6 Removalist Tips To Pack and Move Your House

19-Oct-2010 Moving house can be a stressful time whether it is a local move, an interstate relocation or you are moving internationally. One of the first questions that you need to answer is…..am I looking to pack my own furniture and belongings or do I want a complete door to door removalists service?
 
If you are looking to “Owner Pack” your shipment you must think about the many materials that you will require. Obtaining the right removalist boxes is high on the list of priorities. Questions that come to mind are what type of boxes will I need? Where can find boxes? How many will I need and what will they cost?
 
Removalist boxes come in many shapes and sizes and are designed to safely transport specific goods. If you are packing your own goods you should source the appropriate materials from a removalist company. For example, packing heavy books or tools into a standard size removalist box could result in serious damage to the contents or an injury to the person who handles the box.

Developing a moving house checklist and preparing an inventory of goods to be moved will help you decide on the type and number of boxes you need. It will also help you understand exactly what materials you’ll need. The right materials will ultimately save you time and money.
 
A complete door to door service will include all material and labour costs from professional packing in your home to unpacking and removal of boxes and other material on delivery at destination. Often you will find that the cost of having professional removalists will not be as you first thought. You should consider the time and cost associated with completing your own packing and unpacking and the risks of damage to belongings and people. You may be surprised at how little extra it can cost for a complete door to door service. It is important to know that transit insurance will not cover “Owner Packed” items for damage.
 
In a complete removal service, expertly trained pack teams such as those used by international removalists will ensure your belongings are packed safely and securely. Packaging is made from high quality materials and often built for specific purposes. For example, high value items can require custom packaging and crating and so you might need an on-site carpenter to create a specific solution.
 
Here are 6 basic packaging tips:
 
Furniture

• When travelling overseas, cushioned craft paper is used for the wrapping of furniture pieces
• Fragile or high value items are often wrapped and custom built crates ensure protection
• Avoid the use of plastics on leather or polished timber furniture

Small Fragile Items

• Wrap glassware and china individually, cushioned them and carefully boxed prior to shipment.

Large Fragile Items 

• For safer handling and space-efficient loading contour-packing is required 
• Maximum protection can be secured with crating customised to your belongings 
• For added protection, use tissue and corrugated bubble-wrap

Clothing

• Keep clothes flat and save space with special lay-down cartons 
• Upright wardrobes let coats and suits remain hanging in the move 
• Make sure your clothes are clean and dry before packing

Audio Visual

• Plasma and LCD screens are protected through the use of purpose made packaging.

Rugs 

• Roll your rugs if possible, don’t fold them 
• To allow rugs to breathe wrap them with porous material
• Desiccant packets should be used to keep carpets moisture-free 
• Make sure that your rugs are clean and dry before packing

Sourcing removalist boxes and having the right packaging materials is only the beginning. Your personal belongings can arrive safely if you choose a reputable removalist company that has quality approved practices and industry trained staff.

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