Packing and Preparation Tips
A systematic, room-by-room approach to packing will help you stay organized and ensure an efficient moving day. Before our Move-Man team arrives, start with the least-used rooms, declutter items you no longer need, and gather all necessary packing supplies.
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We recommend to start packing as soon as possible.
Dismantle anything you think won't fit through doorways and turns (unless dismantling and assembly has been agreed and quoted for)
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Pre-packing essentials
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Create a moving essentials box: Pack a clearly marked box with items you will need immediately at your new home, such as a first-aid kit, phone chargers, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and a change of clothes.
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Gather supplies: Collect strong boxes of various sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, strong packing tape, permanent markers.
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Declutter first: Before packing a single item, sort through your belongings. Create piles for things you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This lightens your load and reduces overall moving costs.
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Keep important documents safe: Put passports, financial records, medical information, and other crucial documents in a secure, waterproof container that you will transport yourself.
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Kitchen
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The kitchen can be the most complex room to pack due to the variety of items.
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Fragile items: Wrap glassware and dishes individually with packing paper or bubble wrap. For plates, stack them on their edges rather than flat inside a box to make them more resilient during transit. Consider using special "dish boxes" with dividers for glassware.
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Pots and pans: Use the "nesting" technique, placing smaller pans inside larger ones with packing paper in between. Use soft kitchen items like dish towels and oven mitts for extra padding.
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Appliances: Clean and empty all small appliances, wrapping them securely in bubble wrap. For larger appliances, disconnect them and follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparation. Defrost and dry out your refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move.
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Perishables: Dispose of perishable food items. For non-perishables, tape the lids of open boxes or bottles securely and place them in a leak-proof container.
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Living room
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Handle the living room by dismantling large items first and carefully packing electronics.
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Furniture: Dismantle anything you think won't fit through doorways and turns, and secure all small screws and bolts in a clearly labelled bag.
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Electronics: Before unplugging, take a picture of the wires connected to your TV or computer to make reassembly easier. Label all cables and use the original box if you still have it. Wrap electronics in anti-static bubble wrap.
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Wall art and mirrors: Make an 'X' with masking tape across any glass to help prevent shattering. Wrap frames with packing paper and bubble wrap, then transport them in specialty picture boxes.
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Books: Use small boxes for books, as they can quickly become heavy. Pack them flat to protect the spines.
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Bedrooms
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Bedrooms are typically straightforward to pack.
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Clothing: For hanging clothes, use wardrobe boxes that allow you to move items directly from closet to box. Fold and pack other clothes into suitcases or standard boxes. Vacuum-sealed bags are great for bulky, off-season clothing. Alternatively we can hang clothes in the van.
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Bedding: Use large bags or vacuum-sealed bags to pack pillows, duvets, and linens. For an easy first night in your new home, place a full set of bedding in a separate, clearly marked bag for each bed.
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Jewellery and valuables: Pack expensive jewellery and other valuables securely in a small box and transport it in your personal vehicle.
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Small items: Use socks or soft clothing to wrap small decorative items and trinkets. To prevent necklaces from tangling, thread them through drinking straws.
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Bathrooms
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The bathroom often contains liquids that can easily leak.
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Toiletries: Put opened bottles and tubes into a sealable plastic bag to prevent spills. For extra protection, unscrew the lid, place plastic wrap over the opening, and re-seal. Use towels and other linens as additional padding inside boxes.
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Medicines: Keep all medications in a separate, easy-to-access box that you transport yourself.
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Linens: Use towels and washcloths to cushion breakable items. Pack remaining towels and bathmats in a clearly labelled box.
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Garage and outdoor
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The garage is typically full of items that are heavy or dangerous to transport.
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Tools: Wrap sharp tools with cardboard and secure them with tape. Keep a basic toolkit aside for use during the move.
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Outdoor furniture and equipment: Clean all items before packing. Disassemble furniture and securely wrap any loose or sharp parts. For anything containing fuel, such as a lawnmower, drain all petrol and oil beforehand.
Before our Move-Man team arrives
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Parking: When possible have a parking space available for us as close to the main entrance as possible.
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Label everything: Label each box with its destination room and a brief description of its contents. Add labels like "Fragile" or "This End Up" where needed. Consider a color-coding system for different rooms.
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Clear pathways: Create "clear zones" in your home by moving boxes, furniture, and other obstacles out of the main walking areas. This gives the movers clear access and reduces the risk of accidents and damage's
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Secure pets and kids: Make arrangements for pets to be with a friend or in a secure, quiet room away from the commotion. Keep children in a safe area to avoid injuries.
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Prepare utilities: Disconnect utilities where possible. Ensure that gas valves and fuse boxes are unobstructed in case the movers need access.
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Be the point person: Be available to answer questions and give directions. You can guide the movers on where to place boxes and furniture in your new home.
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