Research shows that around one-third of people move home after the age of 65, making later-life moves a reality for millions of families across the UK.

Whether you’re helping your parents downsize, relocate closer to family, or move into assisted living, the priority should always be the same: minimise disruption and make the transition as smooth as possible.

Leaving behind a familiar home, established routines, and a community they’ve known for years can be emotionally challenging. Relocation in later life is also associated with increased anxiety and difficulties adjusting when moves are not properly planned.

The good news is that with careful preparation, plenty of patience, and the support of a reputable removals company, you can significantly reduce stress and help your parents settle into their new home.

1. Take Charge of the Planning Process

If your parents are dealing with mobility issues, memory problems, or conditions such as dementia, they may find it difficult to cope with all the decisions that come with a house move. In many cases, you or other family members should take the lead. Having someone oversee the move can help keep everything on track.

When helping elderly parents move, one principle is especially important: prior preparation prevents poor performance. This is particularly relevant when a parent is living with dementia or cognitive impairment.

Research has found that moving can be especially stressful for people with dementia, making it harder for them to adjust to new surroundings. Keeping routines familiar, planning ahead, and shielding them from the chaos of moving day can help reduce disruption and make the transition much easier.

The more organised you are in the weeks leading up to moving day, the smoother everything is likely to be.

Take the lead on planning to reduce stress, maintain routines, and make the move easier for elderly parents.

2. Gather Information Early

Before making any big moving decisions, take some time to sit down with your parents and talk about what matters most to them. The more you know before moving day, the easier it will be to plan a move that reflects their needs and preferences.

This could include:

• Furniture and belongings they’d like to take with them
• Sentimental items they wouldn’t want to leave behind
• Medication and healthcare requirements
• Mobility or accessibility needs
• How they’d like their new home to be arranged

These conversations can also help uncover any worries they may have about the move. Some elderly parents may be anxious about leaving a home they’ve lived in for many years, while others might be concerned about settling into unfamiliar surroundings.

Talking through these things early on will place you in a much better position to plan a move that works for them. It can also help avoid last-minute surprises and make the whole process easier for everyone involved.

Sit down with your parents and talk about what matters most to them before making any moving day decisions.

3. Minimise Disruption on Moving Day

With people coming and going, boxes everywhere, and plenty of noise throughout the day, it’s easy to see why elderly parents may find moving overwhelming.

The Alzheimer’s Association also notes that moving to a new residence, changes in environment, and unfamiliar people can all contribute to anxiety and agitation in people living with dementia.

Where possible, try to keep your parents away from the hustle and bustle of moving day itself. This could mean having them stay at your house, spend time with relatives, or book a hotel for a night or two while the move takes place. 

This also gives the removal team space to work and helps shield your parents from the noise, activity, and uncertainty that often comes with moving day.

The less disruption your parents experience, the better. Keeping them away from the constant comings and goings can make the day feel less overwhelming and help make the move a more positive experience.

4. Have the New Home Ready Before They Arrive

If you can, try to make sure the new home is as ready as possible before your parents arrive. This doesn’t mean every single box needs to be emptied, but the more familiar and comfortable the new environment feels, the easier the transition is likely to be.

Focus on the things they’ll need straight away, such as:

• Setting up the bedroom so they have a comfortable place to rest straight away
• Making sure the bathroom is safe, accessible, and stocked with essentials
• Positioning furniture in familiar layouts where possible
• Unpacking medication, mobility aids, and other daily necessities
• Having drinks, snacks, and anything they use regularly within easy reach

Small touches can make a big difference. A favourite armchair, family photographs, or familiar ornaments can help the new property feel more like home from the moment they walk through the door.

The goal is simple: rather than leaving one settled home and arriving at a house full of boxes, your parents should arrive somewhere that already feels welcoming, organised, and ready to live in.

Try to unpack and make sure the new home is as ready as possible before your parents arrive.

5. Take Your Time

When helping elderly parents move, it’s important not to rush the process. What might seem like a simple decision to you can feel much bigger to them, especially if they’re leaving a home they’ve lived in for many years. 

Whether it’s deciding which belongings to keep, adapting to a different routine, or getting used to unfamiliar surroundings, giving them time to process these changes can make a big difference.

Try to be patient throughout the move and understand that there may be moments of uncertainty or hesitation along the way. Taking the time to listen to their concerns and reassure them can help make the transition feel less overwhelming.

Most importantly, approach the move with care. Every situation is different, but doing your best to support your parents throughout the process can go a long way towards helping them feel settled and confident in their new surroundings.

How Can We Help

When elderly parents are involved, reliability is everything. The last thing you want on moving day is added stress because your removal company is late, underprepared, or worse, doesn’t turn up at all. Choosing a reputable removals company gives you confidence that the move will go to plan.

At Falconer Removals, we understand the unique challenges that can come with helping elderly parents move home. 

Whether you’re downsizing, relocating closer to family, or moving into assisted living, our experienced team is on hand to make the process as straightforward as possible.

If you need help with moving house for the elderly, or are planning a regular house move, get in touch with us today. 

The post 5 Tips for Moving House with Elderly Parents appeared first on Falconer Removals.

The reality is that there is no single answer. Some people have everything unpacked and organised on the first day, while others are still living out of boxes weeks or even months later.

The scale of the task is often underestimated. On moving day alone, people can end up carrying around 30 boxes, and it can take more than a week just to recover from the effort of the move itself.

Because of this, unpacking is rarely something people finish straight away. It is more often a gradual process that depends on your time, energy, and priorities after the move.

Knowing how to unpack and organise after moving can make a big difference to how quickly your new house starts to feel like home.

In this guide, we will explain what actually affects how long unpacking takes, what a realistic timeline looks like, and how to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. It Depends on the Person

When it comes to unpacking after a move, there is no fixed timeline. More than anything else, it comes down to the individual.

Some people will unpack everything straight away, even if it means working late into the evening just to get the house sorted. They want everything in its place from day one and will not properly relax until it is done.

Others take a more unhurried approach. They unpack the essentials first and leave the rest for later, sometimes over the course of several weeks. In some cases, a few boxes end up in the loft or spare room and stay there far longer than planned.

There are also a few practical factors that can influence how quickly you unpack.

• The size of your move: Larger homes with more boxes naturally take longer to unpack.
• How much you own: More belongings mean more to organise and find space for.
• Your time and energy: Moving day is physically exhausting, so unpacking is often delayed while you recover.
• Your lifestyle and schedule: Work, family, and daily responsibilities can slow things down.

It can take several months for people to feel fully settled in a new home, as it takes time to adjust routines, organise belongings, and get everything in its place. For most people, unpacking is just one part of that wider process.

There is no right or wrong way to do it. Your pace will depend on your mindset, your routine, and how quickly you want your new space to feel fully organised.

The size of your home, amount of belongings, and your energy levels can all affect how long it takes to move house.

2. What Do Removal Experts Recommend?

One of the biggest differences between packing and unpacking is pressure.

When you are packing up your home, there is always a deadline. Everything needs to be ready for moving day, which is why it often feels rushed and difficult. Once you have moved in, that pressure disappears.

Because of this, most removal experts recommend taking a more relaxed approach to unpacking. There is no need to rush, and in many cases, it is better to take your time and work through things gradually. A simple approach like unpacking one box at a time can make the whole process feel far more manageable.

That said, if you are looking for a rough idea of what is typical, most people tend to follow a general pattern:

• Day 1–2: Unpack essentials such as bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• First week: Get key living areas set up and functional
• 2–4 weeks: Most boxes are unpacked and the home starts to feel organised
• 1–3 months: Fully settled, with everything in its place

Breaking things down like this helps you stay in control, turning a house full of boxes into a home that comes together piece by piece.

In many cases, it is better to take your time and work through things gradually. A simple approach like unpacking one box at a time can make the whole process feel far more manageable.

3. How to Unpack and Organise After Moving

Unpacking after a move can feel overwhelming, especially when every room is filled with boxes. The key is to keep things simple and structured, rather than trying to do everything at once.

Start with the essentials first. Focus on bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items so you can settle in comfortably from day one. Having these in place makes everything else feel more manageable.

Next, try to work one room at a time, starting with the areas you will use most, such as the kitchen and living room. This keeps you organised and helps your home become functional quickly, without creating extra mess across multiple rooms.

It also helps to unpack with a clear plan in mind. Instead of just emptying boxes, think about where things should go long-term. This saves you from having to reorganise everything later.

The process becomes much easier if your boxes have been clearly labelled from the outset, as you will know exactly where each item belongs and can unpack more efficiently without unnecessary searching or frustration.

Finally, avoid putting boxes aside “for later”. It is easy to leave a few things unfinished, but tackling each box as you go will help you stay on track and fully settle into your new home sooner.

Instead of just emptying boxes, think about where things should go long-term. This saves you from having to reorganise everything later.

How Can We Help

To sum up, how long should it take to unpack after moving? The reality is that there is no single answer. For some people, it is done in a day, while for others it can take weeks or even months.

What matters most is finding an approach that works for you. Taking things step by step, focusing on the essentials first, and staying organised can make the process far more manageable and help you settle into your new home more comfortably.

With professional packing, clear labelling, and a well-organised move from a team like Falconer Removals, unpacking becomes far less stressful. Everything is easier to find, items are already in the right place, and you can focus on settling in rather than searching through boxes.

Get a quote from our team today, or explore our blog for more expert advice on packing, moving, and storing your belongings.

The post How Long Should It Take to Unpack After Moving? appeared first on Falconer Removals.

From drills and saws to battery packs and chargers, these items can be heavy, awkward, and in some cases potentially hazardous if not handled correctly. 

This is especially true for lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in modern power tools and are now linked to at least three fires a day in the UK, highlighting the risks of improper handling and storage.

During a house move, tools are often packed tightly, knocked around in transit, or stored in less-than-ideal conditions. These situations can increase the likelihood of damage, particularly to batteries, which may cause them to overheat or become unstable.

For this reason, careful packing and handling are essential, not only to protect your tools from damage but also to reduce the risk of more serious safety issues.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to pack power tools for moving, so everything arrives at your new home in working order.

1. Keep Power Tools in Their Original Cases (If You Have Them)

If your power tools came with a case, use it. This is by far the safest and easiest way to pack them for a move.

Original cases are designed specifically to protect each tool during transport. They usually have moulded interiors that hold everything in place, reducing movement and preventing damage. This means your drill, charger, and accessories stay secure, even if the box is handled or shifted during the move.

Keeping power tools in their cases also helps you stay organised. Smaller parts like batteries, drill bits, and attachments are less likely to get lost, and everything you need is in one place when you arrive at your new home.

If possible, place the case into another sturdy moving box for extra protection, especially if you are moving multiple items together. This adds another layer of cushioning and makes stacking and transport easier.

Original power tool cases are designed to protect each tool during transport. They usually have moulded interiors that hold everything in place, reducing movement and preventing damage.

2. How to Pack Power Tools Without a Case

If your power tools do not have a case, you will need to take extra care when packing them.

Start by wrapping each tool individually using bubble wrap or thick packing paper. This helps protect the tool from knocks and prevents metal parts from scratching or damaging other items in the box. Pay particular attention to any sharp edges or moving parts, as these are more likely to cause damage during transit.

Once wrapped, place the tools into a strong, sturdy box. Avoid overpacking, and make sure there are no large gaps inside the box where items can shift around. You can use additional padding, such as packing paper or soft materials, to fill any empty space and keep everything secure.

The key is to make sure nothing is loose. If tools move around inside the box, they are far more likely to get damaged during transport.

Wrap each tool securely, cushion with padding, and pack tightly in a sturdy box to prevent movement and damage during transport.

3. Be Extra Careful with Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries require extra attention when you’re packing power tools. 

These batteries are often used in common household tools like drills, but they can be dangerous if not handled properly. If damaged, overheated, or packed incorrectly, lithium batteries can become unstable and, in serious cases, catch fire.

During transport, tools and equipment are more likely to be knocked, compressed, or exposed to poor packing conditions. This increases the risk of damage, which is one of the main causes of battery-related incidents.

To reduce the risk, it is best to remove batteries from your tools before packing them. Keep them stored separately where possible, and avoid leaving them loose where they can knock against other items in the box.

If you still have the original packaging or protective covers, use them to keep the battery terminals safe. Keeping them secure and protected during the move is key.

4. Avoid Common Packing Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes people make when moving power tools is simply throwing them all into a box without proper protection.

While this might seem quicker, it often leads to tools knocking against each other while being moved. This increases the risk of damage, particularly with heavier items or tools with exposed metal parts.

Taking a few extra minutes to pack your tools securely, as outlined above, can help prevent unnecessary damage and ensure everything arrives in good working condition.

Avoid tossing power tools loosely into a box. Secure packing prevents damage from impacts and keeps everything in good working condition.

How Can We Help

To sum up, if you’re wondering how to pack power tools for moving, the key is to use original cases where possible, wrap tools securely, and take extra care when handling lithium batteries.

At Falconer Removals, our moving techniques have been passed down and perfected through generations for over 132 years. This ensures that your belongings, including more specialist equipment like power tools, are handled with care and transported securely.

Get a quote from our team today, or for more expert advice on how to pack, move and store your belongings, including answers to common removals questions, explore our blog.

The post How to Pack Power Tools for Moving appeared first on Falconer Removals.

A typical domestic fridge relies on multiple interconnected systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, fans, and electronic controls that work together to maintain safe food storage temperatures.

Because this refrigeration system is so sensitive, small mistakes during transport, such as forgetting to defrost the freezer, leaving food inside, or transporting the appliance with moisture still inside, can damage it.

The good news is that with a bit of preparation, moving a fridge safely is much simpler than most people expect. We’ll explain how to prepare a fridge for moving below, including how to pack it correctly, and a few common mistakes to avoid.

1. Empty and Defrost the Fridge in Advance

One of the most important steps when preparing a fridge for moving is checking that it is empty and properly defrosted before moving day. This helps prevent water leaks, bad smells, and mould while the appliance is being moved or placed into storage.

Start by removing all food, drinks, and loose items from both the fridge and freezer compartments. Leaving food inside can cause spills and unpleasant odours if the appliance remains closed for any period of time.

Once the fridge is empty, switch it off and allow it to defrost for at least 48 hours (the longer the better) before the move. This gives any ice in the freezer enough time to melt and ensures there is no water left inside the appliance that could leak during transport or damage nearby items.

Taking the time to properly empty and defrost the fridge helps keep it hygienic and reduces the risk of problems during the move.

Leaving food inside can cause spills and unpleasant odours if the appliance remains closed for any period of time.

2. Clean the Fridge Thoroughly

Once the fridge has been emptied and fully defrosted, the next step is to clean it thoroughly before moving.

Begin by wiping down all interior surfaces, including shelves, drawers, and door compartments. Warm soapy water or a mild cleaning solution is usually sufficient to remove spills, stains, and any leftover food particles.

This step is particularly important if the fridge will be placed into storage. Even small traces of food residue can harbour bacteria and create unpleasant odours if the appliance remains closed for an extended period.

It’s also essential to remove any moisture during the cleaning process. Although refrigerators operate at low temperatures, mould can still develop when moisture and organic material are present, making a damp appliance an ideal environment for fungal growth.

Once everything has been cleaned, leave the fridge open for a short period to allow all surfaces to dry completely. Ensuring the appliance is clean and dry will help prevent odours, mould, and potential issues during transport.

3. Protect the Door Seal

Once the fridge is clean and fully dry, the next step is to check the door seal before moving the appliance. 

While it might seem like a small detail, the magnetic strip around the edge of the door creates an airtight seal that helps the fridge maintain a stable internal temperature. It’s important to make sure this seal isn’t damaged when preparing the fridge for a move. 

A common mistake is placing objects between the door and the fridge to keep it slightly open. Although this might seem like a simple way to air the appliance out, it can stretch or weaken the seal and prevent the door from closing properly later on.

Instead, keep the door fully closed so the magnetic seal remains intact. The fridge should already have been properly defrosted and dried beforehand, so there is no need to wedge the door open.

It’s important to check that the magnetic strip, which helps the fridge maintain a stable internal temperature, isn’t damaged when preparing the fridge for a move.

4. Moving the Fridge Safely

After completing these preparation steps, the focus shifts to ensuring the fridge is handled carefully during the move. Appliances like refrigerators are heavy and awkward to manoeuvre, so they need to be lifted and transported with care.

At this point, the appliance can be handed over to the removals team. Professional movers will typically protect the fridge with padded coverings to help prevent scratches or dents during loading and transport. The appliance is then carefully lifted and positioned for transit so it arrives safely at its new location.

Handling large appliances correctly helps reduce the risk of damage during loading, transport, and unloading. 

This is why it is important to choose a reputable removals company with experience handling large household appliances, as they will have the right equipment and expertise to move items like refrigerators safely.

5. Can You Turn a Fridge On After Moving It?

After a fridge has been transported to a new home, it’s best not to switch it on immediately. Giving the appliance time to rest allows the internal components to stabilise after being moved.

Inside every refrigerator is a compressor that contains lubricating oil. During transport, especially if the appliance has been tilted slightly, this oil can shift within the system. Allowing the fridge to stand upright and unplugged for a few hours helps the oil return to the compressor where it belongs.

As a general rule, leave the fridge to settle for at least four hours before plugging it back in. After this time, you can switch the appliance on and set the thermostat as normal.

As a general rule, leave the fridge to settle for at least four hours before plugging it back in.

How We Can Help

We hope this guide has given you some helpful advice on how to prepare a fridge for moving.

If you’re planning a move and need help transporting large appliances safely, Falconer Removals is here to help.

With generations of expertise, we use proven moving techniques to ensure your belongings are transported safely and arrive at your new home in excellent condition. 

Get in touch today to request a quote and find out how we can support your move. 

The post How to Prepare a Fridge for Moving appeared first on Falconer Removals.

In fact, around 37% of people who experienced damage during a move said they didn’t spend enough time packaging their items properly, highlighting just how important careful preparation is.

From tight doorways to rubber door seals and shifting loads, sofas face many hazards during a move. Understanding the steps professional removals teams take can help you see how your furniture stays protected.

In our How to Pack a Sofa for Moving guide, we’ll explain the expert techniques movers use to pack and safeguard sofas, ensuring your furniture arrives in perfect condition.

1. Assess Your Sofa Before Moving

Before you even think about moving a sofa, it’s important to understand what you’re dealing with. Not all sofas are the same, and how they’re handled depends on their size, shape, and design.

• Standard sofas usually move as a single piece, with no parts removed. These are the typical living room sofas you see every day, like a three-seater fabric sofa or a non-reclining modular sofa.
• For larger or more complex sofas, such as electric recliners, professional movers often remove backs or components to make lifting and manoeuvring safer.

Taking a few moments to check whether your sofa can be dismantled, as well as identifying which parts need extra care, helps plan the move and avoid unnecessary damage.

Check your sofa type before moving. Standard sofas often move as one piece, while electric recliners have removable parts that require safe handling.

2. Protect the Sofa in the Room

Once you know what type of sofa you’re moving, the next step is protection. Nearly 48% of people report experiencing at least one damaged or broken item during a house move, and large furniture, like sofas, is among the common casualties. 

This shows how much protection matters when moving bulky items, as sofas and other large items like furniture can easily get scratched or scuffed during handling.

Professional movers take the following steps to protect sofas from scratches, scuffs, and marks during handling:

• Cover the sofa with a polythene or protective cover. This acts as the first line of defence against scuffs, stains, and accidental bumps, even for robust sofas that don’t disassemble.
• For sofas with removable parts, cover each section individually to ensure all surfaces are protected.

Taking the time to wrap and protect your sofa before it moves ensures it stays in great condition from the very start of the move. 

3. Protect Doors and Door Frames

Even a well-wrapped sofa can be damaged if it brushes against walls, door frames, or rubber seals. Tight doorways are one of the trickiest parts of a move, and without careful protection, sofas can easily get dented or marked.

Professional movers always plan the route through the house in advance. Knowing exactly where the sofa will go and where any tight spots are prevents scratches and ensures the move goes smoothly.

Professional movers also take precautions at this stage to prevent damage:

• Pad doors and door frames to create a buffer between the sofa and hard surfaces. This prevents scratches, dents, and stubborn black marks from rubber door seals.
  
• Pay attention to the top of the sofa, especially tall models, to make sure it doesn’t rub against door frames or seals.
  
• Move the sofa carefully through narrow spaces, turning or tilting it slowly to avoid contact with walls or edges.

These precautions show that protection isn’t just about wrapping the sofa;  it’s also about managing the environment it passes through.

Careful planning and padding around doorways and tight spaces keep the sofa safe as it is moved through the house.

4. Loading the Sofa Into the Van

Once the sofa has safely passed through the house, the next critical step is loading it into the removal van. This stage is just as important as protection in the room and through doorways, as improper loading can cause shifting or damage during transit.

Professional movers follow these key steps to keep your sofas safe during transport:

• Position the sofa upright on its feet whenever possible. This is usually near the front section above or just behind the driver’s cabin. This elevated space is stable and out of the way, making it ideal for safely transporting large items. 
• Use thick transport blankets to cover the sofa once it’s in the van. This prevents contact with other furniture, van walls, or any sharp edges.
• Avoid contact between furniture items or with the van itself. Even minor rubbing during the journey can leave marks, so padding and careful placement are essential.
• For very tall sofas that don’t fit upright, they may be placed on their side. This requires extra care and padding to prevent damage and keep the sofa stable.

These steps show the level of care professional movers take to ensure your sofa arrives in perfect condition. Proper positioning, combined with padding and secure placement, reduces the risk of damage during transit.

Professional movers carefully position and pad sofas in the moving van to prevent contact, ensuring they arrive at the new property safely.

How We Can Help

If you’re wondering how to pack a sofa for a house move, remember that protection should also be a focus, not just packing. The key is to ensure your movers prevent contact between furniture items, as well as the sofa and the moving van itself.

At Falconer Removals, our professional movers take care of every stage, including wrapping the sofa in protective covers, padding doors and frames, and carefully positioning it in the van. These measures safeguard your furniture and give you peace of mind on moving day.

To learn more about our removals services in South Wales or our purpose-built storage facilities, contact us at info@falconerremovals.co.uk.

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