Are you sure you are doing it right when packing for your home removal?
Download our detailed and practical packing guide to prepare for the big day effectively and safely with confidence
TABLE OF CONTENT
- How to declutter your home
- What packing materials should you use
- How to pack for your move
- Dismantling furniture for transport
- How to pack your pictures for a removal
- How should you pack your books
- How to move your TV, computer, and electronics safely
- The Removal Toolbox
- How to handle hazardous materials
- How to label your boxes for a home removal
- Key packing tips
- How can Painless Removals help
Are You Sure You’ll Need It in Your Next Home?
Use sorting categories
As you sort through your belongings, organize them into categories: ‘Keep’, ‘Sell’, ‘Donate’, ‘Recycle’, and ‘Trash.’
Don’t rush your decisions
Allow yourself a few days’ cooling-off period before finally deciding to throw something out. Sometimes, sleeping on it can change your perspective on an item’s value.
Apply the one-year rule
If you haven’t used an item in over a year and it doesn’t hold sentimental value, it’s probably time to part with it. This rule is particularly effective for sorting clothing, kitchen gadgets, and decorative items.
HELP FOR MAKING DECISIONS
For each item, ask yourself:
Have I used this in the last year?
Does it hold sentimental value?
Is it in proper working condition?
Will it fit in my new home?
In case you can’t decide
If there are items you’re unsure about, consider moving them to a storage unit temporarily. After a few months, it may be clearer whether these items are valuable to you.
Digitize what you can
Reduce physical clutter by digitizing where possible. This can include important documents, photos, and even CDs or DVDs.
Be ruthless with Storage Areas
Storage areas often hold items we’ve forgotten about or rarely use. Be particularly thorough when decluttering spaces like garages, attics, sheds, and basements.
Eliminate rEDUNDANT ITEMS
Do you really need two coffee makers, three sets of measuring cups, or multiple blenders? Keeping just one of each can free up a lot of space.
In case you can’t decide
If there are items you’re unsure about, consider moving them to a storage unit temporarily. After a few months, it may be clearer whether these items are valuable to you.
Eliminate rEDUNDANT ITEMS
Reduce physical clutter by digitizing where possible. This can include important documents, photos, and even CDs or DVDs.
Be ruthless with Storage Areas
Storage areas often hold items we’ve forgotten about or rarely use. Be particularly thorough when decluttering spaces like garages, attics, sheds, and basements.
Be ruthless with Storage Areas
Do you really need two coffee makers, three sets of measuring cups, or multiple blenders? Keeping just one of each can free up a lot of space.
What Packing Materials Should You Choose?
What Packing Materials Should You Choose?
Removal boxes
We recommend two sizes of boxes: a smaller box (~ 46cm x 32cm x 32cm) for packing all your heavy and fragile items and a larger box (~ 60 cm x 45cm x 45cm) for everything else. If you have records or other large, delicate items, look for specific boxes to transport these safely.
Packing paper
(This is unprinted newspaper) Used for wrapping and packing glassware and fragile items. Try to avoid using newspapers as the print is toxic. You can buy this in large packs called a ‘ream’.
Tape
Buy good quality parcel tape; always avoid the cheapest option. Get some ‘fragile’ tape for marking all fragile boxes. A tape gun can help speed things up but is not essential.
Bubble wrap
Use this for wrapping large mirrors or pictures that won’t fit in the padded picture bag (80 cm x 110 cm). All canvases will need to be wrapped to protect them. Any large, fragile items, and TVs larger than 50 inches that won’t fit in the padded TV protector, need to be wrapped.
Padded bags
Padded bags offer cushioning for items such as electronics or framed photographs, protecting them from minor surface damage like scratches and marks. (image)
Crates
In contrast, wooden or hard plastic crates, with their rigid structure, provide more robust protection, making them ideal for transporting delicate items such as artworks, antiques, ceramics, and glass.
If you decide to move with us, we’ll provide all the boxes and specialized equipment without any hassle.
We also make sure everything that can be reused will be, reducing the impact on the environment.
How much do you need to buy?
If we have surveyed your home by video or in person, we’ll happily give you a recommended list. A well-packed home is always easier to move!
We inspect each room and mentally pack every area, keeping a tally of how many boxes each room will require (making sure to count small and large boxes separately). If you are doing this yourself, some areas always get missed, so add extra boxes at the end.
It’s always better to slightly overestimate than be under. One ream of packing will be enough for a standard-sized kitchen. We generally assign one roll of parcel tape for every 20-30 boxes.
How to pack for your move safely & efficiently?
How to pack for your move safely & efficiently?
Packing a box
Prepare a few boxes in advance. Secure the bottom of each box with two strips of tape, extending at least halfway up on smaller boxes and one-third of the way up on larger ones. Aim to fill each box completely. Boxes that are only half or two-thirds full aren’t as sturdy when stacked. Once a box is full, seal it with one or two strips of tape across the top. If the contents are fragile, add a strip of ‘fragile’ tape for extra caution.
Small Fragile items
(Glasses, plates, bottles or delicate ornaments)
Wrap each item in one or two sheets of paper. Carefully place them in smaller boxes, stacking plates vertically for added protection. To prevent movement, scrunch up additional paper and stuff it into any gaps inside the box. Alternatively, use specialist boxes designed for delicate items, as shown in the image on the right.
Moving Liquids
Ensure all bottles are securely shut, adding tape to the lid/cap if need be. Stand the bottle upright in the box. Mark the box 'this way up only'. If you are worried about leakage, it can be best to keep these items out and transport them separately.
Packing Lamps
Remove the lampshade and bulbs, and place them in a large box along with any other lampshades. Keep this box open or clearly label it with ‘TOP BOX’ to ensure it’s only placed on the top of the stack. Coil up the cord and secure it with a piece of tape.
Dismantling furniture for removal
Dismantling furniture for removal
Items like beds or large wardrobes may need to be dismantled for transport before you can move. If you bought something flat-packed and built it in the room, check the dimensions to make sure it fits out in one piece. It’s also good to check the dimensions of your new property to make sure it can fit in easily (look out for low ceilings or tight bends that may cause you issues).
It’s best to dismantle items before your moving day. If that’s not possible, make sure you know how to do it and have the necessary tools on hand. Use a small plastic bag to keep all the screws and fixings together. Tape the bag to part of the dismantled furniture or keep it somewhere secure. Check that no loose connectors on the dismantled furniture could fall off in transit.
Handy tip: You can download all the assembly instructions for IKEA’s flat-pack furniture from their website.
You don’t need to worry about the hassle of dismantling and reassembling your furniture yourself. Our expert movers have the expertise and tools to handle the job safely and efficiently, without causing any damage to your precious belongings. We can also remove windows or doors for easy access to your home, if needed.
How to pack your pictures?
Wrap small photo-sized pictures in paper, box them up, and label the box as ‘Fragile’. Larger pictures under (dimensions) can stay on walls and be placed straight into our special bag for transporting pictures. Wrap any delicate frames or canvases in at least two layers of bubble wrap, especially larger pictures that won’t fit in a padded picture bag.
Chests of Drawers
Any heavy, fragile or breakable items in the drawers will need to be packed. If the drawer contains clothing, then these can be left in, provided the chest of drawers is not too heavy to carry when full, or the drawers can easily be removed from the unit and carried separately.
Fridges and Freezers
It is always advisable to run your fresh food and freezer supplies down as you get closer to your move. Make sure your freezer doesn’t need defrosting prior to your move. Use a cool box or bags to store items from your fridge and freezer. The items can be left in right up to the morning of your move.
How should you pack your books?
Use small to medium-sized sturdy boxes since books are heavy and oversized boxes can become too cumbersome to handle. Avoid overfilling the boxes, as this can cause them to tear or deform, increasing the risk of damage when stacked.
Books typically do not require bubble wrap, but having packing paper or foam sheets is beneficial for protecting valuable editions or filling gaps within the boxes to prevent the books from shifting during transport.
Label boxes clearly not just with ‘books’ but also specify their content type, such as ‘Encyclopedia Britannica’ or ‘Cookbooks.’ This helps identify the appropriate location for each box in your new space.
Ensure each box is strong and packed fully; partially packed boxes can shift and may topple. If there is extra space in a box, fill it with something light, such as crumpled newspaper, to cushion and stabilize the contents.
Moving with plants
Don’t water your large plants before you move, and try to keep outdoor potted plants dry as well. A week before the move, especially in winter, place these plants under cover. If they are not under a shelter, cover the soil with plastic to prevent rain from getting in. Overwatering can make them very heavy and lead to leaks in the van.
Place hanging plants in a box for transport. For some large plants, it can be best to tie or wrap the branches to minimize any possible damage.
Moving your electornics safely
The optimal method for transporting electronics such as TVs and computers is in their original packaging, which includes the original padding and foam. If the original packaging isn’t available, we recommend using specially padded bags to significantly minimize the risk of damage.
Pack all cables and small peripherals (like mice and keyboards) in a designated small box and label them clearly to ensure you know which cable belongs to which device. Always consider backing up important data, preferably to the cloud, to avoid losing years of memories due to an accident during the move.
Moving your electornics safely
The optimal method for transporting electronics such as TVs and computers is in their original packaging, which includes the original padding and foam. If the original packaging isn’t available, we recommend using specially padded bags to significantly minimize the risk of damage.
Pack all cables and small peripherals (like mice and keyboards) in a designated small box and label them clearly to ensure you know which cable belongs to which device. Always consider backing up important data, preferably to the cloud, to avoid losing years of memories due to an accident during the move.
The optimal method for transporting electronics such as TVs and computers is in their original packaging, which includes the original padding and foam. If the original packaging isn’t available, we recommend using specially padded bags to significantly minimize the risk of damage.
Pack all cables and small peripherals (like mice and keyboards) in a designated small box and label them clearly to ensure you know which cable belongs to which device. Always consider backing up important data, preferably to the cloud, to avoid losing years of memories due to an accident during the move.
First Night Essentials Box
The First Night Essentials Box should contain items that are immediately necessary for your first night and the following morning in your new home. This helps alleviate the stress of searching through multiple boxes after a tiring moving day. A typical box might include:
Basic Toiletries:
Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, comb, deodorant, contact lens solution and case, etc.
Baby Supplies
Diapers, wipes, baby food, and other essentials.
Change of clothes
for the next day
Children’s Items
Favorite toys or books and a nightlight for the children’s room.
Prescription Medications
(if you require any)
Pet Supplies
Food, bowls, toys, and treats
Phone and laptop
chargers
Trash Bags
and cleaning tools
The Removal Toolbox
Prepare a box for the tools you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Knowing exactly where to find your screwdrivers, hammers, and nails can be a tremendous help as you start setting up in your new space.
The Removal Toolbox
Prepare a box for the tools you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Knowing exactly where to find your screwdrivers, hammers, and nails can be a tremendous help as you start setting up in your new space.
Handling Hazardous Materials
Identify Hazardous Materials
Begin by identifying what constitutes hazardous materials in your home. Common examples include cleaning agents, paints, solvents, batteries, fuel, and certain cosmetics. Look for labels with keywords like ‘flammable’, ‘corrosive’, ‘toxic’, or ‘explosive.’
Label and Separate
Clearly label each container as ‘Hazardous’ and keep these items separate from other belongings during the move. This not only helps prevent accidents but also ensures that anyone handling the boxes is aware to take extra precautions.
Proper Packaging
Ensure that each item is securely sealed in its original container. If the original packaging is damaged or leaking, transfer the contents to a well-sealed, clearly labeled container. For liquids, consider using leak-proof bags for an extra layer of protection.
During Transport
If you are transporting hazardous materials yourself, make sure they are stored in a well-ventilated area of your vehicle, separate from passengers and pets. Avoid leaving these materials in a parked car for extended periods, especially in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
How to label your boxes for removal
Effective labeling is essential for a smooth moving process, ensuring that items are easily identifiable and correctly placed in your new home.
Use waterproof markers and sturdy tape for labeling. Instead of writing directly on the box, write on the tape—this improves readability and allows for the box to be reused in the future. On each label, indicate the destination room in your new home and include a brief description of the contents.
What to Include on the Label?
Contents and Destination:
Clearly note what’s inside each box and which room it should be placed in at your new home.
Special Instructions:
Mark boxes containing immediate necessities with ‘Open First’ to easily access essential items upon arrival.
Numbering and Inventory:
For more complex moves, number each box and maintain a simple inventory list to keep track of all items and ensure nothing is lost.
Handling Instructions:
Use waterproof markers and sturdy tape for labeling. Avoid the approach shown in the image below. Instead, write on the tape rather than directly on the box to enhance readability and allow for future reuse of the box.
How to declutter your home before a removal
Key Packing Tips
You can ask for our help anytime throughout the entire process. With almost half a century of experience, we are always happy to advise you, assist in purchasing or renting materials, help you declutter in an environmentally friendly way, and find solutions to any problems that may arise.
Painless Removals - Who are we?
We strive to be the most humane home removal company in the South West. While anyone can transport your belongings from A to B, our service goes beyond that. We offer security, companionship, and true peace of mind.
We not only relocate your assets but also partner with you in all the tedious and frustrating tasks involved in home or business removals. Our mission is to leverage our expertise to assist people and eliminate the stress of moving.
Our mission is
to make your removal
Painless
How We Can Help
We understand the stress involved in a move and are committed to making it as painless as possible for you with nearly half a century of experience and our team of highly trained professionals. We pride ourselves on our extremely supportive, flexible service and our second-to-none, super-friendly customer care, as our outstanding reviews clearly demonstrate.
We’ve provided this booklet to assist you with packing and to help minimize the risk of damage during the removal process. However, we are also here to offer hands-on assistance or even fully handle the packing for you. In addition to our removal services, we offer storage solutions, cleaning, and concierge services to ensure your move is safe, easy, and swift.
For a friendly chat, to receive a quote, or to organize your stress-free removal, contact us on any or our details below.
Reach out today and let us make your move painless!
