Packing Tips

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Whether you’re moving home, downsizing or just looking to create more space, you’ll want to know that your good are safe and the best way to do that is to ensure that they are packed correctly.

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This is something you may wish to undertake yourself, in which case you will need to stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, tape and marker pens. You can buy essential packing items from our onsite shop in Southwell, just pop into reception

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If you’re planning on having a removal company come in to alleviate the stress, get in touch as we can recommend local and trusted companies.

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Timescales

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Think about how long it is until you move. Do you need to call in a few favours to get the job done on time, or can you pack at your leisure?

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Time for a clear out

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Working on one room at a time, try to declutter as you go. Maybe you just can’t decide whether to keep the collection of Trolls that you’ve had since you were 5 (even though they’ve sat in the same mouldy old box for the last 30 years), so ask yourself these questions. Is it valuable? Is it sentimental? Is it beautiful? If the answer is no, then you know what you must do!

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Priorities

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Start with the room that you use the least. Maybe you have a spare room that can be packed up first, also providing a space to put other packed items. Seasonal items (depending on the season) can also be put away. Nobody is going to need a Christmas tree in May!

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'Weight' a minute

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Whether you’re moving yourself, or getting a company in, nobody will thank you for overloading the boxes! Try and be mindful of this, 13kg is a reasonable weight for an average person to lift.

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Fill it up!

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Fill gaps with packing material such as Styrofoam peanuts, air bags, scrunched up newspapers, carrier bags, old clothes, towels, basically anything to secure your items from rattling around in transit.

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What's this?

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Always, always label your boxes, even if it’s just the room that it needs to go into. A top tip is to write the room and/or contents on the side of the boxes, this way you will be able to see what’s in them even when they’re piled up. Better yet, use clear, stacking boxes and put a list of contents facing out so you can see the entire contents at a glance.

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The more organised among you might want to set up a numbering system from the start, whereby you write a number on the box and that number corresponds to a comprehensive itemised list on a spreadsheet.

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Don't get heavy

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It may seem like common sense, but it’s always worth remembering to place heavier items at the bottom of the boxes, and using your packing materials to bolster the top of the box.

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Hazard warning!

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Make sure that you dispose of any old hazardous materials correctly. Your local authority refuse collection centre will be able to advise the best course of action.

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Be prepared

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When the day finally comes, keep a box of essential items handy. Our handy checklist should save the day!

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• Kettle, coffee/tea/sugar, mugs, spoon, milk

• Toilet roll, hand soap, towel

• Access to a good takeaway delivery service

• Bottle opener/Corkscrew & glasses

• Snacks and drinks to keep your movers happy

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If you are going to have little people around, consider packing them a special moving bag containing their favourite toy, iPad & charger, drinks, and a never-ending supply of snacks!

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And... Relax!

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Moving day can be extremely stressful, but if you have prepared as well as you could, and you’ve had the time to get organised, then all you have to worry about is unpacking it all at the other end! Just remember to take everyone!

 

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