12 Easy Removals Packing Tips

Packing before the big day doesn’t have to be a song and dance, here are 12 simple packing hacks from the pros, to help you get a move on.

Prepare A Safe Place

“Now where did I put that…?” The last thing you need is to be hunting for that document/passport/important address in a house rapidly filling with packed boxes. So set aside a safe space and a box/document folder to hold everything you’ll need during the move that won’t get moved/buried/lost when all the other boxes are being shifted from room to room.

Declutter To Reduce Items

There’s no point taking things you don’t need/want to your new home. Moving house is the perfect time to declutter and get rid of ‘stuff’. But remember, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, rather than let things go to landfill, there are environmentally friendly alternatives you can use like ebay, Facebook Marketplace or charity shops.

Pack Early, Panic Less

The more you can get done early on the better, then, once your move date is finalised, you won’t find yourself running short of time and packing badly because you’re rushed.

Least Used Items First

Start with your least used possessions. Loft spaces, outbuildings, winter/summer wardrobes, spare bedrooms, etc. Make a quick shortlist of stuff that you can live without ahead of the move and get it packed.

Making Boxes

Turn the box upside down and run two strips of tape on the bottom, sealing the flaps tight. Now wrap tape completely around the four sides of the box, near the base, twice over. This will cover the ends of your original strips and give the base extra strength.

Consider Shapes & Weight

Some items are really easy to pack because of their shape. Books, CDs, DVDs, etc. You’re not going to read every book or play every album between now and moving day, so start packing them early. Not only are they easy to do, they tend to be heavier boxes so should be at the bottom of any pile. Consider the weight, your boxes should be light enough to lift without splitting.

Don’t Over Pack Boxes

Remember that every box will need to be moved. Possibly by you. Even if you have a removal team on the day, you might find yourself shuffling boxes between rooms as you pack, so don’t overdo the weight. Avoid completely filling boxes with just books, or similar heavy items.

Fill Boxes To The Top

If there is space at the top of the box, when the boxes are stacked, that empty area will fold and break squashing everything inside. Use linen, towels, bedding or packing to fully fill each box for rigidity.

Heavy = Small, Light = Big

Heavier items should go in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. This makes the weight of each box more manageable for lifting and prevents boxes from splitting.

Leave Fragile Items Until Last

Leave the most breakable items until the end. That’ll mean less time for those boxes to get knocked, plus you’ll have practised your packing skills on more robust items before tackling delicate or breakable pieces. And make sure fragile items/boxes are clearly marked.

Call In The Pros

If you’re worried about packing, simply don’t have the time (or inclination), call in the experts! Our packing services can range from single items to entire house contents, so if there is one area you don’t want to tackle, let Armishaws do the hard work for you.

Plan Your Food Shopping

Rather than buying more food, start using up your existing food to avoid having to take it with you. Before your move date, do an online grocery shop to deliver to your new address the day after you move in, that’s one less thing to squeeze into what will be a busy first week in your new home.