Packing Hints & Tips
If you have chosen to carry out the packing by yourselves we have the following information to assist you.
Packing is one of the most important jobs in preparation for moving. We would advise the following when packing:
- Allow sufficient time for you to be able to sort through your goods and throw out any unwanted items.
- If the item is small enough to fit into a box, please do so.
- Always ensure that liquids are packed in an upright position.
Making up the boxes
- Small box - When folding the flaps, make sure the ‘small’ flaps are folded in first, with the two larger flaps folded in after, and then taped.
- Large box – Any two ‘opposite’ flaps are folded first, followed by the other two flaps, and then taped.
- Make sure that you tape the box both ways on the bottom of the box. This adds strength to the bottom of the box, ensuring your contents do not fall out. (See illustration for details)
- Avoid overfilling and under filling of the boxes. Try to keep the contents level with the top.
- A strong box is a full box
- If the box is sealed and level (without any overfilling) it can be stacked upon.
Fragile Boxes
- When packing glass / china and other fragile items into boxes, scrunch up some paper and fill the bottom of the box. This adds cushioning to the box, do the same for the top so as to protect the contents.
- Packing of plates, bowls and pictures should be done by wrapping the items in paper and standing them on their edges in the box. They are at their strongest in this position, and the risk of damage is reduced.
Often we are asked which packing materials should be used and which items should go in a particular box. We have generated a list of likely items that can be packed into our different size boxes.
| Small Box - Pack VI | Large Box - Pack II |
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Pictures / Mirrors
Any large pictures that do not fit in the boxes will need to be wrapped in a paper blanket (provided), this is done by wrapping the picture / mirror like a present. Once wrapped please indicate which side is the front of the picture / mirror as this will help when loading on to the vehicle.
Bedding / towels and sheets
All bedding, sheets and towels can either be packed into the larger boxes (pack 2’s) or alternatively you can use bags. Only ¾ fill the bags and tie the top, this reduces the chance of the bags ripping, due to the weight of the towels and sheets. When writing on the bags (location at the new property) please use either a biro or a permanent marker, as other pens might rub off and soil your furniture.
Shed / garage contents
When packing tools try to use the smaller boxes due to their weight. Any items that are too big to fit in the small boxes should go into larger boxes. Please also try to use a selection of lighter items, so that the box does not get too heavy. Any large garden tools (i.e. spades, racks etc) should be bundled up by taping together at the top and bottom; this makes them easier to handle and move.
