Although doing the packing yourself can seem like a monumental task, it doesn’t have to be hassle, and if approached correctly you will do just as good a job as professional packers but at much less cost. The main trick is simply being prepared and organised. Here’s how to go about packing:
Get the right packing materials
Before you start packing, make sure you have a good supply of everything you will need. This will most likely include: Boxes, lots of packing tap, some labels or marker pens, and a Stanley knife. There are various ways to get hold of these items, and they won’t set you back too much financially. The tape and knife are also very useful for general work around the house, so are a worthy investment either way. You should also get plenty of bubble wrap or even old newspaper.
You can easily find boxes and packing supplies online, and even from your W4 removal company if you want to keep all your expenses centralised. A great cost free alternative if you need boxes, is to go along to your local grocery shop or supermarket, and ask if they have any delivery boxes they can give you. Most of the time, shops are happy to pass them on for free, and they are normally in fairly good condition.
Plan and schedule your packing
By doing this, you will avoid any last minute rushed packing, which can lead to things getting broken or damaged because they weren’t packed properly. Also, it can lead to a frustrating unpack, especially if you didn’t have the time to organise properly, as everything will end up in random boxes and be a real pain to sort through.
You should start planning your packing a few months in advance at least, longer if you have a lot of things to pack. By setting yourself a schedule, you can tackle a little bit of packing every day. Because you won’t be rushed, you can take your time packing things properly and securely. It’s generally best to start off with the least used items in the house first, and work your way towards the everyday essentials, which should be packed just before moving day.
How to pack
The trick is to start with the heaviest and bulkiest items first. Before you pack anything, place a layer of bubble wrap or rolled up paper on the bottom of the box, then place your first item in. You should then add layers of bubble wrap or paper so that the item is covered on all sides before adding the next thing to go in the box. Try to think of packing the box as fitting the pieces of a puzzle together. You want everything to be secure, but use as much space as possible.
Once all the larger and heavier items are in, start adding the smaller ones in any gaps, again making sure to place protection in between each item. If there are any spaces left, then simply fill these with bubble wrap or paper too. When sealing, double tape the box shut, and add tape along the edges of the box too if you want to add a bit more strength to it. Once packed, you should be able to gently shake the box and find there is little to no movement or sound. This means everything is packed securely and won’t rattle about and possibly get damaged during loading and transport.
