Packing Tips

Start packing early, as packing always takes longer than anticipated. Now is a good time to declutter and take any unwanted items to the charity shop or recycling centre. Car boot sales and websites are also great ways of making some money on your unwanted items and any money raised could go towards your moving costs.

Spend some time considering how you are going to pack your possessions. Walk through each room and do a rough calculation of how many boxes you may need. Begin at the top of the house and move downwards. If you have an attic, it’s a good idea to sort it out first. Before you start make sure you have all your packing material to hand i.e. boxes, tape, pen, packing paper, bubblewrap etc. Using the correct size boxes will make life so much easier.

Top Packing Tips

  • Pack directly from the cupboard, do not empty it first or you will have nowhere to put the box.

  • Save time and use wardrobe boxes for your clothes. Not only do they speed up packing they keep your clothes in shape so you don’t have to iron at the other end. (We can supply on moving day at your request)

  • It may sound obvious but pack heavier items in the bottom of the box and lighter items on top.

  • Always fill the box to the top, avoid half filled boxes as once stacked on top of each other may weaken the ones underneath.

  • NEVER make the moving boxes so heavy that they cannot be lifted safely. If they are becoming heavy while you are packing them, try filling the rest of the box with light bulky items such as linen, towels, cushions or soft toys.

  • Always try to ensure that the boxes are taped shut at both ends as this is not only safer for your goods but it makes it easier for us to load our lorries safely.

  • Place heavy & bulky items in the bottom of a box, but remember there is a culmination of weight. One dining plate on its own doesn’t weigh very much, but ten together is surprisingly heavy, so keep this in mind while loading your boxes.

  • Try to be as organized as possible by making an inventory, this way you can keep track of what you are putting in each box.If at all possible try standing things like plates on their end as this way they are stronger, same with glasses. Use plenty of paper, bubble wrap and newspaper as packing or use items of linen or soft toys that you will be taking with you anyway. You might just end up with a box or two less.

  • Clearly write which room you would like the box to end up in. If you do this on the tape, the removal team will know that these are your instructions, and also will keep the boxes in better condition, allowing them to be used again and again. “The best way to Recycle”.

  • Tape is one of the most important accessories so always use good quality tape. Standard Sellotape is not strong enough to tape up boxes. We can make a very strong box that will take over 20 kilos in weight but if not tapped correctly or not purpose packing tape may fall apart.

  • Wrap items individually and place in a box that’s been lined with several layers of newspaper and a sheet of bubble wrap. Any breakables should also be wrapped in bubble wrap. Use clean tissue or wrapping paper for the first layer to prevent newspaper print leaving marks. Pillows and blankets are also useful for wrapping valuables and protecting furniture prone to dents and scratches.

  • Pack important documents together, such as birth and marriage certificates, and keep them in a safe place.

  • When packing just keep checking the weight to avoid any injuries on moving day.

Top Packing Mistakes

  • Not leaving enough time to pack, preparation and planning is the key to a stress free move. It can be a lengthly process so leave plenty of time so that you are not madly rushing around.
  • Packing the keys for your new or old property in a box.
  • Furniture not fitting in your new property.
  • Not measuring the space in your new home – Moving to your new home and realizing that you do not have enough space for all your belongings can be a real headache. So, prepare a plan to ensure that everything fits from the beginning.
  • Weak, small or flimsy boxes- not only resulting in more trips to the van but damage during transit.
  • Not labeling boxes – Clearly labeling makes life much easier when it comes to loading and unpacking, your know which boxes goes where and will be able to find item quickly and easily.
  • The first items in the truck will be the last items off the truck. So, if you have things that you need for the first day at your new home, then make sure they are loaded last.

Here is a helpful video we have found to help you tape the boxes securely http://youtu.be/uw8-CkqyNHQ