Everything You Can Forget When Packing

Now that you have found the perfect place to move your home to, the logistics of the transportation of your goods is arranged and the date for carrying out the job is set, you might think that you have a little time to rest. Well, that would have been the case if you did not forget one vital aspect of your removal – namely how you are going to pack your items for transportation. You may leave this responsibility to the man and van company you have hired, but if you insist on doing it on your own, you should carefully prepare. Proper packing can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful removal, and there are quite a few things to look out for:

• You should get all boxes and other packing supplies in advance. If you leave it for the last minute, they would be much more expensive, either because you settle for the first kind of satisfactory quality you find in the nearby store, or if you have them delivered – because last minute deliveries are always more expensive.
• As with everything, planning is the key here. Make an extensive checklist of all items that are to be packed, so that you can decide where to begin. Making a list will also enable you to see which items are unwanted and you will have the time to decide what to do with them.
• The things that are most important things – those that you would not leave behind in any case. Thus, if your new place is smaller than the current one, you will be able to better see which items have more priority and know what to pack next.
• Do not put too many items in one box. This may cause damage, and damage from improper packing, unless done by the man and van removal company itself, would not be covered by your moving insurance.
• The heavier stuff, like books for example, are to be packed in small boxes. Otherwise it would be pretty hard to move them around and eventually load them on and unload them from the van.
• Do not forget to put labels on the boxes. Usually the things that are to be used first at the new place are loaded last on the van, and you should be absolutely sure which those items are.
• Add extra wrapping to items such as bleach, other chemical substances, knives and other potentially hazardous objects. Make sure to consult with your mover about what type of dangerous items and substances they have no problem transporting and arrange separate transportation for the rest (if any).
• Get a lot of bubble wrap for your fragile goods, like china, ornaments etc. Even if the moving insurance covers damage sustained by them, it will be of not much use if the cutlery your grandma left you is ruined.
• Documents, including but not limited to birth certificates, passports, bank papers etc. are to be packed separately and carried with you on the moving day.

About the Author:

Kim Jacobs

Kim Jacobs is a removals coordinator with over 11 years of experience as part of the Get man and van team and other firms in the home and office relocation industry in London. Before joining our company, Kim has worked in various logistical and transportation companies and institutions such as Transport for London, The Removals Ombudsman, and has coordinated moving projects with some of the biggest suppliers of various goods such as IKEA, HomeBase, Amazon, Sainsbury's and others. While working as a chief removals coordinator, Kim also enjoys sharing her expertise with others through writing in our blog.