h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: How to pack a removal van - A703658
Author: Just zis Guy, you know? † Cyclist [A690572] & Keeper of the Volvos - U54363

I was a removal man. If I hadn't had to register at University on a particular Thursday in 1987 I would have moved Hazel O'Connor - but then I never could get the hang of Thursdays.

I hope this makes some kind of sense - if not I'll wander along to the Writing Workshop.

Hi JzG!

Well I understood it, although I did read the section on beds and wardrobes twice. Very helpful.

It might be worth adding that if a vehicle is severely overloaded (which I wouldn't advocate), it should be driven extra carefully, as it will take *much, much* longer to stop in the event of an emergency.

One query - you mentioned under 'How to wrap' about holding the wrapping in place. Do you mean with tape, or safety pins, or the like?

There's a hole bunch of typos I noticed (I wasn't looking specially), so here's what I saw (roughly in order).

firs > fits
needs ot put > needs to put
l;oop > loop
wrappign > wrapping
veavy > heavey
nothign > nothing
lapmshade > lampshade
piaon > piano
fornt > front
refirgerator > refrigerator
appiances > appliances
wering > wearing

You wouldn't move my house in a single luton - too many books and records.

I have enough trouble packing properly for a camping holiday!

You think I couldn't pack it all in a single vehicle? That's a challenge! I've got some big houses in some small vans, you know!

A 1,100 cu. ft. 7.5T Luton is good for most houses up to three bedrooms.

Well on last two moves, the removal people had to call in a second vehicle! I've now got three bedrooms, a loft *and* a cellar.

I have some serious de-junking to do!

Also worth pointing out that a 7.5t van is the largest most people are able to drive themselves on the standard driving liccence.

Good article, even if I am in the middle of a major move for FC's parents at the moment and am the driver for the 7.5 tonner.

Been ther, done that. It was a good way to earn money during holidays from Uni - £300 per week cash.

(posted with the aid of the new 1.8GHz Athlon proxy server)

Hi, Just Ziz Guy!

I think you have left out a very basic point from the introduction - why on earth would you want to do this?

If it's purely on grounds of cost, then I think you should say so, and give some idea of the comparative costs of hiring a removals firm versus renting a removal van.


Azara

Well I know the in-laws are doing it not for the reasons of cost, but to ensure the preservation of all thier valuable peices of furniture. Better if it damaged by ourselves than strangers. Or more to the point we know which boxes and pieces are of value and take greater care over moving them.

JZG - I like this article. If you capitalise the title correctly, and fix those tpyos, then it'll be ready to go. 'How to pack a removal van' should of course be 'How to Pack a Removal Van'.

If you have no objections, I'd be pleased to write on moving my room back and forth between places in an estate car - like a Volvo V70, for example. Why, you may ask? Becuase I do it often as a student.

Whoami?

Far too easy. I used a Mini van (and transported a full-sized drawing board in it, too).

It's not as easy as it sounds - not if you've a trunk, several large heavy storage boxes, 2 dozen files, textbooks, computer, 17in FST monitor (with bix alost as high as car) and 4 speakers, stereo system, posters, bedclothes and so on to be getting on with.

Ok, it'd be too short. But anyway, nice Entry!
Whoami?

I think this is easier in a V70 than a 700 / 900 series at the V70 has a lower floor. My last company car was a V70 2.5, and I currently drive a 940 estate.

>>your prixed posessions >>prized?

Just - this is a timely article. Bizarrely I was considering a 'How to pack your house' entry last week. Just spotted this today. Slightly concerned about the Pickfords reference - is this defamation?
I once spotted a compnay with 'Cavalier Removals' on the side of their van. Nothing to do with anything, but it made me laugh.
Frogbit
(ex-Pickfords)

I wouldn't say it was defamation - he never says anything against them, just points out it's no great skill if you know what you're playing at. Fair enough.

Whoami?

It's the footnote, Whoami - both 'Rhinestone Removals' and 'Bodgit and Sodit' sound fairly derogatory to me!

Azara

OK - that needs to be 'adjusted'.

Note to myself: Remember to read the Footnotes!

Whoami?

You should hear the *rude* things we used to say about them!