If you are using a good removal company they will lend you packing boxes free of charge for local removals, other packing materials are charged for. Plan ahead, start packing 3 weeks before your removal date. Here are a few of our top tips for you.

• Always use double sided packing cases.
  
• Start packing at the top of the property and clearly mark the box/package which room they should be deposited into at the new address.
  
• Don't overload boxes.
  
• Always secure the bottom of the box.
  
• Always wrap individually breakables, ie, China, Glass, ornaments and crockery etc.
  
• Loose Clothing/bedding/curtains can be packed in good quality black sacks/bin liners. 
• Pack all boxes to their tops and fill spaces with pillows or cushions. This will prevent movement of contents and give the packing box rigidity when stacked. Unfilled boxes can be crushed and overfilled bulging boxes can tear and fall apart or be dropped. Rattling boxes mean insufficient space filling.
  
• Don't overload your packing boxes with too many heavy items. You can always fill spaces with lighter objects for example you can alternate china and glasses with cushions and bedding items, or you could wrap heavy electrical items such as DVD players and stereos with quilts before placing into packing boxes.
  
• Packed boxes should not on average weigh more than 30lbs/15kgs each. Generally, the heavier the object the smaller the container.
  
• Label each box as you go with the room name or list of contents.
• If the contents of a box are delicate or need to remain upright clearly mark fragile and right side up.
  
• It's also a good idea to write the contents on each side of the box as well as on the top, this will enable you to quickly identify each box if stacked when at your new premises.
  
• Sequence your packing so that the least used possessions are packed first.
  
• Do one room at a time.
  
• Last in first out - pack the most used items to the top of your boxes.
  
• Strip Beds bare and take them apart, use a mattress protector to protect the mattress for transportation and or storage.
  
• Books are heavy so use small strong cartons and don't overload.
  
• Wrap plates and dishes individually and pack vertically in a strong carton. After wrapping with tissue paper nest bowls and cups inside each other. Infill the gaps with tea towels or alternate plates and dishes with sheets, towels and bedding.
  
• Loose clothing and bedding can go into bin liners, remember to write the contents clearly on the outside.
  
• Wardrobe cartons to hang your garments to keep them all clean and crumple free. Drawers can be packed with lightweight clothes and non fragile items.
  
• Lastly keep aside a carton you will transport that has all the essential things you might need when your first arrive at your new home, like medications or a kettle and mugs to make drinks.

Talk to our removal consultant if you have anything that might cause a problem moving. 

Should this all seem too much don't forget we are here to help. If you change your mind about doing it yourself lets us know well before moving day and we will take care of it.