10+ Packing Tips 

10+ Packing Tips

Use plastic bags for spillable items

When it comes to packing toiletries and detergents, it’s best to reduce the number of liquid items you wish to take by packing only essentials. Select a sturdy box and some plastic bags. Take the bottles and unscrew the caps. Afterwards, place a plastic bag over the neck of each bottle and screw the caps back on. Ideally, you should be able to fit the whole bottle into the plastic bag. Tie/Zip the bag and secure it with scotch packing tape. That way, if your bottle opens by accident, its contents would remain in the plastic bag.

Roll your clothes

Ask any frequent traveller what is the best way to store your clothes and most of them will agree that rolling them is most practical. This is way easier than following any guide on how to fold your clothes properly. Plus, rolling reduces the amount of space they take and wrinkles are less likely to appear. So you can store more clothes in one box and not worry about ironing them before you put them back in your wardrobe.

Use roll tubes to pack cables and appliance wiring

We all know how annoying it is to get your earphones tangled in your pocket, right? To avoid the same from happening to all the wiring you have at your house, use toilet roll tubes to pack them individually. Afterwards, label them with a small sticky note and store them in a single box.

Store all of your valuables in one place

Needless to say, pack all of your valuable belongings in one place and make a detailed inventory list so that you won’t forget or lose something. Another option is renting a safe deposit box at your bank of choice and place your valuables there for safekeeping.

Take all of your documents with you

These include birth certificates, passports, bank account statements, etc. If your documents can fit into one box, pack them in one of suitable size and load it into your car. In case you run your own home business or have a private practice, you may need to consider the packing and office removal services of a professional removals company depending on your needs. Don’t forget that such services are usually insured.

Fill empty gaps

Remember when we said to start by storing items you use less often? Here is why: You can use clothes, old newspapers, styrofoam, packing paper, or just old rags to fill gaps in the boxes. They will fix your items in one spot for the ride or in case you have decided to transport your belongings to a long-term storage facility.

Put heavier boxes on the bottom

Packing tips like this one might be common sense, but they’re still important to mention. By putting your heavy boxes underneath the lighter boxes, you ensure no breakable items will get crushed during the move. This comes of great use when packing books in boxes or when loading furniture in solid containers and inside vehicles.

Label your boxes

Write the name of the room of each box with a marker next to the inventory list. Write on the sides of the boxes and not on top, as this will make it easier to recognise them if they’re stacked. It’s also advisable to use a different colour for every room. If you have children, ask them to help out and get creative. Kids love drawing and colouring, so what better way to reduce the stress of moving? This is just one method of helping your kids cope with the move.

Dispose of hazardous materials

International removal companies would usually remind you that they will not allow transportation of such materials. If they haven’t provided you with any information on the topic, you should certainly ask them. If they happen to handle hazardous items and you wish to transport such materials, ask about certifications and qualifications. Keep in mind this significantly increases the cost of your move.

Per the website of the Government of the UK, such articles are sorted according to their class, identifying the type of danger they pose, and by packing group (PG), which points to their level of danger. The following are considered dangerous goods and are regulated by strict international laws:

• Gases
• Explosives
• Flammable solids
• Flammable liquids
• Oxidizers and organic peroxides
• Toxic and infectious substances
• Radioactive material
• Corrosive substances
• Miscellaneous dangerous substances

Put simply, these include household items, such as boxes of paint, cleaning products containing bleach, pesticides, asbestos, batteries, fluorescent tubes, etc.

So, the best way to deal with hazardous materials is to dispose of them in an eco-friendly manner. Lots of companies have the equipment to do this for you. If you need to take such items with you, make sure you shut them close as tight as possible and place each type in a different box. It’s NOT a good idea to mix them together. Close the boxes well and label them.

Set aside items for your box of essentials

One of the most important moving tips you will ever come across. The box of essentials should contain items you will need right after your move is over. It’s important to take into account any other outside factors which may affect what you pack into your essentials box. Depending on weather conditions and the location of your new home, you might need to include more items than you think. For example, if you’re moving house during winter, you will have to pack extra duvets, scarves, hats, and gloves. For more information on what to include and how to do it properly scroll down.

Be mindful of your pets

If you have had pets for a while, you know how big changes can affect them. Some get very anxious, while others can become very lethargic. It depends on your pet. But there are ways you can accommodate their needs during the relocation process and reduce the overall stress levels. One way to do this is to let your pet get acquainted with all the packing materials. For more detailed information, you can check out what advice the St Albans Removals Team gives on how to move with dogs, as well as the most important rules when moving with cats.

Now that you know how to pack for moving home, we wish you happy packing and good luck!