A Guide To Packing

Before You Start:
• Responsibility for damaged goods in a box packed by yourself is difficult to establish if there is no visible damage to the outside of the box.
• Our packing team can pack an average house within one day. It will take you much longer & you will have to start weeks before your moving day.
• If the packing is not correctly done, we can refuse to load the boxes until they are safely re-packed.

Prepare for Packing:
• Dispose of unwanted articles; consider donating them to charity.
• Dispose of articles liable to cause damage to the vehicle or container, or to its contents. These include flammable, corrosive, explosive and chemical substances.
• Try to avoid packing canned or bottled foods during freezing weather; use them up or dispose of them.
• Use up frozen foods; we can move them - but only under certain conditions.
• Sort and pre-pack the items you won’t use before moving day.
• Make a list of the things that cannot be packed until the last minute.

HOW TO PACK.

China and Dishes:
Place a 7-10cm (3-4”) layer of crushed paper in the bottom of sturdy box. Place several layers of wrapping paper on your worktable. Place one plate on the paper and fold the corner of one or two sheets diagonally over the plate. Place another plate on top and fold another piece of paper over it. Add two more plates in the same manner. Fold sides of the paper over the bundle and roll the plates, keeping the sides of the paper straight for a neat bundle. Place bundles on edge in the box and pack them snug. When you have completed a layer in the box, place a layer of cushioning paper after each tier. Leave space at the top of the box for a cushion of paper, and then fold the top flat, seal with tape and label.

Small Pictures and Mirrors:
Pack vertically in a box, cushioned well with paper, linens or blankets.

Glasses, Ornaments & Figurines:
Have delicate and valuable items professionally packed. Wrap others individually and pack in celled boxes. Protect with plenty of cushioning. Wrap wine glass stems first to cushion them, then wrap the entire glass into a bundle and place all glasses open side down in the box. Mark the box “Fragile”.

Silverware and Stainless Steel:
Wrap silverware individually and pad it well with paper or towels, and place at the bottom of the box. Wrap hollow-ware and other large silver pieces in clear plastic, then in clean paper, and pad well for packing. Stainless steel does not require special handling but do not use printed newspaper!

Lamps:
Remove the bulb and shade and roll up the cord. Wrap the base and bulb individually and place together in a box. Protect them with paper or small cushions wrapped in clean paper. Do not allow the lamp to protrude above the height of the box. Pack lampshades individually with cushioning at the bottom of the box but not around the lampshade itself. You can place smaller shades inside larger ones, but it is best to pack only one per box. Tiffany type and other glass shades and chandeliers should be professionally packed. Standard lamps can be left unwrapped but the bulb and shade should still be removed.

Paintings, Mirrors & Glass Table Tops:
These items are easily damaged and should be packed professionally.

Books, CD's and Cassettes:
Pack heavy items in smaller boxes. Wrap valuable books separately and pack on edge. Pack records, CD's and cassettes on edge and on a layer of crushed paper. Mark the box “Fragile”.

Audio/Visual Equipment and Computers:
Pack these in their original boxes if possible or wrap them separately and pack into well padded boxes.

Clothing:
Fasten zips and buttons to secure clothing on their hangers and place in wardrobe boxes. Do not overload or pack anything else into the wardrobe. If you do not use wardrobe boxes, remove hangers, fold items and place in lined boxes. Use tissue paper between the folds to prevent creasing. Light items such as lingerie and socks may be left in drawers.

Large appliances:
Clean and dry thoroughly to prevent mildew and odours. Drain water from dishwashers and washing machines. Clean and rinse refrigerators and freezers with baking soda, and leave their doors open for 24 hours before loading. Tape shelves and drawers securely or remove, wrap and pack into boxes. Some appliances must be serviced or professionally disconnected before moving, please consult the appliance literature.

Blankets, Pillows, Linens and Towels:
Pack in clean boxes or use as cushioning material. Wrap good linens in tissue paper or leave in drawers.

Small Appliances, Pots & Pans:
Pack in original boxes or wrap them separately and pack into well padded boxes. Each should be clean and free from food particles and grease. Make sure kettles and irons have been drained before packing.

General Food:
Use up as much food as possible before you move. Tape open cartons closed, wrap and pack. Avoid moving glass containers; if your must pack them, seal in water-tight packaging and place upright in boxes marked "this side up".

Plants:
Plants are fragile, living things that are easily damaged by frost, poor packaging or adverse conditions. Some removals companies will refuse to move plants, especially when moving abroad.

PACKING TIPS.

• Boxes should not be large enough to obstruct the view when carried.
• Boxes should not be over 23kg (50lbs) when packed.
• Do not under or overfill boxes as they may become damaged.
• The top of the box must close flat and be sealed with tape.
• Pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top.
• Pack articles snugly so they will not move about in transit.
• Cushion every box with clean, crushed paper - on the bottom, between layers, at the top, and in any empty spaces between articles.
• Pack small articles in small boxes and place them into a large box.
• Wrap fabrics and china in clean newsprint, not newspaper.
• Wrap all items separately to protect fine surfaces from damage.
• Wrap small items in coloured paper so they will not be missed or thrown out with the packing materials.
• Fasten and tape lids to liquids, seal in a plastic bag and place upright in a box.
• Record the contents of each box in a notebook. Label each box with room location and any special directions.
• Tape small pieces and screws to where they belong or put them in a box marked "FIXINGS" for easy access.
• Leave smaller items in drawers provided the draw is locked or secured with tape.
• Place a "DO NOT MOVE" sign on items which are to remain in the house.
• Clearly mark a place for suitcases and other items that are not to go into the vehicle.
• Prepare a "LAST OUT - FIRST IN" box for things you will need as soon as you arrive.
• Roll and tie electrical cords so they will not tangle or trip anyone up.