<![CDATA[Teacrate Blog]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 20:27:57 +0000 en hourly 1 <![CDATA[Four tips to help moving day go smoothly]]> Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:43:19 +0000 Everything comes together on moving day – all that hard work pays off and you begin your new life at your new property. Ideally, moving day is an extremely happy day, full of excitement and joy. But unfortunately many homeowners endure a stressful moving day that is in many cases brought about by insufficient preparation in the preceding weeks.

To help you prepare successfully, reallymoving.com have put together some essential tips that’ll see you on your way to a happy and joyful moving day and the start of your new life.

Discuss all options with your removals company

Working with a removals company is about more than just getting a removals quote, agreeing a date and waiting for it to roll round. It’s important to effectively communicate with the firm you choose, letting them know any information that may be important when the big day arrives. Do your winding stairs make it difficult to bring large items, such as beds, down from the second floor? Do you have a valuable piano you need moving? If you don’t communicate these details when you get a quote, you may find your removals company turns up without the necessary equipment needed to move your belongings successfully.

Start packing in plenty of time

One of the most common reasons for delays on moving day is incomplete packing. If you’re rushed or stressed you may not be confident you’ve taken everything with you. By starting to pack as early as possible, and doing so in a systematic and sustainable way, you remain confident throughout the packing process. Set milestones and aim to finish at least two days before moving day – this is an easy way to make sure you meet your deadline.

Prepare for tougher tasks

When we consider packing we instinctively think of packing our sofas, tables, books and other common items. But bear in mind there are several tougher tasks that must be considered when packing that often take longer than expected. These include disconnecting your washing machine safely and other white goods, disposing of hazardous materials often found at the back of the shed, and ensuring your computer is unplugged and packed ready for transport. You may not be confident doing some or all of these tasks – arrange help in advance so you’re not stuck on moving day wondering how you’re going to get everything done.

Ask for help

Moving day can hit you very suddenly; before you know it you’ll have your removals company coming in and out of your house, 20 or so boxes to pack up and two kids to get into the car. Having your friends and family around you on moving day is a great way to help the day go smoothly. Even if they aren’t up for heavy lifting, just having a familiar face to play with the kids for 5 minutes so you can grab a cup of tea can work wonders. Reward them with cakes or a nice bottle of bubbly once you’ve arrived at your new property.

]]> <![CDATA[Should you use a professional removal company or ‘do it yourself’?]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:05:46 +0000 Packing boxesRemoval day can be overwhelming! With boxes upon boxes to move, where do you begin? A big consideration when moving is whether to do it yourself or call in the professionals.

First of all, you should assess the size of your home move and be realistic. You may think moving a few boxes will be manageable, but if there are a lot of packing boxes and you don’t have much help it may not be the sensible option. So what is the best solution?

Before making that decision, factors to consider include:
• Time - how much time do you have?
• Budget - how much do you have to put towards your move?
• Difficulty of the move - are you moving across the country or locally?
• The nature and quantity of the items to be moved

If you are planning on moving yourself, you will need to consider the following.

Start by finding the right van. If you don’t own or have access to a van, you will need to hire one. Bear in mind its size. Too small and you will need to make multiple journeys, too big and you may have problems parking! It is often cheaper to book on weekdays so this may be a good option if you’re on a tight budget. But if you have to move on a weekend, then you may be able to make the most of special two-day hire rates.

Buy high quality packing boxes and materials, they are worth getting as they will protect your belongings and make your move easier. Ensure you pack items securely and use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect delicate and sentimental items. Packing paper, paper blankets, tissue and bubble wrap are all very effective materials for wrapping crockery, glass and other general home wares. Packing paper can be used to back-fill gaps within a cardboard box to prevent items rubbing against each other and becoming displaced during transit.

Label removal boxes clearly with marker pens so you know exactly where the boxes will go in the new house. Secure them with strong, heavy duty packaging tape so items don’t fall out or get lost in transit. Make a list of all your boxes and number them. This way you can keep on top of everything during the move and will hopefully not lose anything!

If moving yourself, it will take a lot more time and effort. So ensure you set aside enough time for multiple journeys and try and get as much help as you can for lifting and moving all those boxes.

Unless you have very few belongings to move, it is probably sensible if you can afford it, to use a professional removal company.

Removal companies will relieve a lot of the stress associated with a move. There are options you can choose from when using professional removers which are worth looking in to for example, you can arrange for the whole move to be done by the company and you pay for the privilege, or you can do the packing yourself and leave the heavy stuff to the experts. Call at least 3 different companies to see what they offer and to get a quote. Be aware of hidden costs that can creep into your move such as additional insurance and packing supplies. Add these onto your budget before making your decision.

Once you have your quote for the professional moving company and the costs associated with doing it yourself i.e. petrol, van hire, time, man power etc you can weigh up the various options and make your decision on what to do.

So you’re almost there! Try not to get too bogged down with the move. Take things slowly and you’ll stay as stress free as possible. Always remember the reason for it all. A new exciting home!

]]> <![CDATA[How many packing boxes does it take to move home?]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:54:12 +0000 Packing up your home and organising your possessions ready for a move can be challenging. It is difficult to know what you will need. How many moving boxes should you buy, do you need bubble wrap or any other packing supplies? To help, we have compiled a list of what packaging materials you will need to consider buying in preparation.
No matter what size property you are moving from, you will need a lot of boxes! As a rough guide, for a 5-6 room home move, you will need approximately:

• 20 small moving boxes
• 11 medium moving boxes
• 10 large moving boxes
• 4 extra large moving boxes
• Plastic packing crates for heavy or delicate items or items you may want to store away
• 6 wardrobe cartons, these tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as duvets and pillows as well as clothes that need to stay hanging such as coats and ball gowns
• 1 IT / electronics box
• 2-4 packs of unprinted packing paper, make sure you use unprinted paper to cushion and pack household goods as printed newspaper can stain your belongings
• 1 large roll of bubble wrap
• 1 permanent marker to label up your boxes and packages
• 3-5 rolls of brown packing tape to seal up your boxes securely
• Scissors / box cutter

For more delicate and speciality items, you may want to consider buying more specialist products. Large mirrors and artwork for example need to be wrapped with care so make sure you invest in some good quality mirror cartons. Furniture and mattress covers are also worth buying especially if the weather is bad as they protect larger items during transit and if they are going into storage.
Stretch wrap is another product that can be valuable to have when moving. It will bind together loose boxes or awkward items if required, and in really bad weather, it will protect your items from the rain. Stretch wrap comes in a choice of clear or black. Black stretch film offers a further advantage of security, as it obscures the view of the contents inside, which can be beneficial if you are moving or storing higher value items.

An important point to think about is that there will be a lot of people coming in and out of your old and new home on the removal day. To protect your carpets and floors, you could lay cardboard on the floor or use specially designed Correx board. This corrugated plastic sheeting is lightweight but with its corrugated design will absorb small impacts protecting your floors, walls and decor from the inevitable small knocks and scrapes that occur when moving furniture and it will prove invaluable on the day.
The best tip when moving is to make sure you buy more removal boxes than you think you will need! It is always beneficial to have some spare for any last minute items on moving day. Unused boxes can always be stored flat pack for future use. Whether you decide to buy all the items individually or buy a moving pack for your size home, make sure you consider the items suggested above to ensure your belongings arrive at the end destination safely. Buying good quality products and having what you need to hand for your move will help give you peace of mind. The more organised and prepared you are, the faster and easier the move will be.

]]> <![CDATA[Moving in the winter]]> Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:54:35 +0000 Moving during the winter months can be challenging. With recent cold snaps that have hit the UK, the thought of moving at this time of year can be daunting. So we have put together our top tips for moving in the cold weather to help you prepare.

First of all make sure your new home has heat and lights! Ensure all the utilities have been set up and are fully functioning. If you’re lucky enough to have access to the property beforehand, try and ensure they are all turned on a few days before you move in to make sure everything is working and it is warm for when you arrive.

If there has been snow or ice, take the time to clear all walkways and parking areas. Use salt or sand to ensure these areas are not icy or slippery. Moving boxes in and out is difficult enough in good weather conditions so ensuring this is clear will help. If you are moving to a new area and unable to visit your new property, have your agent or property manager look at that for you. Remember to also check the area on the morning of your moving day just in case it snowed overnight or conditions have changed. In which case, you may need to clear those areas again to avoid any potential accidents.

Use floor protection in your old and new home to protect inside space. Correx board is a great product for floor protection. Correx board is lightweight corrugated plastic sheeting. With its corrugated design it will absorb small impacts protecting your floors from damage (it is also useful for protecting walls and decor from the inevitable small knocks and scrapes that occur when moving furniture). Alternatively, you could use large pieces of cardboard or multipurpose floor protection that can simply be rolled out to ensure high traffic areas are protected from snow, sand and water. If your floors will not be damaged from using heavy duty tape (test in a corner area first), then tape plastic sheets to the floor. Cardboard works well for carpeted areas as small tacks can be used to secure it to the floor.
Having salt and sand as well as shovels available is important. Make sure whilst you are transporting your belongings (especially if you are doing it yourself), that you have these to hand at all times in case of an emergency or your vehicle gets stuck.
Plan your route carefully and if the weather is bad then try to keep to the main roads. If you are moving to a more isolated location the weather may delay your move so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
As you will be relying on your transport, it is a good idea to ensure that your car is serviced. Carry a spare tyre, a petrol can and oil in your boot for an emergency. It is also wise to carry a shovel and salt in case of snow, a blanket, extra clothes and a flask! Keep your road side assistance up to date too! Make a list of emergency contact telephone numbers and put it in your glove compartment or mobile phone. If needed you will be glad you took the time to do this.
It is always a good idea to keep extra supplies on you. Extra layers of clothing as well as hot drinks to hand will be welcomed when the temperature plummets. Keeping a flask on you at all times will help to keep everyone warm and motivated. It is a good idea to pack your kettle last and then load it into the essentials box before you lock up and leave your old home. To save having to pack mugs and spoons, you could buy some recycled paper cups and wooden spoons which can be put straight into the recycling when used. You will also need to provide hot drinks at your new home, so make sure you have enough supplies on hand for both the move out and the move in.
Whether you are hiring movers or having family or friends to help, having a supply of snacks and food is important. In the winter, try to provide hot foods that will help keep people warm. Instant soup mixes or chili served with hot rolls makes for a great lunch or quick snack.
These tips for moving when it’s cold will help to prepare you and hopefully ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Planning is key, if you are organised and prepared, everything should run smoothly!

]]> <![CDATA[Why recycle?]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:22:19 +0000 Every day people throw away items that could easily be recycled. According to research 60% of the rubbish we throw out is recyclable. For many, they underestimate the benefits of recycling and do not see the value in making the extra effort to do so.
Here are a few facts that may make you re-assess the impact that recycling has on the environment:
• Facilities for paper recycling are widely available and yet paper is the most common item to be thrown out. The next time you are about to throw away the Sunday newspaper remember that over 500,000 trees are used to make the Sunday newspapers in the UK alone. By recycling your newspapers and household paper waste we can help to sustain the environment. Paper production from recycled stock requires 70% less energy than manufacture using raw materials. This is a huge saving for the environment and should encourage us all to recycle paper.
• Plastic bottles and bags make up a large proportion of the rubbish in our landfill sites. Most families throw out plastic every year which could very easily be recycled. Plastic can be re-used and recycled. Plastic bottles that have not been recycled take hundreds of years to decompose and can also be responsible for trapping and killing a large number of small creatures in the wild.
• Aluminium cans are a widely used commodity in the UK. Even though companies are trying to move to more environmentally friendly ways of packaging their products, there is still a huge amount of aluminium cans being produced which once used are not being recycled. A single can take around 500 years to decompose and power a television for around 3 hours! So wherever possible recycle your aluminium cans or when buying your items, see if there is an alternative packaging option.
• Glass is another material that people don’t always tend to recycle. Glass that is thrown away ends up in landfill sites and will never decompose. So wherever possible, it should always be recycled or re-used as it is 100% recyclable and can be used again and again. Huge amounts of waste are produced each year just to make glass. If everyone tried to recycle glass, this waste could decrease by more than 80%.
• Statistics reported in the Daily Telegraph in February 2012, show that more than 17 million electronic devices such as mobile phones, music players and sat navs are sent straight to landfill sites. Yet according to O2, the mobile phone provider, 1 in 3 adults who throw away this type of item would have received an average of £43.54 from a recycling centre.
• Supermarkets including Sainsbury's, Tesco and Asda as well as Boots and Royal Mail are among the companies that offer cash for used goods in reasonable conditions.
At times it may seem like a lot of effort to recycle. Nevertheless what seems like a minor inconvenience can help to reduce the pollution we produce and have a hugely beneficial effect upon the environment. And in some cases you can get paid for it.
*Figures used in this article were taken from the recycling-guide.org.uk

]]> <![CDATA[Top tips for recycling your clutter]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:06:36 +0000 When it comes to de-cluttering our houses it is often difficult to know what to do with the items that are no longer needed. Many possessions seem too good to throw away or you simply don’t know how to dispose of them. Here are a few simple ideas and tips on how to recycle your de-clutter!
Most people in towns and cities have access to recycling banks. They are quite often positioned next to supermarkets. So when you make your next trip to the supermarket for your weekly shop, load up the boot of your car with items that can be recycled there. You can usually deposit glass bottles and jars, paper, plastic bottles, textiles, tins and sometimes aluminium foil, cardboard and batteries. Start getting into the habit of separating your items and rubbish and it will be easier to get into the habit of recycling. Most local authorities now provide doorstep recycling for most of these household items including food waste.
If you have transport, another option is to take larger items including electrical, oil and paints to your local council tip. Look in the yellow pages or search the internet and you will find where your local tip is located. Usually, anything considered in a sellable condition will be on show to the public and will be sold very cheaply.
For larger, bulkier items such as furniture and mattresses, get in touch with your local council. They are often able to take these items for you and recycle them by making them available to needy families. You could also try and scrap larger items such as furniture. Steel and aluminum furniture, as well as appliances can be sold for scrap and some plastic furniture can be melted down and reused. It may well be recycled into something new and exciting.
Donating is a very valuable way to recycle your clutter. Giving items to charity shops, shelters or any non-profit organisation is a great way to help others in need. Charity bags are quite often distributed to households and it is easy to use these to donate any unwanted clothes as they will be collected directly from your home. Alternatively, drop any items you would like to donate at your local chosen charity shop.
For electrical and electronic equipment it is worth noting that all companies classed as "producers" under the UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations have to provide consumers with an option for recycling waste electronic products so when you purchase a new electrical item from a store, retailers may take back your old electrical item. It is worth asking when buying your new product whether they provide this service.
De-cluttering is a great opportunity to recycle. With our landfill sites becoming increasingly burdened and the environmental impact of waste, this can provide an excellent opportunity to kick start a new recycling way of life!

]]> <![CDATA[Get into the 'declutter' mindset]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:01:44 +0000 What better time to get into the habit clearing and organising. Keeping it simple is the key. Create a system for keeping items in certain places. Have a special place for everything. Things will slowly become clearer and tidier. Use baskets, bins, draws, cardboard boxes, organisers to put things in every time. Simple measures such as putting mail in an organiser and your magazines or newspapers in a basket every day, will keep things more in order. Switching to online billing can also eliminate a lot of paper clutter caused from monthly statements and bills.

If you are short on space, a good tip is to buy furniture with storage space included. Items such as beds with draws or coffee tables with shelves can help to organise your items and reduce clutter. Use box files to store utility bills, put up some shelves to store possessions and clear untidy mess on tables or work surfaces.

Memory boxes are a great idea. Use a memory box to keep small items close to hand. You are more likely to look through a small box of sentimental trinkets occasionally. Keep focused and store only treasured memory items. Take photographs of large items to place in the memory box before sending the item to a charity shop for someone else to get use out of them if you no longer need them.

Following these simple tips will help you start de-cluttering your home and create a more relaxed and peaceful environment.

]]> <![CDATA[The Costs of Moving ]]> Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:20:22 +0000
With Christmas now over and the New Year with us, many people will be looking to the future and thinking about a fresh new start.
If you are contemplating or in the process of a home move then not only is this an exciting time but it is also a time of huge pressure, tension and a lot of expense.  So where does all our money go?  This is a quick guide to make sure you know exactly what to budget before buying your packing boxes for moving:

Estate Agents

When looking for a new home and traipsing around estate agents, remember that estate agents charge for their services.  They normally charge between 1 – 2.5% depending on where you live.

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is the tax you pay to the government when buying your property which is based on the value of your home. It is charged on all houses valued above £125,000.  If your house is priced between £125,000 and £250,000, you will pay 1% of the property price.  For properties between £250,000 and £500,000, it is 3% and over £500,000 it is be 4%.  For first time buyers however, there is no stamp duty on properties valued up to £250,000 until 24 March 2012.

Solicitors and conveyancing

Conveyancing is the legal transfer of ownership of a leasehold or freehold property. This can be a very complex and time consuming affair.  You will need to hire a solicitor to deal with the legal aspects of buying a property.  You can be charged anything from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds depending on the complexity and the value of the property.  Due to the relative complexity of a leasehold sale, legal fees will be higher for homes of this type rather than a freehold property. Costs start from approximately £199.00 with online conveyancing companies.
Try to shop around to get the best rate as prices can vary and there is no standard fee.
An extra charge you should also expect from your solicitor is a local, environmental and water search charge.  Depending on your local council the range of this cost is between £250 and £300.

Surveyors

A survey is conducted to ensure that your house is worth what you are paying for it and to assess the condition of the property.  There are several levels of surveys to choose from.  The most detailed report is the best option as it could save you thousands in the future.  It could also help you get your home at a discount if it uncovers un-foreseen structural problems as well as giving you the option to rethink the house purchase entirely and help to avoid paying more in major repairs.  A survey can cost from £50 to upwards of £1,000 depending on the size of property and level of detail you are looking for.  Realistically, you are unlikely to pay less than £100, even on a property costing less than £100,000.
As a rough guide, the cost for a £150,000 property will be approximately £120 to £300 for a basic valuation; £300 to £500 for a homebuyers’ survey and from £600 to £800 for a full structural survey.
You will be required to have at least a basic valuation carried out, but if you do want peace of mind, then shop around for a good surveyor and ensure you have a detailed report.

Mortgage fees

Mortgage fees vary substantially.  There are those deals with a lower mortgage rate that will come with bigger fees and vice versa.  If you are tempted by a low rate, it is always worth working out whether the fees outweigh the savings from the lower monthly payments.  For an average mortgage deal you should budget for fees of about £600.

Land Registry Fee

This is a government department which looks after the registers of all registered properties in England and Wales.  It charges a fee for transferring the register to the new owner and is charged according to the property price.  For houses worth between:
  • £100,001 and £200,000 the fee is £200
  • £200,001 – £500,000 the fee is £300
  • £500,001 – £1,000,000 the fee is £500
  • Over £1,000,000 the fee is £800.

Removals

This can be as expensive or as cheap as you want to make it.   If you have the time and energy you can hire or borrow a van and do it yourself.  All you need is a selection of strong robust moving boxes, packing materials plus a lot of hard work, sweat and patience!  Teacrate packaging can offer you a range of high quality products to set you on your way.  If you want to get someone in to do it professionally, it will take a lot of stress out of the process however, it can be expensive.  Shop around for reputable companies and ask family or friends for recommendations.  You don’t want to end up paying someone who turns out to be unreliable!
Now is the fun time!  With all costs taken into account, you’ve made the decision to move. Start organising your house, use durable packing boxes to get prepared and set the ball in motion by beginning your search for that new exciting chapter in your new life!
]]> <![CDATA[Make your home your sanctuary this Christmas holiday ]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:09:19 +0000 With Christmas fast approaching and the mad dash around for those last minute items upon us, what better time to ensure that our homes are our sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

When it’s cold and grey outside, there is no better feeling than walking into a warm and cosy home where you can switch off from the outside world. Here are a few simple and easy tips to transforming your home into your perfect winter holiday bolthole.

1. De-clutter. With those extra days off work why not use that time for a good clear out? Get hold of plenty of storage boxes and be ruthless. You will feel so much better!

2. Organise your de-clutter: Have three boxes or colour coded bags at the ready! Use one for charity, one for the rubbish dump and one for items you want to keep. Start with the spaces furthest away as these items are most likely to need de-cluttering - attics, backs of cupboards, high shelves and under beds. When you open a cupboard and you cannot see what’s at the back then it’s time to get motivated and clear things out!

3. The Guest bedroom: Often overlooked and used as a dumping ground or for storage. Nevertheless it needs a good clear out at least once a year and during that pre-Christmas guest panic. Make decisions based on the reality of what you need and use regularly. Take one last long look and decide to move it on.

4. Wardrobes: Try on your clothes and decide what pieces make you feel good all the time. Throw out those items you keep ‘just in case’, if that moment hasn’t come yet then the chances are it never will! Fold clothes neatly as it creates more space whilst allowing you to see your clothes much easier. ‘Grip to me’ and multi layer clothes hangers are great space savers allowing you to hang clothes at different heights and save space.

5. Organise your Christmas decorations whilst they are out: Throw out any old or broken decorations. When it’s time to take them down package them all safely, using packing paper or bubble wrap for those precious items ready for storage and another round of use next Christmas.

6. Store cupboard clear out: When cooking over Christmas rummage through your store cupboards. It’s amazing how quickly they get over loaded and you will be surprised how many items lurk at the back of the cupboard that are close to or past their sell by date. Use up any old items and throw out any products past their use by date ready for a fresh start in the New Year.

7. Storage: Any items you are keeping in storage should be packaged in strong, robust boxes. Use packing products like bubble wrap to ensure they are safe and secure. Label the boxes clearly, that way you know exactly where everything is. And for the ultra keen, compile a list or database with details of all your boxes and where they’re kept!

When you get that niggling voice in your head saying ‘I wish I’d never started this’ remember how good you’ll feel when it’s all done! Rather than making it your New Year’s resolution, take this time now to do these few little things and make your home your haven.

From everyone here at Teacrate Packaging..... a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

 

 

 

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[What can't you throw away?]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:13:36 +0000 A survey of 1000 households carried out by Access Self Storage has revealed that
there are certain things that most Britons simply can’t bear to part with.
Childhood toys and possessions came up again and again, along with clothes,
wedding memorabilia, and old electrical goods.

Interestingly, the survey revealed that men are more sentimental than women, with 67% of men saying that they would keep photographs of friends and family compared to just
49% of women. Men were also more likely to say they would keep a gift they were
given, 24%, compared to just 11% of women. Women can’t bear to get rid of old
clothes though, with 36% admitting that there were items of clothing that they
wanted to keep forever, compared to just 9% of men.

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