When packing into boxes, please bear in mind the following:
Don’t put too much weight in a box
· The heavier the items (tins, books) the smaller the box you should use
· Aim for a box you can lift comfortably, usually no more than 25kg
Don’t put too little volume or weight in a box
· You end up carrying more boxes
· A part full box isn’t as strong so is more likely to be crushed and items are more likely to move and get damaged
· If your box is heavy but not full, either pack into a smaller box or fill the remaining space with something light (towels, crunched newspaper)
Don’t overfill a box, as it won’t stack well.
On the subject of stacking, you’ll get the best usage of space and the best security of your goods if the boxes you use are:
· Strong – double walled cardboard for anything but the lightest / strongest items, so that they can be stacked and carried with confidence
· The same size in at least one, preferably two dimensions, so they can be packed with minimal gaps between them – you will see the benefit of this as you pack and begin to move full boxes out of your own way
We therefore recommend that unless you have access to a large quantity of strong and similar boxes (e.g. stacking fruit boxes from a local supermarket are useful for some items), you consider packing boxes for the job.
Packing materials are readily available with next day delivery, ordered by telephone or over the internet. One such firm is www.boxesandbubbles.co.uk who will offer a 5% discount if you arrive via our website using the above link or mention us when ordering by phone.
Please note that not all providers of “packing boxes” do provide sizes that stack together well – look out for “small” boxes that are sold as part of a bundle and are just there to “make up the numbers”.
Each box will ideally be labelled with:
· Your name (for part loads / storage items)
· Contents
· Destination room
· Fragile
· If the box is “last to pack / first to unpack” e.g. kettle
Labelling also applies to bags which are a more effective way of packing soft/bulky/light items such as bedding and clothing. These items can then be used to fill spaces that boxes wouldn’t, further protecting your fragile items whilst saving space.
Some of your storage items (suitcases, drawers, etc) can be filled with other lightweight items such as clothes and linen.
Fragile Kitchen / Ornamental items Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper and stack tightly, filling any remaining space around them with newspaper or similar, so they cannot move within the box. Don’t forget to put some packing material below and above such items.
Large Mirrors, Pictures, etc Cover both sides with bubble wrap and heavy cardboard then wrap with tape.
Garage / Garden Items Tape long garden tools together into bundles.
Empty fuel from mowers, chainsaws, etc.
Pack power tools in strong boxes with plenty of padding material, and ensure no sharp edges could be exposed.
TV, Hi-Fi, Computers, etc. Ideally pack in original boxes. For loose items be sure to fasten trailing power cords to the back.
Sometimes items such as printers, scanners, turntables, etc. have a facility to ‘lock’ moving parts for transport. Also remove any loose media, e.g. CDs, DVDs as these may jam in your machine
White Goods Unplumb, fasten up the power cords and drain in advance. For such bulky items there is no need to wrap them – we will project them once on the truck with heavy moving blankets
Mattresses, Sofas, Chairs Particularly for mattresses we would suggest they be wrapped so they do not pick up dirt. Consider wrapping fabric chairs and sofas for similar reasons
