Packing for a home removal or an office move can feel like an overwhelming task. But with the right strategy and these professional packing tips from D&G Moves, you can ensure a smooth, secure, and stress-free transition. Our goal is to make your move as efficient as possible, and that starts with smart packing.
The Golden Rule of Removal Packing: Declutter Before You Box
Before you even think about lifting a box, embrace the “segment into three” approach:
- Keep & Pack: These are the items you genuinely need and use.
- Donate & Give Away: Unwanted items that are still in good condition can find a new home. Consider local charities, food banks, or friends and family. Old Tupperware or takeaway lidded containers, for example, can be incredibly handy for food banks or community cafes.
- Waste Removal & Recycling: For items that are broken, unusable, or simply trash.
- Be Savvy with Recycling Dates: Check your local council’s last collection dates for different waste streams (general waste, recycling). This can save you unwanted trips to the tip.
- D&G Moves Waste Removal Service: Alternatively, make life easier! If you have a significant amount of waste or bulky items, let us know before your move date, and we can arrange our waste removal service to take any unwanted items away for you. This saves you time, effort, and potentially multiple trips to the recycling centre.
Packing Prowess: Tips for Every Item
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to pack like a pro.
- Box Weights: The Lifters’ Friend: This is critical. Never make a box so heavy that it can’t be safely lifted by one or two people.
- Heavy items (books, tins, tools): Use small boxes.
- Lighter, bulkier items (linens, cushions, clothes): Use larger boxes.
- Always put heavier items at the bottom of the box for stability and to prevent crushing.
- Labelling is Your Lifeline: Label every box clearly on at least two sides with:
- The room it belongs in at the new property (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Master Bedroom,” “Office Archive”).
- A brief description of its contents (e.g., “Pots & Pans,” “Summer Clothes,” “Client Files A-M”).
- “Fragile” if applicable, and an arrow indicating “This Way Up.”
- The “Essentials” Box: This is your survival kit for the first 24-48 hours. Pack it with:
- Kettle, mugs, tea/coffee/sugar, snacks, tea-towels
- Toiletries, towels, loo roll.
- A change of clothes for each family member.
- Important documents (Passports, IDs, house deeds, D&G Moves contract).
- Medication.
- Phone chargers, basic toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, allen key), a knife to open boxes.
- Any essential items for pets (food, bowls, bedding, any medication) or young children. Keep this box with you in your car.
Specialist Packing Considerations
- Fragile Items: Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap, packing paper, or old towels. Create a cushioned base in the box with crumpled paper. Fill any gaps with more packing material to prevent movement. Clearly mark “FRAGILE” on all sides.
- Clothes:
- Wardrobe Boxes: For items on hangers, D&G Moves can often provide wardrobe boxes, allowing clothes to transfer directly from your wardrobe to the box, hung up.
- Folded Clothes: Pack folded clothes neatly into sturdy boxes.
- Vacuum Packing: For bulky items like duvets, pillows, or out-of-season clothing, vacuum bags are a game-changer for saving space.
- Shed & Garage Contents: These are often overlooked and can contain sharp tools, chemicals, or dusty items.
- Empty and clean plant pots.
- Drain fuel from lawnmowers and other machinery.
- Securely seal any liquids.
- Bundle tools together and wrap any sharp edges.
- Ensure everything is dry before packing to prevent mould or rust.
- Food & Pantry Items:
- Check Dates: Go through your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Discard expired food.
- Donate: Box up any non-perishable, in-date food items you won’t use and take them to a local food bank. Many charities are grateful for donations.
- Reduce Stock: In the weeks leading up to your move, plan meals to use up existing frozen and fresh food. Defrost your freezer completely a few days before the move.
- Loft & Attic: These areas often hold forgotten treasures, the Christmas tree and decorations and more than likely lots of dust! Check the loft well in advance. Consider wearing a mask for dust. Any items for removal should be brought down before the removals crew arrives.
- Curtains, Blinds & Fixtures: Decide whether curtains or blinds are staying or going. If they’re coming with you, take them down, fold them neatly, and pack them in clearly labelled bags or boxes.
- Commercial removals, hybrid workers’ desks: If your team works hybrid, ensure they have ample notice to empty their desks, clear out drawers, and pack any personal items. Encourage them to label their chairs and any personal or hybrid equipment to ensure it ends up in the correct spot at the new office.
Final Checks for a Secure Move
- Disconnect Appliances: Ensure washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges/freezers are disconnected, drained (where applicable), and cleaned.
- Take Meter Readings: On moving day, take final gas, electricity, and water meter readings at your old property and immediately upon arrival at your new one. Take photos for proof.
- Secure Cables and Fittings: For dismantled furniture, tape screws, bolts, and small parts into a clearly labelled bag and attach it directly to the corresponding piece of furniture.
Packing doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By following these professional packing tips, you’ll not only save time and stress on moving day but also ensure your belongings arrive safely and organised. And remember, for any waste removal needs, D&G Moves is here to help – just let us know in advance! Our expert team is ready to make your home or work removal as seamless as possible.