Tips

A. * Make a list of items you’ll need available for the moving day, so that you don’t pack something essential. Pack a separate box of essentials you may need for the first night at your new house. Include items like toiletries, toilet paper, torch and or candles, bottled water, snacks and a change of clothes in case you cannot unpack everything in time.

B. You may also like to use a digital camera to document the contents of each box – good for you to know whats what and proof of contents should there be any issues.

C. Begin packing early (a day or two prior is best to allow for any issues that may arise) and only pack one room at a time.

D. Start packing items that are not used frequently, such as books, out of season clothing, etc. Make a list of specific items as you go – especially valuables.

E. Label each carton on the sides and top with its contents and the room it is going into.

F. Heavy items like books and appliances should be packed in their own smaller sized box so that they are lighter to handle.

G. * Throw away or donate junk you don’t want to take to your new place. Don’t pack it again!!!

A. Individually wrap and pack each item – there are no shortcuts – for a more comprehensive method used to pack click here.

B. Place packing paper or buffering at the bottom of each carton: blankets, pillows, and towels work well for this purpose.

C. Mark cartons as Heavy or Fragile as necessary.

D. Pack boxes to their full capacity by using crunched packing paper to fill empty spaces, but do not overload in such a way that the box may lose its shape, or rupture.

E. You must use packing tape to secure both the top and bottom of each box.

A. Furniture: Make sure that doors and drawers of your furniture are securely shut (use tape, rope or strong ribbon). Take shelving out of cupboards and units. Make sure that furniture is empty i.e. Do not leave clothing in drawers. Empty dressers- hanging clothes can go in a Port-A-Robe boxes or take clothing items yourself in your own vehicle – it may save you some costs.

B. Major Appliances: Freezers, refrigerators, washers, driers, stoves, etc., should be dry and clean. If you choose to discard any of these items, make sure that a child cannot enter and be locked inside any of such items. Freezers & fridges can be turned off at the time of removal – but please make sure they are empty.

C. Pictures: i.e paintings – Use bubble wrap and cover with cardboard – it protects the glass and picture frame.

D. Lamps & Lampshades: Remove light bulbs from lamps. Put shades in a separate box and mark “Fragile”.

E. Electronics: i.e dvd players – Pack in original packaging if possible. Pack each item individually. Use bubble wrap and mark “Fragile”.

F. Computers: Backup all your files onto CDs or DVDs. Where possible we encourage customers to take computers in their own vehicle as with laptops and small items of the like. If you are sending these items with the removalists on the day – they should be boxed.

Make a list of all your cartons and their contents. Essential items you want first access to, should be the last boxes loaded into the removal truck.

Make a list of all your cartons and their contents. Essential items you want first access to, should be the last boxes loaded into the removal truck.A. Find tasks that your toddler can do to help. Some packing responsibilities of a childs own will keep them occupied for a while at least. Kids always seem to have toys in every room so give them a box and excitedly ask them to “pack” up his/her toys. Then give him/her some tape – its likely they will spend quite a long time taping up their own boxes. Giving a crayon to “label” his/her box and its likely they will spend over a half hour coloring his/her box. The child will feel like they are contributing and will keep them from under your feet. ****Remember to give them box, tape and crayon at separate intervals and not all at once – you dont want to overwhelm them.

B. Carry your infant around in a sling or a baby backpack. Sometimes baby is happy to just be near you. “Wearing” baby helps baby be close and helps you keep both of your hands free.

C. When all else fails, put aside some time to just focus on the kids. If your kids are crying a lot, you aren’t going to get much done. Sometimes our children just need our attention for a little while. Even if you have to sit down and help him/her play with sometihng i.e. blocks for 20-30 minutes, he/she may be able to play on his/her own for a few hours. A few hours can mean being able to pack an entire room.

D. Remember to keep food and snacks and drinks available at all times – even if it means packing a mini picnic – food is usually another thing that you will be interupted over. So take the time to have some prepared and take the time to sit with your kids and have a “picnic” – make it fun!

Moving your valuables is dangerous and unfortunately accidents do happen, however you can try to avoid or at least minimize damage by following some basic guidelines. After you collect your packing materials, select a work area that is large enough to handle various sizes of cartons. Keep your marking pens, tape and scissors nearby. Spread a neatly stacked, generous amount of packing paper flat on your work area. Here are some basic recommendations for packing various items.

Dishware – Use this technique on all saucers, bread and butter dishes and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantities.

1. Select a cardboard box and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.

2. With butchers paper stacked in place on the work table, center your plate on the paper. Grasp a corner of several sheets and wrap until the plate is completely covered.

3. Move the plate to the side and do the same with two more plates, stacking them on top of each other after wrapping.

4. Turn the wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your paper.

5. Re-wrap the entire bundle. Start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle; cover the bundle with the next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth

6. Seal the bundle with packing tape.

7. Place the bundle of dishware in the box so that the plates are standing on edge.

Cups – More delicate cups should be stuffed with crumpled tissue or butchers paper and wrapped one at a time as well.

1. Wrap each cup individually in butchers paper.

2. Place cups in a vertical position, lips down, near the top of the box. Do not stack heavy items on top of the cups.

Glasses and Stemware – As you pack each layer of a box, use crumpled packing paper to assure a snug fit wherever there is a gap. All boxes that contain fragile items should be marked “Fragile.”

1. Before wrapping, stuff glassware and stemware with crumpled tissue or butchers paper.

2. Lay glass or stemware on the corner of the packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull the sides of the packing paper up and over the glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner.

3. Glasses and stemware should be placed toward the top of the box. Heavier items (dishware, pitchers, etc.) should be placed toward the bottom. Very delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in a vertical position, lips down – not on their sides.

Small Appliances and Utensils – Wrap and place small appliances and utensils in sturdy cartons with heavier items on the bottom.

Bedding – Fold and pack all pillowcases, sheets and towels in clean cartons. Pack blankets, quilts and comforters in large cartons.

Books – Pack on edge in smaller cartons. Alternate bindings, don’t overload cartons. (Remember – try to limit individual carton weight to 20 kilos.)

Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Foods – Pack upright in smaller cartons with no more than 24 to 30 cans per carton. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.

China and Glassware – Glassware and china cups should be stuffed with tissue. Do not nest unwrapped glasses. Pack plates, platters and saucers on edges and layer with padding between each layer as well as on the top and bottom of the carton. Be sure to label these boxes “Fragile.”

Clothing – Fold and pack clothing in clean cartons or bags or suitcases.

DVD Players, CD Players – Use original packing materials when available. If original packing materials are not available, refer to the owner’s manuals for further information. Wrap DVD players, CD players wiith an old blanket and place them upright in the carton. To stabilize the laser on a CD player, replace the transport screws (normally located on the bottom of the unit). Label boxes “Fragile” and “This Side Up.”

DVDs, CDs, Software Discs, and Video Tapes – Layer the bottom of a small carton with shredded or crushed paper. Pack DVDs, CDs, software discs in their protective sleeves or cases. If sleeves or cases are not available, wrap the items in tissue paper or plastic wrap to prevent scratching. Stand CDs, software discs on edge in cartons. Brace at both ends using a hardback book or layer pieces of cardboard to provide a snug fit. Fill in with paper as needed. Be sure to mark the box “Fragile.”

Plasma and Big-Screen TVs, Surround Sound Systems and Entertainment System Components – It is best to use the original packaging when available. Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions on your equipment.

Lamps and Lampshades – Remove bulbs and shades and roll up the cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in a clean, tissue/paper lined carton. Wrap shades in tissue or butchers paper, not newspaper, and place upright in cartons.

Linens – Fold neatly and place in clean cartons, but be careful not to overload.

Medicines – Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. Some prescription drugs, such as insulin, lose their potency if exposed to heat, we recommend that you carry all medications with you.

Microwave Ovens – Remove all loose articles inside the oven, such as cookware, glass shelves and carousels. Wrap loose articles and place in a separate container. Tape the door shut. Use the original manufacturer’s carton if available.

Personal Computers – Pack computer equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer. Non-detachable cords also should be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer and the carton.

Tools and Lawn Equipment – Drain oil and fuel from your equipment (do not ship flammables under any circumstances). Pack hand tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.