PACKING hints and tips

On the move? Not sure where to start? Here’s our handy guide to packing.

Packing made simple

How to move house with a little less stress

Box clever

Choosing the right boxes for each job

Room roll call

Hints to help pack specific rooms

packing made simple

How to move house with a little less stress

It can seem like a daunting task, but with some clear thinking, the right materials, and a spot of planning, packing up your home can be easier than you think. You’ve chosen the new place, you’ve booked the movers. Now to get started!

  1. Declutter before you begin. New house, new start. A house move is a great opportunity for a bit of a clear out, so make the most of it. Save yourself some money. Why pay to move stuff you no longer want or need?

  2. Create a checklist. Go room-by-room to work out what needs to go where, and what you need to get it there. A plan of action will help to keep you calm and focussed, and things won’t get lost or misplaced. We’ve got some room-specific hints for you too. Click here.

     

  3. Choose the right materials. You’re going to need cardboard boxes (lots of them), wrapping paper, bubble wrap, tape and pens. Crumpled up paper is great for filling void space, so stock up.

  4. Allow enough time. Packing always takes longer than you think. So, make sure you start early. Start in the rooms you use the least; end with the things you use the most. Everyday essentials should be packed last.

  5. Label clearly. Write the room the box is GOING TO clearly on the outside of the box. Add a brief summary of what’s inside. Coloured stickers can help to categorise things. Use fragile tape to identify boxes containing vulnerable or breakable items.

  6. Choose the right box for the items you are packing. The heavier the items, the smaller the box required (someone’s going to have to carry it after all). And make sure you tape the top and bottom seams securely. Go to our section on Choosing the Right Box for more info. Click here.

     

  7. Pack to protect. Use a layer of crumpled paper at the bottom of your boxes to give a bit of extra protection. Pack heavy items first, with lighter items on top. Pad the top with more crumpled paper before sealing.

  8. Avoid overfilling or underfilling.  A strong box is a full box with a level top when sealed. Fill any empty space at the top of a heavy box with cushions or a layer of crumpled paper if you need to.

  9. Protect pictures with a large cross of tape across the glass, corner to corner. Wrap in bubble wrap and pack into picture boxes. The tape will strengthen the glass and, should it crack, stop any damage to the picture beneath.

  10. Important small items. Use a separate box for important small items like TV remotes, fixtures and fittings for dismantled furniture, assembly instructions and keys so that you can find them easily.

BOX CLEVER

Choosing the right boxes for each job

When it comes to packing, one box definitely does not fit all. Use our guide to find the best box for each job, big or small, heavy or light.

SMALL BOX

Use small boxes for heavy items:

  • Books & photo albums
  • Heavy crockery
  • Papers & files (our archive boxes are ideal)
  • Bottles, tinned food & jars
  • CDs, DVDs, computer games & vinyl records
  • Small hand tools and shed/garage items
  • Cleaning items

LARGE BOX

Use large boxes for lighter items:

  • Linen & bedding
  • Toys
  • Lamps & lampshades (but separate them first)
  • Shoes & clothing
  • Pots & pans
  • Smaller pictures & mirrors (but wrap them well first)

TALL BOX

Use tall boxes for bulky/vertical items:

  • Tall vases
  • Duvets & bedding
  • Dried & artificial flower arrangements
  • Larger pictures (well wrapped of course)
  • Toys

LONG BOX

Use long boxes for items that are best kept flat:

  • Suits & jackets
  • Curtains
  • Blinds

PICTURE BOX

Use picture boxes for larger more valuable pictures & mirrors

WARDROBE BOXES

Use wardrobe boxes for clothing on hangers that is too heavy or valuable to fold

room roll call

Hints to help pack specific rooms

Here are a few handy tips to help you pack room-to-room. Remember, if you have any valuable or precious items that you’re really not sure about, speak to your movers. They will be trained to help.

KITCHEN

  • Pack plates on their edges. They are strongest in this position and less likely to get damaged.
  • Pack similar sized items together. Wrap breakables in bubble wrap and wrapping paper.
  • Don’t overload or overfill boxes. If they’re getting heavy, pack them out with tea towels and linens.
  • Tighten the lids of jars and bottles before packing, and mark the box KEEP UPRIGHT.
  • If packing for storage, remember not to pack any perishable items.
  • Any knives and other sharp pointed utensils must be wrapped carefully and kept well padded so that they don’t poke out and cause injury.
  • Remember to pack your kitchen essentials last. You’ll want to boil the kettle and have a cuppa on arrival at the other end!

LIVING ROOM

  • Remove shades from lamps and pack them in a separate box.
  • Wrap fragile ornaments in bubble wrap or wrapping paper, and pack the heaviest items into the box first.
  • Use cushions for additional padding and to fill empty voids.
  • Books should be packed upright for the first layer, matching their sizes as closely as possible. Lay lighter books and magazines flat on top.
  • You may wish to wrap books with dustjackets and covers or paper to protect them further.
  • Stick a cross of tape across the glass of any pictures, photo frames or mirrors. Wrap in bubble wrap and use picture boxes for larger framed items.
  • Leaving the curtains and light fittings? If you’re not, make sure you allow plenty of time to get them down and packed.

OFFICE

  • Back up any important files and documents.
  • Store paper files in archive boxes and mark them up clearly so that you can find things fast.
  • Wrap electronics carefully and pack in boxes marked FRAGILE.

BEDROOM

  • You might not need to pack clothes that are in chests of drawers – some movers are happy to move them full. Check with your movers.
  • Divan beds are usually stored upright in transit so that they take up less floor space. If yours have storage drawers, it is best to remove and pack the contents to avoid them sliding to the bottom and jamming or damaging the drawer base.
  • Bed frames can be dismantled – just make sure you keep all the fixtures and fittings together, and keep them safe.
  • Lightweight clothing can be folded and packed into large boxes. Heavier items, or items that are too valuable to fold, should be packed into wardrobe boxes.
  • Use linens as cushioning for other items.
  • Try to use up toiletries before the move to save space and money. Make sure lids are tightened and any breakable bottles or containers are wrapped with plenty of padding.

GARAGE & SHED

  • Do not pack any hazardous, flammable or explosive items – ask your movers for advice. There are specific rules about moving these sorts of things, and your movers will want to make sure they are compliant and, above all, keep you safe.
  • Bundle large garden tools together and secure with tape at the top and bottom.
  • If you’ve got potted plants that need moving, make sure you point them out to the movers. They will be heavy and will need special care.

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