Moving house packing guide

Cardboard Boxes

• Always seal the bottom of the box with enough tape to secure it. Seal along the join where the flaps meet and follow up the side of the box by a few inches. 
• Sealing the sides will add extra protection. A handheld tape dispenser is very useful when sealing your boxes. 
• You may find our How to Seal a Box guide useful.
• Never interlock the flaps of the box as it reduces the strength of the box.
• Use small sized boxes for packing heavier items such as tinned food, books, CDs, DVDs etc.
• Use medium sized boxes for packing kitchen items such as utensils and plates and fragile items such as ornaments.
• Use large sized boxes for packing toys, bedding, clothes etc.
• The general rule is the heavier the item, the smaller the box so as not to cause back problems by lifting heavy boxes. 
• Picture boxes are a simple and easy way to pack mirrors, frames, pictures and prints.
• Archive boxes are a great way to store and transport files and folders.

Sealing and Labelling

• Use a handheld tape dispenser where possible for ease of sealing boxes.
• Identify the contents of the box by using marker pens, different coloured tapes and/or labels.
  Use warning labels for boxes that contain fragile and breakable items.

Protection

• Use wrapping paper, tissue paper, foam wrap and/or bubble wrap to ensure your belongings are adequately protected.
• Use plate dividers when packing your crockery.
• Edge protection is a great product to protect the edges of tables, cabinets, wardrobes etc.

Other Helpful Tips

• Grip seal bags are great for keeping nuts and bolts together when dismantling wardrobes, taking shelves down etc.
• Make sure you unplug and drain your washing machine and dishwasher a few days before your move.
• Use up your frozen food a few days before your move so you can defrost your freezer in time for the big move.
• Get up to date with your laundry a few days before your move so you have no wet washing to take with you.