How to Pack Moving Boxes

Our tips on how to pack your belongings for a house move

There is more to packing then just throwing your belongings into as many boxes as you can get your hands on. In fact there is an art to packing moving boxes which ensure that items are packed securely and safely so they are not damaged in transit to their new home.

If you choose to pack your own belongings ready for a move, be aware that it is one of the most time-consuming and laborious tasks in moving house. We all have far more possessions than we think and what starts off as a money-saving idea can soon become quote overwhelming.

If you still decide you want to give it a go, here are a few helpful tips to get you started:

Begin Packing as early as possible

The first thing you will want to ask yourself is “do you want to take it all with you?” When accessing your belongings decide if you actually want it in your new home. If not consider selling it, giving it away or donating it to charity.

Invest in good quality boxes.

Make sure that you use suitable boxes that are strong enough and large enough to carry your goods without being too heavy when filled. We suggest double wall boxes or strong single walled. Choose similar size boxes so they stack together and produce a uniformed level in the removal van.

We sell a range of good quality packing materials, including moving boxes, from our Beckenham shop.

Always fill the box to the top and then close the lid.

This allows the boxes to be stacked on top of each other without the worry of them collapsing. If there is a slight gap at the top, use light weight materials to fill the gap, such as packing paper, bubble wrap or light weight linen.

Use packing tape

Always make sure that you use packing tape to fasten the bottom and the top of all your boxes. A general packing tape such as the buff packing tape we sell will be easily suitable for taping up your cartons. And don’t be tempted to just use the ‘envelope’ fold to seal boxes. If you do use this method, then ensure you reinforce boxes with tape so they don’t split and spill out the contents.

Place heavier items in smaller boxes

Books are the worst offenders when it comes down to weight. Use smaller boxes for books and large items such as kitchen appliances. You should also pack fragile items in small boxes to prevent them from moving about whilst in transit.

Beware of the weight

Never make the boxes so heavy that they cannot be lifted safely. If they are becoming heavy whilst you are packing them, try filling the rest of the box with light bulky items such as linen, towels, cushions or soft toys.

Please do not just fold the flaps of the box and tape along the fold except with relatively lightly filled boxes. If the box is overloaded there is a danger that if the box is picked up with any weight inside, the flaps just unfold and everything falls out.

Packing fragile items

For fragile and delicate items printed “fragile” tape is a must and protect items with bubble wrap and packing papers. Bubble wrap comes in all different sizes of bubbles. The large ones are usually used for bigger items, such as furniture, while smaller bubbles work well for mugs, cups, and dishes. If you use bubble wrap, be sure the majority of the bubbles are inflated and then wrap your fragile items in it, taping well. Be sure to fold over the ends and tape those, too, so the item doesn’t slip out of its protective pocket.

Label your boxes

This is one of the most important parts of packing. Make sure you label the boxes with the contents, as well as the room you want the box to be moved to in your new home. Otherwise you’ll waste precious time in out new home searching for your things. This will also make it easier for you/your removal company to place boxes in the correct room at the other end.

Pack non-essentials first and essential items last

Start by boxing up items you won’t need in the lead up to the move, things such as artwork, books, pictures, seasonal clothing and so forth. Then start packing the more essential items last. These might include kitchen utensils and dinnerware, bedding, clothing and essentials.

Packing Liquids

Make sure that all the lids, tops on bottles or anything else that could spill are securely fastened, and in the case of bottles make sure they are stood upright and held in that position firmly.

DO NOT pack flammable items as these will not be allowed on the vehicle and will invalidate any insurance cover if they find their way on.

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of packing?

If this all sounds a bit too overwhelming, why not let us do your packing for you? At Casey’s Removals we have the experience required to efficiently and safely pack your goods ready for transportation. Combine this with the packing materials we provide and moving house never seemed so easy.

We offer a full or partial Packing Service

If you choose to use our packing service, make sure you clarify with us exactly what has been arranged to be packed. This can be anything from packing every last thing to just your glass and china. If we are only packing glass and china you should lay the items out onto a suitable work surface like the dining table.

Check with us to see if we will be arriving the day before to pack or if we are doing it all on the day. This will depend on the time scale you have to leave your house and the amount of packing involved.

To find out the cost of our packing service, please complete our online form or call the office direct

Click To Call For Free Quote 020 8659 6677

Our Casey’s Removals Shop is located at 263 Beckenham Road, Beckenham BR3 4RP and is fully stocked with a range of moving boxes, alongside other packing materials including furniture covers, bubble wraps and packing tape.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for advice or a free quotation for our services.