How to pack so your stuff actually survives the journey. Packing looks straightforward until you're three hours in, surrounded by newspaper, and wondering why you own so many mugs. Done well, packing protects your belongings and makes unpacking easier. Done badly, it leads to crushed boxes, broken items, and that sinking feeling when you open a box marked "kitchen" and find it full of socks.
Packing always takes longer than expected. Give yourself time so you're not throwing things into bin bags at midnight.
Don't mix rooms in the same box. It makes unpacking a nightmare.
Contents and destination room on every box. Be specific - "kitchen stuff" is less helpful than "mugs and glasses."
Books, records, tools. If you fill a large box with books, you won't be able to lift it. Neither will we.
Bedding, cushions, towels, clothes. These can fill large boxes without becoming dangerously heavy.
If the lid won't close flat, the box can't be stacked in the van safely. Take something out.
Every glass, every plate, every mug. Paper, bubble wrap, or clean towels - whatever you've got.
They're stronger standing up than lying down.
Like vinyl records in a crate. They're less likely to crack under pressure this way.
Scrunched paper, towels, socks - anything soft. Items shouldn't move inside the box when you shake it.
"FRAGILE" in big letters on multiple sides. We'll handle them carefully, but it helps if we know at a glance.
Wrap in bubble wrap or blankets, then cardboard corners if you have them. Transport upright, not flat. Mark as fragile.
Pack separately, don't crush them into boxes. Wrap loosely in paper to protect the shape.
Original boxes are ideal. If you don't have them, wrap in blankets and pack in sturdy boxes with plenty of padding.
If you need wardrobe boxes you can use ours. Otherwise, bin bags with a hole cut for the hooks work surprisingly well.
If it's crushed, torn, or soggy, don't use it. Weak boxes collapse.
Preferably empty them. Full drawers could collapse under their own weight during transit. If the contents are light and can't slip out, they can stay in the drawers, as long as there are no fragile items that might break.
Wrap bottles in plastic bags. Tape lids shut. Assume they'll leak and pack accordingly.
You will not remember. Label everything. Take photos if it helps.
We offer full and partial packing services. We'll do it properly - wrapped, labelled, and ready for transit.