Packing tips for your move
Packing is either a chore or good fun, it gives you the opportunity to declutter and find items you had forgotten about. Packing your house up correctly will save you a lot of stress and mitigate any possible of damage during the move. Pack it like you are dealing with an angry postman, and remember if it isn’t packed tight it isn’t right.
The biggest tip we can give you is: Don’t buy the cheapest boxes or materials, using inferior materials will cost you more in the long term and many insurance companies will have a “get out” clause in the Terms and Conditions.
Start Early: Start packing well in advance, as packing always takes longer than you think it will. Begin with the items you don't use frequently, such as seasonal clothing and decorations.
Declutter: Before you start packing, go through all of your belongings and declutter. Sell online or gift to a local charity of items you no longer need, want or use. This will help you pack less and make your move more efficient. Remember, everyone prices on space, the less space the less cost!
Stay Organised: Keep a detailed inventory of your belongings and take pictures of your packed boxes. This will help you keep track of everything during the move and avoid any confusion when unpacking.
Label Everything: Label all of your boxes clearly with a brief description of the contents and which room they belong to. This will help you identify your belongings easily when you unpack in your new home and it will help the removalists to put the right items into the right rooms.
Use the Right Packing Materials: We can’t stress enough, use good quality appropriate packing materials to ensure that your belongings are well-protected during transit. Remember that they are going on a long journey. Bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy double walled boxes are essential. Packing your items into plastic bags will not be covered by insurance. Pack mirrors and paintings in plenty of bubble wrap and if possible tape card around the item.
Pack Room by Room: You got this, stay focused, pack one room at a time, starting with the items/rooms you use the least. This will help you stay organised and make unpacking more manageable.
Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes: Pack heavy items such as books and kitchenware in smaller boxes. if the boxes are too heavy or too light, the box walls will not support them. It’s a delicate balance but as a rule of thumb pack tightly and fill each box.
Clear the space: Remove all pictures and mirrors from the walls. Take the TV’s of the wall and make sure all the access points are clear from obstuctions. If possible, place all the packed items into one room, which will help you with space as you move around the house.
Keep Essentials Handy: Mark a separate box of essentials that you'll need for the first few days in your new home. This should include toiletries, a change of clothes, TV remote controls and other fixings and any necessary documents.
Don't Overpack Boxes: Avoid overpacking boxes, as this can make them too heavy and difficult to move. Use extra boxes if needed to distribute the weight evenly. Badly packed boxes is the biggest single issue.
Delicate Items: Pack glassware and ceramics in packing paper. Line the boxes with bubble wrap or paper. Place the items vertically in the boxes as this is strongest method. Use plenty of packing paper in any voids to stop the items moving in the boxes.
Hire Professional Packers: If you have fragile or valuable items, consider hiring Expat Removals to ensure that they are packed properly and arrive safely. W have many years of experience in packing homes. We only use the best materials such as export wrap and high end boxes.
By following these tips, you can make the packing process more efficient and ensure that your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
if you would like a quote for packing, please get in touch.