Man and Vans provide detailed packing tips in the removals section of our website. We also provide a packing service for our customers.
Man and Vans also sell Packaging Materials
Packing guide useful tips
Acquire more boxes than you think you will need once you start packing you will be surprised, from our experience people moving always say they didn’t realise how much stuff they had.
Wise packing
Spend some time taking into consideration how you are going to pack your property. Books are straightforward but weighty, valuables need particular care when wrapping and will take time, and certain furniture may need to be
dismantled.
Pack a room at a time, labelling each box with details of its contents and where it should be placed in your new home e.g. kitchen, bathroom, garage visibly mark “Fragile” on the outer surface of cartons do not mark all boxes with fragile only boxes which actually have fragile items inside. Be as detailed as you can it will make unpacking a good deal easier.
Keep the load of your boxes sensible if possible to avoid any back injuries, put
heavy objects in small boxes to make them easier to carry. Place lighter items
in bigger boxes.
Do not use packing tape directly on polished or painted wood surfaces. stripping
off the packing tape could spoil the surface. It is an idea to tape a sign on rooms in new house with names so corresponding
boxes can be placed directly in these rooms. Pack most important papers together, for instance birth and marriage
certificates passports, and keep them in a safe place.
Necessities box
Put together a box of essentials and mark it “Open Me First.” Put this box to the side to be loaded last so it’s first of the van or transport it yourself.
The Essential box should contain: Basic tools such as torch, pocket knife, hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure and light bulbs. Bathroom essentials such as hand towel, soap, toilet paper, shampoo. tooth brush. Kitchen needs such as paper towels, kettle and teapot, plates and cups, cutlery, pet foods, bin liners.
System furniture
When disassembling any furnishings, beds, wardrobes, etc. put the screws nuts or
bolts into a plastic bag along with any assembly instructions and tape it to the
item itself.
List boxes
Make a main list of all household possessions and your personal effects. Number boxes when they are packed and
sealed. Note on the main list the contents of the numbered boxes.
Packing boxes
Prior to packing cartons, you’ll need to wrap most items to guard them from scratching and shatter. There are a selection of supplies to be had, including bubble pack, foam peanuts and tissue paper. Support the bottom of boxes with adhesive packing tape the last thing we want is to pick a box up and the bottom open up and everything crashes to the floor. Fill boxes securely and pack well to prevent the contents from moving during your move. Close up boxes securely with packing tape. Boxes should be no more than 30kg in weight
Group records and CDs vertically in boxes do not stack them flat. Place weighty
items in the bottom of the box and lighter items at the top. Detach tops and
lids from jars and china and wrap them separately. Fasten any opened boxes and
bottles before packing them to prevent spills and seepage.
How To Pack Books
Don’t pack more than 30 kg of books in a box, unless you’re
taking part in worlds strongest man competition. Plug in small spaces in each
box with smaller paperbacks. rotate bindings every few books to keep piles level
in each box tape shut and mark box books.
Where appropriate mark boxes that need to be a certain way up we always move
boxes in a upright position but there are items that need to be “THIS WAY UP”
How to pack clothes
Wardrobe boxes are ideal and make life easier unpacking, clothes can be taken
straight from wardrobe on hangers and hung straight into wardrobe box with no
added ironing to do afterwards although they can be expensive If the boxes still
have some space think about filling them with lightweight items like lamp shades
covered in bubble wrap. Suitcases can be used for packing clothes. Write on
boxes clothing or with the person’s name on so they can placed in their room.
Computers and electronic items
Where possible pack electrical items TVs stereos amplifiers, cassette
players, CD players, video players, and turntables in their original cardboard
box. If you did not keep original packaging they can be packed in boxes with
proper packing materials used like bubble wrap, blankets and pillows along with
clothing, electronics need to be packed in sturdy boxes. Label the wires, cords,
and jacks of your piece of equipment to make reconnecting your system quick and
easy. Label the boxes Fragile and with the room of the house and what the box
contains. remove cds or disks and back up important files.
Packing Mirrors and Framed Pictures
Pack individual pieces or groups into Adjustable Mirror Boxes surrounded by
adequate Packing Materials to ensure a safe journey. Label the boxes with
Fragile and with the room destination. Wrap the picture or mirror in a ample
amount of padding bubble wrap or paper. Place in a flattened packing box carton.
Carefully tape and seal the carton. Always stand glass, pictures and mirrors on
their edge do not lay flat. If you have no purpose made picture boxes normal
removal boxes can be used by cutting them up and wrapping around mirrors or
pictures always remember to protect corners and tape star shape.
Man and Vans, London’s leading light removal service, likes to help with your move. This doesn’t just mean picking up your possessions and delivering them safely to your new address.