Packing Advice for Moving House

Don’t leave everything to the day before the move. There are plenty of places you can make a start on like the attic and the garage. Consider what you don’t need to take with you, what will need careful packing, and that you are covered for potential breakages.

• Calculate how many packing boxes you will need and get these well in advance. Find packing boxes in a variety of sizes. Also purchase strong tape, bubble wrap, and self-seal bags for keeping nuts and bolts together.
• Packing always takes longer than you think, particularly when you start reminiscing over old photographs stored in the attic, take some time to sift through your belongings and have a clear-out well in advance. You can make up a box for charity and if you’ve time, hold a car boot sale or log onto an online auction, there is also ‘Free cycle’ in case you have difficulty throwing things away.
• Use sturdy packing boxes, particularly for heavier items, or your belongings may end up strewn all over the pavement. Packing boxes made from corrugated cardboard are stronger than regular ones.
• Ensure your packing boxes are not too heavy to lift. Pack heavy items at the bottom and lighter items towards the top.
• Check your contents insurance will cover damage and breakages during the move or make sure your removal companies’ insurance covers any breakages or damage to furniture .
• Put all hazardous materials, such as paint, bleach and aerosols, into a separate box and keep them away from the rest of your stuff.
• Pack an ‘essentials’ box for the first night in your new home and carry it with you or in your car. Instant access to coffee, tea, snacks, cups and a kettle may be welcome soon after you arrive. As will plates, utensils and a kitchen cloth, toilet rolls, toiletries and a towel.
• Pack one room at a time, clearly labelling each box with details of its contents and the room to which it belongs. Clearly label boxes that contain breakables and also those that are load-bearing and can be stacked in the van.
• Wrap valuable items individually and place in a box that’s been lined with bubble wrap and clearly mark ‘valuables’. Use pillows and blankets 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.

Professional Removal Companies

Unless you have very few possessions, call in a professional removal company to help you move house. It will relieve some of the stress of the big move and will be well worth while. You can arrange for the packing to be done for you and pay for the privilege, or you can do the packing yourself, but leave the heavy stuff to the experts.