Use Modular Boxes

Always use removal boxes that have been specifically designed for domestic house removals, moving, shipping and storage.
Packing boxes and removal boxes should be modular (stackable), so that when loading a removal vehicle or storage unit they can be built up together, just like using building blocks, which minimises wasted space, promotes ridgedness (box strength) and makes handling easier, safer and more efficient.

1. Identify the bottom of the box.
2. Fold two opposite flaps inwards.
3. Fold the remaining two opposite flaps inwards.
4. Seal along the joint and at least six inches down the sides with packing tape.
5. For additional removal box strength, seal the box seams in an H pattern with packing tape.
6. Do not stretch the tape as this will weaken the tape and cause it to peel away from the removal boxes.
7. Do not interlock the flaps as this will weaken the removal box.
8. Once packed, fold two smaller opposite flaps inwards, fold the two remaining larger opposite flaps inwards and seal the joint accross the top of the removal box with packing tape.
9. Mark boxes for your recognition, destination at your new home, un-packing priority, contents and your name and removal box number if going into storage.

Rule of thumb "The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should be packed in".

Small packing boxes should be used for packing smaller heavier items such as tinned food, books and aslo Delicate items and electricals.

General household and kitchenware.

Large packing boxes should be used to pack larger yet ligfhter items of general household goods such as lamps, kitchenware, soft furnishings etc.

Household packing advice on kitchenware and general house effects and sundries to make your packing more efficient.

In the empty removal box, place a layer of screwed-up packing paper approximately two inches thick in the bottom of the removal box to act as a cushion.
Then place a layer of strong or heavy packed china across the bottom, add another layer of china, each separately wrapped in a sheet of packing paper.
Continue until the removal box is almost full, fill in gaps etc with small wrapped items such as small cups and lids.
Then add another layer of screwed-up packing paper approximately two inches thick accross the top of the removal box
Seal the fully packed removal box with packing tape and mark as fragile and also contents and destination at your new home

Plates should be packed one on top of the other with a sheet of packing paper around each. Place the crockery in the corners of the box with the largest at the bottom and work upwards. Wrap cups, mugs, bowls etc and place in the centre and in any gaps of the removal box.

Cutlery should be wrapped in small bundles with packing paper or corrugated wrapping card, all sharp knives should be facing the same direction.

Jugs, teapots and items with handles and spouts should have extra padding around spouts and handles and be packed upright, fill in gaps, under and around the packed spouts and handles with packed lids and other small pieces of crockery.

Do not overfill boxes or leave items protruding from the top, as this will make them harder to handle and increase the risk of damage to contents and other items.

Do not make removal boxes too heavy (you may need to move them yourself once the removal men have gone).

Boxes with breakable contents should be clearly marked "FRAGILE".

Linen, blankets, pillows and bedding should be placed in bedding sacks and linen boxes.

It is not necessary to unpack chests of drawers or ottomans if contents are not breakable or heavy e.g. books, secure drawers with handy wrap or removal van ties prior to removal to avoid damage to drawers and doors or walls and door frames, (removal insurance may void policy if drawers etc are not packed professionally by removal company staff)

The contents of free standing and built in eardrobes such as suits, dresses, shirts and blouses should be packed into wardrobe boxes or folded and packed in linen boxes. Wardrobe boxes are excellent to use as temporary wardrobes if you have moved from a house with built in wardrobes to a house without built in or free standing wardrobes.

Pictures and Mirrors
Pictures should be taken off the wall and wrapped using bubble wrap and corrugated wrapping card or our mirror picture boxes.

Empty, drain and dry out prior to your removal.

Un-plumb and drain the day prior to your removal, your removal company will be able to do this for you if you wish.

Weeks prior to your removal you should try to dwindle any freezer stocks, defrost and drain the day before your removal.

Disconnect gas and electric cookers and replace fittings with appropriate plugs and caps, your removal company will be able to do this for you if you wish.

The drawers should be empty of all disks, as when they are re-started they may jam.
Record players should have the turntable and playing arm secured.

Once removed from their fittings they should be packed as breakables if glass, plastic liners can be used for ordinary shades.

Tacks should be removed and the carpet then rolled up, try to avoid bending the carpet as this will make it more difficult to relay, advise your removal company if you are taking any or all of the carpets.

These should be emptied prior to your removal and packed separately and marked with caution, many removal companies are not allowed to carry such goods due to insurance clauses, these may include- paint, petrol canisters, gas bottles (full or empty) garden chemicals or anything flamable.

Do not pack the kettle, cups etc, as removal men often work a lot more efficiently when supplied with tea and coffee at regular intervals.

We hope that you find this information useful throughout your forthcoming house move and wish you every success.