Packing the usual items for your furniture removal process is fairly straightforward. When it comes to special items such as Pianos or Pot Plants, you may want to consider the below tips to ensure that your goods survive the move.
How do I prepare my piano for a move?
- Cover the piano with bubble wrap or the protective material. Your furniture removal company will be able to assist with moving material, so enquire for pricing on specific items.
- Lower and Lock the Lids before the piano is moved.
- The weight of most pianos are located towards the back – ensure it doesn’t tilt over. Always move the piano endways and not sideways.
- Ensure that the piano is accessible from all sides and be certain that there are no obstacles in the passage or area where the piano is to be moved.
- Take enough weight off the casters to make it roll easily, but do not lift it off the floor.
- Spinets and console pianos have thin front legs that can break off easily, tip the piano back slightly to avoid damages.
How do I prepare my safe for a move?
Moving a heavy safe to your new premises can be a backbreaking job unless you plan ahead.
- When requesting a quote to move your safe, include the weight and measurements of the item. Basic quotes given include a vehicle, standard equipment and two men.
- Remember to empty your safe before the relocation so that none of your valuable items will be damaged.
- In most cases, your furniture removal company will need to temporarily remove the safe door for easy manoeuvering and to lessen the weight
- Environments including stairways, marble or tile flooring, narrow passages and lift restrictions will require additional time and costs.
- If the safe weighs more than a ton, your removal team will need to send a safe trolley to assist the crew with the move.
- Consider a second location as a backup in advance, in case the safe does not fit properly in the desired space.
How do I prepare my pool table for a move?
- Provide your furniture removal company with the measurements and weight of the table when requesting a quote. Note any stairs, narrow passages or tiled flooring on your request.
- Take the size of the Pool Table into consideration when planning the new location.
- Carefully disassemble your table and pack or crate it furniture Removal Company. If you are unable to do so, request assistance on this.
- Remember that your Pool Table will need to be Re-Leveled at the new premises. Contact the manufacturer for this arrangement.
- Some furniture removal companies may not be able to assist in relocating a Snooker Table. You will then need to contact the manufacturer of your valuable article to assist you with the move.
How do I prepare my Pot Plants for a move?
We understand that leaving behind plants that have been nurtured, watered and fertilized can be heart breaking. For this reason, many people take plants with them when they move. The following tips will help your plants survive the journey.
- Legislation: New laws protecting the fauna and flora of South Africa came into effect in 2007. Please contact the department of Environmental Affairs regarding the regulations and correct permits for the transplanting and moving of indigenous plants (I.e. Cycads)
- If you must leave certain plants behind in your move, consider taking some cuttings. Wrap them in damp paper or moss and replant at the new destination.
- Transfer plants in plastic pots of equal size four (4) weeks before the move
- Prune larger plants into ease packing two (2) weeks before the move to keep them healthy. Do not prune cacti, jade plants and ferns.
- Check for insects and parasites and do the necessary precaution one (1) week before the move.
- Water the plants for the last time three (3) days before the move and make sure any excess water is drained off. Tie cane to support larger plants to minimize damages to larger plants.
- Keep the plants moist by placing moistened newspapers around the soil and wrapping some
around the stalk of the plant. - On the day of the move, wrap large plants in old sheets to prevent branches from breaking. Place the pots into conventional packing cartons and if necessary secure pots at bottom with paper to hold the pot in place. Punch air holes in the sides of the box and loosely fasten the lid to ensure the plants can still breathe. Set the boxes in an upright position and mark clearly to avoid loading the plants into the moving van by mistake.