When you move house it is important to pack your items properly to ensure they get to your new home in one piece. This is even more important if you are moving abroad, whether to another continent or just hopping across the English Channel to mainland Europe. The longer the journey the greater the risk of damage. And you certainly don’t want to arrive in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language and have to deal with any hassle. Imagine having to translate documents for an insurance claim as your first task in a new country!
Below we look at packing boxes and what to put in them.
Using the wrong packing materials to pack your items is a really bad idea. It will just add stress to what is an already tricky process. Choosing the right packing materials is really, really important, particularly if you value your possessions, which most of us do. From the size, to the material, there is a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the right packing materials. And if you are moving a long distance or even moving overseas then it is doubly important to use specialist international packers and movers.
Little Boxes
Little boxes are great for packing things like food from the kitchen, and smaller gardening tools. Things like books are also better packed into smaller boxes because they are less likely to get damaged, as they can be in bigger boxes. Anything particularly heavy like tins, books and glass or stone ornaments should be packed into smaller boxes to make them easier to carry and to ensure the cardboard is more likely to hold the weight of the items as well.
Middle-Sized Boxes
A medium box is going to be able to hold a lot of different items such as gadgets from the kitchen, pots and pans, lamps, children’s toys and bulkier soft items like quilts and pillows. Remember to pack the heavier items at the bottom and the lighter items at the top, to avoid anything getting crushed.
Big Boxes
Big boxes are best used to pack items that are light, or that won’t fit into anything smaller. If you are packing something large like the TV (if it doesn’t have its original box) remember to stuff out any gaps to hold it still, and to secure the box, labelling it so people know to be careful with it. Larger boxes tend to be used best for things like bedding, big soft toys, towels and lighter ornaments.
Unique Boxes
If your items are going a long way, you may want to get a special unique box ordered for items that require special protection. Perhaps you have an ornament, sports equipment or art worth a lot of money. If you do, then it is worth investing in a unique box able to house and protect the item adequately.
Plate & Glass Boxes
Certain boxes come with special sections for plates and glasses so you don’t have to worry about them moving around. If you have an expensive set of dishes or glasses, this is certainly worth considering. It is also a great idea if your items are going into self storage because it will keep them safe and separate for their time in storage.
Remember when sourcing storage boxes there are companies that offer them for sale, or you can get free ones from the supermarket or any shop that uses cardboard. Banana boxes are a great choice as they are so strong and come with lids. Whatever you do remember to always:
- Clearly label boxes (especially if they are going into self storage)
- Properly wrap items inside the box
- Clean items that need cleaning before they go in the box
- Use a strong packing tape to secure the box once it is shut
- Never risk making the box too heavy as it could fall through at the bottom
Happy Packing!