Doing your own Packing

Packing Yourself? Important advice



If you intend to do your own packing it is essential to make sure you follow some basic guidelines, so take some time to look thought the advice below. I have tried to provide guidance on what type of packaging is needed and how to organise it. If you follow this, you will reduce the chances of damages and make the whole process of moving quicker and less stressful.

What to Use
It is important to use double layered boxes designed for removals. These are fit for purpose as they are very strong and can be packed on top of each other without risk of collapse. This means the content will be protected whilst on the move. We can supplies boxes and other packing need at a reasonable cost or you can order online from a range of companies.

Avoid using:
• Supermarket single walled boxes, they are not sturdy enough for removals.
• Open fruit crate boxes as these have the additional problem of being open.
These boxes have a high risk of breaking and collapsing. We have to stack boxes in the lorry, so packaging not only needs to cope with the weight and integrity of the content, but also be able to cope with the weight of other boxes.
Don’t use carrier bags, bin liners or what is growing in popularity – IKEA bags. These are all perfect for the purpose they are intended, but that isn’t house removal.
The problem with these bags is:
• They break and expose their content.
• Open bags spill easily.
• It is very difficult to label.
• It is extremely difficult to load efficiently and securely into the removal lorry.
• Breakables and delicate content is not protected.
• It is more difficult and time consuming for the removal team to move and stack.


Labelling and Inventories

It is essential to label clearly to ensure a speedy and efficient unload, into your new home. It is frustrating for everyone if the removal team are constantly having to ask where to take boxes and
Visible; sometimes it is useful to have more than one label on larger boxes and items.
• Print which room it is to go into. If these are multiple, like a bedroom, state which one.

It is useful to add an inventory onto the box or just under the lid, to help when you are unpacking or looking for specific items. Over the years I have had many phone calls from people who want us to check the lorry as they believe something has been left in it, only to find it a day or so later. At the end of each removal, we sweep out the lorry, so we are confident nothing is left inside.
Furniture too should be labelled, especial if iy have lots of room. If you know the position you want, add this, or provide an outline of the layout. This will help avoid you having to move heavy furniture once we have left.

Dismantling Furniture
If you are dismantling and reassembling furniture yourself, make sure you tape pieces together and put all small fittings such as screws, in a secure bag and tape to the main structure. You don’t want to lose essential parts or have to open loads of boxes before you can put your furniture back together.

Deadline

If you are packing and dismantling yourself, make sure it is all completed the day before the move. We arrive about 8:30 to start loading the lorry/ies. Packing is a very time-consuming job; it cannot be done on the day of the move. If it has not been completed when we arrive it can create lots of problems and incur considerable additional costs.
At Albany Removals we aim to support you through the whole process of moving. If you have any queries or concerns just gives us a call.
To take the strain out of packing, leave it to us. We can supply quotes for removals and packing, including all the boxes labels etc.