails or wardrobe cartons can be provided on the day for contents of wardrobes. Please make sure all hangers are the same way round as this makes transferring them onto the rails much easier. All other small effects in wardrobes should be packed into boxes. Lampshades should be removed and packed separately. Plants. Pack 5 or 6 smaller plants into a carton with some packing material between the pots so they won't fall over, seal the box with the flaps up to give extra protection. Leave larger plants for us to deal with. In winter on longer journeys frost can be a problem for the more delicate plants. Garden plants / shrubs can be taken but make sure the roots are well bagged up to avoid loose soil in the back of the van. Fridges and Freezers should be emptied and defrosted. Contents may be left in freezers provided that they are bagged and the journey is short. Cookers should be cleaned thoroughly as grease can lead to a nasty accident. Pack the glass plate out of a microwave and any loose fittings off the cooker. Washing Machines should be disconnected and contents emptied. A drum locking bar should be fitted to automatic machines. Whilst we move thousands of machines without locking bars and have no problems, it should be noted that fitting the bar forms part of the manufactures warranty. Garden Tools and equipment should be cleaned as they will be going in the same van as your furniture. Note, we normally load these last to keep them as far from your household items as possible. Swings and Slides will have to be dismantled in advance. Squirt penetrating oil into the nuts and bolts a few days before you intend dismantling them. Sheds and Greenhouses should be dismantled in advance. Wrap the glass individually and tie in carryable bundles. Furniture is highly flammable and so no fuel or gas bottles can be loaded. Pets should be kept clear of work. Dogs for example may think that the removal men are stealing your furniture. Fish tanks should be drained to the gravel and the fish taken in the car in a sealable bucket half-filled with water. Consult your local stockist for exotic species. Children are always excited by the idea of moving and you may want them to be present, but please make sure they are well supervised and stay clear of the van. Items that you are leaving behind or taking with you in the car should be clearly marked. This is particularly important where storage is involved. DIY Wardrobe Dismantling should only be carried out where absolutely necessary. The old style wardrobes divide in the middle, so all the pieces which cross the joint will have to be removed. Modern wardrobes dismantle into panels, great care must be taken with the sections as chipboard is very easily damaged. Start by removing the back, then if possible lay the wardrobe on its back. Tape any fittings to the relevant sections.