How to pack your belongings safely

We at Swan Removals And Storage offer, with our Premier Package, a complete professional packing service backed up with full insurance and complete electronic inventory. But if you are going to be doing your own packing, take a look at these guidelines as they may help you keep you belonging safe during the move.

What is packing for?
Packing items essentially does two things. It protects your fragile items and it groups together articles into fewer items to carry. Good packing is an absolute necessity if your removal company can do their job safely and efficiently.
Poor packing can cause problems for you and your removal company. It can make boxes awkward to carry safely and the removers may find it difficult to stack the van properly and this can cause delays. If your removers have to complete any unfinished packing or even repack unsuitable containers you may be liable to extra costs.

When do I start to pack?
The obvious answer is to start as soon as you know you are moving. Most people underestimate both the time they need to pack properly and the number of boxes they will require. Decide first if you do want to do your own packing, do you have the time? Obtain a quote from your removals company, as the cost for them to do your packing may be less than you first thought.

If you do decide to do your own packing, here are a few tips to achieve a professional result.

Make sure you have the right materials to start with – strong boxes with lids or overlapping flaps, clean wrapping paper, a good supply of bubble wrap plenty of adhesive tape, strong bin liners, adhesive labels and a pen. The best way is to pack directly from the cupboard, do not empty it first or you will have nowhere to put the box and may create more confusion. Number each box/container and write on a separate sheet a general description of the contents so that you will know where to find things when unpacking. Write on each box/container the name of the room to where it is going in your new property.

What sort of boxes are best to use?
Your removals company can supply you with the right type of boxes. If you obtain your own cardboard boxes they should not be smaller than 2 cubic feet (i.e. 1ft. x 1ft. x 2ft.). The weight in each box should not be heavier than one person can lift. The boxes must be sound, dry and strong enough to hold what you are going to put in them. Use the original packaging your items came in, if you still have them.

How do I seal the boxes?
Cardboard boxes must be closed and taped at the top. Nothing should protrude from the top. When closed the box should be full and the top should be flat so that the box can be stacked. A half-full box wastes space and will collapse if a heavy box is placed on top of it. Brown packing tape (not masking tape or narrow sellotape) should be used along the full length of every seam. Do not use string.

Can I use plastic crates?
These should be used only if they can be stacked. Nothing which will protrude from the top should be placed in them. They must be suitable for stacking when full.

Can I use bin liners?
Soft items are best in strong plastic bin liners, which must be tied at the top. These bags are particularly suitable for bedding, towels, curtains etc. and clothing and soft toys. Do not put heavy, hard or sharp items in bin liners however strong they are.

How should I pack fragile items?
One of the reasons for wrapping up an item is to put a layer of air around it to act as a protective cushion. Use plenty of crumpled paper or bubble wrap under the bottom layer and between each of the items. Make sure that the top layer is as flat as possible. Cushions, towels or bedding can also be used as padding to level off the top. If your boxes contain fragile items – mark them clearly.

What items should be packed?
Item such as clothes may be left in drawers (apart from the drawers in bed bases) but cover them with a towel or sheet to pack them in. Items best to pack would include china, ornaments, books, food, linen, contents of cupboards and shelves. Also kitchen utensils and small appliances, electrical items such as lamps, hi-fi’s, computers and so on.

Larger electrical items can be protected further by your removals company.
Swan Removals And Storage can provide large padded sleeves, specifically made to protect things such as TV’s and white goods. These padded sleeves will protect your more valuable items from any knocks whilst being moved and will be protected from the elements. When making a booking or obtaining a quote - ask us about this extra service as it may save you more in the long run.