Practical moving tips
General tips
The period leading up to a move is a busy one. There is a lot to think about. As a helpful reminder, De Jong Verhuizingen has compiled a list of practical tips to ensure that the move goes smoothly for everyone.
Parking the moving truck: consult your neighbors
Are there cars parked in front of your home during the day? If so, make arrangements well in advance with neighbors and other parties involved to make sure there is enough space for the moving truck on moving day.
Using an internal lift
Do you live in an apartment building? Inform the building manager in good time about the date of your move, especially with regard to using the internal elevator. You can also notify other residents in advance using special cards, which we can provide for you.
Items attached to floors, walls, and ceilings
- Taking your fitted carpet with you? Make sure it is removed (professionally) in advance.
- Remove lamps from ceilings and walls beforehand, unless special attention from our movers is required for dismantling (e.g. a chandelier that needs to be crated).
- Remove decorations and other items that are fixed to walls before the movers arrive.
- Paintings and other framed artwork may remain on the walls; the movers will pack these on moving day.
Gas appliances
Gas appliances must be professionally disconnected, in accordance with local municipal regulations.
Refrigerator and freezer
Switch off refrigerators and freezers at least 48 hours before transport. Clean and dry the inside and outside thoroughly to prevent mold. Do not forget the filters. Treat rubber seals with talcum powder to prevent them from drying out. It is also recommended to place absorbent material inside the appliance (such as a nylon stocking filled with cat litter or ground coffee). Thoroughly clean other kitchen appliances as well, such as ovens, microwaves, deep fryers, and toasters.
Washing machine
After use, an average of two liters of water remains in the filter housing of a washing machine. It is therefore necessary to empty and dry the filter the evening before collection.
Although we can secure the drum with packing materials, it is preferable that you secure it yourself in advance using the original transport brackets. If the washing machine has a fixed electrical connection, have the switch disconnected by a certified installer. Here too, talcum powder can be used to protect rubber seals from drying out.
Computer and other electrical equipment
If you still have the original boxes for computers and other electrical equipment, use them for the move. Follow the transport instructions in the manuals. Disconnect the equipment yourself and label the cables so everything can be easily reconnected at the destination. Remove batteries: batteries are considered hazardous goods and may not be shipped.
Waterbed
De Jong Verhuizingen can take care of draining your waterbed. Depending on the type of bed, we will do this ourselves or outsource it to a specialist. If your bed is still under warranty, please contact the supplier yourself. In many cases, they will drain the waterbed to ensure the warranty remains valid.
No hazardous goods
The following hazardous goods cannot be accepted for transport:
- Flammable liquids
- Alcohol
- lubricants
- Antifreeze mixtures
- Cleaning agents
- Stain removers for clothing and office equipment
- Flammable substances and lighter fluids
- Matches
- Lamp oil
- Paint, stain, and varnish
- Glue and adhesives
- Gas cylinders
- Charcoal/briquettes
- Butane/propane gas
- Petrol
- Oil
- Corrosive substances
- Acids
- Drain cleaners
- Bleaching agents
- Batteries (wet and dry)
- Rust inhibitors
- Photographic acids (used in film development)
- Water treatment chemicals (for swimming pools)
- Compressed gases
- Aerosol sprays
- Fire extinguishers
- Oxygen tanks (diving)
- Explosive fireworks
- Flash lamps
- Weapons and ammunition
Make sure these items are no longer present in your home on moving day.
Keep carry-on items separate
If you are moving abroad, make sure that before the movers arrive, you keep all items you intend to take as carry-on luggage separate from the rest of your household goods. This prevents them from accidentally being packed into the shipment. Think of passports, driver’s licenses, travel documents, medical records, bank and insurance papers, marriage certificates, etc. Also include jewelry and other valuables, as well as items needed until the last moment, such as toiletries and special toys (a favorite stuffed animal).
Food and (alcoholic) beverages
Perishable food items and open bottles cannot be packed. Check in advance which restrictions apply in the destination country regarding the import of food and drinks.
Preparing your shipment
If you have more than one shipment (for example air freight & sea freight, or sea freight & storage), carefully sort the goods by destination in advance. For larger items, De Jong Verhuizingen provides stickers: air/sea/storage/“do not ship.” Please let us know in time if you think you will need additional stickers.
Do you have items that need to go into smaller boxes for different destinations? Clearly separate them to prevent them from getting mixed up.
Bicycles, garden tools, barbecues, flower pots, golf sets, etc.
Emigrating? In many countries, goods that have come into contact with soil are subject to intensive inspection to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Therefore, make sure these items are thoroughly cleaned before transport to avoid problems at the destination.
