Packing can be daunting. Your assets are precious to you – and therefore precious to us. Check out our list of handy hints and tips to ensure your goods remain in perfect condition.
First things first – start early!
- Book your Movers (request a quote for our Moving Services here)
- Buy boxes and packing materials and start packing early: – it will take longer than you think.
- You will need the following: boxes (different sizes); packing tape; bubble-wrap/brown paper/other soft wrap; paper and waterproof bags; scissors/utility knife – and plenty of marker pens!
- Have a couple of bags/boxes specifically labelled “DONATE” and “JUNK”: be ruthless! If it hasn’t been used in 12 months, ask the question.
Personal Items – clothes, books, toys, toiletries
- Begin with items less frequently used, i.e. seasonal clothes, books, ornaments.
- Wrap small, fragile items well and pack into smaller boxes. Clearly label FRAGILE.
- Suitcases, backpacks and other luggage can be used as packing boxes.
- Clothes can be left on hangers and rolled up in a bundle before being placed in boxes or suitcases.
- Check lids are closed fast and place toiletries in waterproof bags to protect against leakage.
Valuables – take these items with you, where possible
- Clearly label medication.
- Gather important documents and valuables together (including photographs, external computer storage devices and memory sticks) in one clearly identified container.
Kitchen, Dining and Living
- Label boxes, particularly those with essential items such as the kettle!
- Separate individual plates/bowls/cups/glasses with cardboard, paper-towels or bubble-wrap.
- Roll up and secure carpets.
- Remove light-bulbs from appliances: colour-code power cords OR stow them inside their appliance.
- Top Tip: Clean linen, bedding and towels can be used as packing material.
Large Items – furniture and appliances
- Keep a small toolbox handy for dissembling furniture, removing wall hangings, etc.
- Take photos of device wiring schematics (i.e wifi modems, computers, TV and sound systems) before dismantling. Label or colour-code wires so they can be easily linked with their device.
- Dissemble and flat-pack furniture where possible.
Outdoor and Sports
- Bundle sharp tools and implements together in an old blanket and bind to prevent injury.
- Remove any fuel residue from barbecues, pizza ovens, chimera’s and fire-pits.
- Clean lawnmowers, strimmers, etc. and empty fuel-tanks.
- Store power tools removed from recharging devices.
- Don’t forget to check roof spaces, stair cupboards, under the house, garages and sheds!
Transport
- Make a plan for the Movers, especially if they will be going to more than one location (i.e. Storage Unit and house).
- Stack large items closest to the front door to be loaded onto truck first. Group similarly shaped items together, ie. picture frames/mirrors; boxes; soft bags.
- Don’t overload boxes – they may fall apart during transit.
- Clearly label all boxes with their CONTENTS and FINAL DESTINATION (i.e. “Crockery – Storage Unit”)
- Clearly label FRAGILE, ESSENTIAL and VALUABLES boxes (including photographs, artworks, mirrors and framed pictures).
