Effective Packing Advice For Moving Homes

Packing correctly achieves several things. It protects fragile & delicate items & it gathers multiple articles together to make one single object to transport.

Begin well in advance of your move. Most people underestimate both the time they need to pack properly & the quantity of cardboard boxes required. Packing is not something that can be left to the last minute.

Packing & wrapping your items are the keys to a successful move. Don’t skimp on packing supplies. They are much cheaper than broken or damaged belongings or an insurance claim. Spend some time considering how you are going to pack each item.

Make sure you have the right materials to begin with including; Sturdy removal boxes, wrapping paper, bubble wrap, strong parcel tape, plastic bin bags & furniture covers. Mark each box with a general description of its contents so that you will know where to find things. Mark on each box & bag the name & number of the room in which it is going.

Keep all boxes for each room together. This will save time unpacking later. Stack your boxes up as you finish to make more room.

Fill each box to its capacity, using wrapping paper or bubble wrap to eliminate empty spaces. Do not use newspaper as it will mark your items. Place weighty items in the bottom of the box & lighter items on the top. The top and sides of each box should not bulge. Nothing should protrude from the top of the box.

Pack heavy items, such as books, in smaller boxes. Keep the weight of each box down to a manageable level. The weight in each box should not be heavier than one person can lift, a maximum of 30kg is recommended.

Always stand glass, pictures & mirrors on their edge. Where possible pack electrical items such as TVs, stereos, amplifiers, CD players & turntables in their original cardboard boxes. Label the wires & cords of your equipment to enable reconnecting your system quick & easy.

Cardboard boxes must be closed & taped properly. Adhesive tape should be used along the full length of every seam of the box. Label each box “Fragile”.

Leave lightweight linens & clothes in their drawers where possible. Items liable to leak or break should not be left in drawers but packed in boxes instead. It is a good idea to put soft items in strong plastic bin bags which should be tied at the top. Do not put heavy or sharp items in them.

Disassemble any items you can such as dressers & tables. Be aware of items with sharp corners or projections. Put all screws & fittings in plastic bags if possible & tie or tape them to each item.

Finally, pack important documents together, such as birth & marriage certificates & keep them in a safe place. Pack your valuables & essentials separately & plan on keeping these items on you on the day.

Following our advice should help to reduce what is, for the majority of people, one of the most stressful days of their lives!

Author:
Mark Reid of Postpack Ltd