Packing is the most time-consuming part of any move, and poor packing is the most common cause of damage to belongings. These tips come from our professional packing teams, who between them have packed thousands of homes across the North West.
Use the Right Boxes
Invest in proper removal boxes rather than using supermarket cardboard. Removal boxes are made from double-walled corrugated cardboard and are designed to be stacked safely. Use small boxes for heavy items like books and crockery, and large boxes for light, bulky items like duvets and cushions. Never overfill a box — it should be possible to close the lid without forcing it, and a full box should not weigh more than 20kg.
Protect Fragile Items Properly
Wrap each fragile item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Never use newspaper — the ink transfers to crockery and is difficult to clean. Pack fragile items in small boxes with plenty of cushioning material above, below, and around each item. Label every box containing fragile items clearly on all sides. Stand plates on their edge rather than flat — they are much less likely to break this way.
Pack Room by Room
Pack one room at a time and label every box with both the contents and the destination room. This makes unpacking much more efficient and means the removal crew can place boxes directly in the right room at your new home. Keep a master inventory of all boxes — number each box and record the contents in a spreadsheet.
Dismantle Furniture Carefully
Keep all screws, bolts, and fixings in clearly labelled zip-lock bags taped to the item they belong to. Take photographs of complex items before dismantling them — this is particularly useful for shelving systems, entertainment units, and beds. Keep all instruction manuals together in a clearly labelled folder.
Special Items Require Special Treatment
Televisions should be packed in their original boxes if possible, or in specialist TV boxes available from removal companies. Mirrors and pictures should be wrapped in mirror packs or bubble wrap and transported upright. Mattresses should be protected with mattress covers. Clothing can be transported on hangers in wardrobe boxes, which saves both packing time and ironing time at the other end.
Consider Professional Packing
If you are short of time or have a large number of fragile or valuable items, consider using a professional packing service. Our packing teams can pack an entire house in a day, using export-grade materials and proven techniques. Professional packing also provides additional insurance cover, as items packed by our team are covered under our Goods in Transit policy.
Ask Daley & Co about our professional packing service — we can pack your entire home in a day.
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