How to Pack If You're Moving Home - Packing Hints and Tips

While you are planning to move home, you can use the following steps to pack your household items.

Planning
You cannot plan too much for your move. First you need to plan what you are taking,then plan where you are taking it and then to which room it is going. Keep essentials with you and out of the way so they don't end up in the wrong box. Ensure you meet and greet your removals team at the door and tell them your plan too!

About protection

Make sure everything is packed and secured. Any fragile items should be marked as so, and make sure you pack each item separately in paper and bubble wrap. Don't forget most removals supply a full range of boxes and packing material for your move, including bubble wrap, parcel tape, export wrap etc. We can deliver these well in advance to allow you maximum time for packing.

Filling boxes sensibly

Remember fill your largest boxes with the lightest items and the smaller boxes with heavier items (such as books). This will ensure that your house contents can be moved easily and quickly. Ensure that all boxes and securely taped and make sure there are no protruding items sticking out. Any fragile or upright items should be marked clearly on the outside of the box too.

Mark up

Don't forget to mark up your boxes in clear writing, usually 1 side and the top will be perfect. Once at your new home it may be worth marking up the doors of each room with a piece of paper (please don't use heavy duty tape and pull off the paint!), A little bit of blue-tac will usually be fine.

DIY

As standard most removal companies will not dismantle or erect flat pack furniture unless previously agreed, so please ensure this is taken down before your removal team arrives. Ensure you keep all smaller items (screws etc.) in a bag and attached it to the pieces to make sure you can put it all back up. Don't forget if you ask, most professional removal firms will be please to help dismantle and erect furniture with prior agreement; just ask the team well in advance of your move.

Lofts and Attics

Please be aware that the majority of removal staff are not legally allowed to enter loft space and all items should be removed from the loft, placed in a room and packed before the arrival of your movers.

Electronic Goods

I advise placing all electronic goods in their original boxes before transportation. If this is not possible anti-static packing materials are recommended and available from most reputable removers.

White goods

Some firms are not allowed to connect / disconnect gas, water and electricity. So make sure your large white goods are ready to be transported before your move day. All washing machines and dishwashers should be drained and try to clean fridges and freezers before moving.

Carpets and Rugs

Make sure any carpets and rugs you are taking are rolled and secured with tape before the experts arrive.

Clothes

Don't worry, all of your best garments can be kept in pristine condition and with no creases! Ask your removals firm to supply specially designed wardrobe boxes that will hang your clothes vertically while in transportation. All other clothes you should be able to leave in the chest of drawers, depending on size and weight. Please check with your removal company first. If you're unsure, pack them into a suitcase or box.

Food and drink

Ensure that all bottles and containers are secure and packed well. Any liquids should be packed in tightly so they remain upright (you can even secure the tops with cellotape). Mark the boxes with an arrow to ensure they are kept upright. Any cold or frozen goods should be marked or moved separately so they are easy to find at your new home. At no time should food or drink be placed into storage.

Fittings

Unless previously agreed, all curtains, lampshades and pictures should be removed and packed before your removal team arrives.

Pictures

Don't forget to pack and protect your pictures, generally roll bubble wrap round a couple of times, top to bottom and secure with tape. However any paintings (especially oil or pastel) should be protected accordingly with the correct cloths to ensure that no damage or marks appear on the canvas.

Outside

Ensure that all items is cleared out of sheds and garages for easy access to remaining items. Garden tools should be cleaned