Dom McBride

Dom McBride

How Do You Move a Washing Machine Safely?

Quick summary (October 2026): To move a washing machine safely, drain any water left in it, disconnect the hoses, and lock the drum with the transit bolts before it goes anywhere. Beko’s guidance is to secure the drum with the…

How to Secure Furniture in a Van

Quick summary: Load the heaviest pieces first, pushed up against the cab bulkhead, and fill the gaps so nothing has room to travel. Run ratchet straps between the anchor points on opposite walls, with a folded moving blanket wherever a…

Where to Donate Furniture & Household Items

Quick summary: For free home collection of furniture and household items, start with the British Heart Foundation, which offers a nationwide free collection service, and your local Emmaus community. If a charity won’t take something, Freecycle, Freegle and Olio connect…

What Is the Cheapest Month to Move?

January and February are the cheapest months to move house in the UK. Demand drops sharply after Christmas, the property market goes quiet, and removals firms have plenty of room in their diaries. November is the next cheapest, just before…

What Do House Removals Not Take?

Most movers won’t carry flammables (petrol, paint thinner, propane bottles), aerosols in bulk, live plants over a certain size, ammunition, illegal items, or perishable food. Many also won’t move pets, live fish tanks with water in them, or fine art…

What to Throw Away Before Moving?

Move-day is a great forcing function. Bin or donate anything you haven’t used in a year — old shoes, duplicate kitchen gadgets, paperwork you don’t legally need, and the gym kit you’ll never wear again. Get rid of half-empty bottles…