Self-packing tips to make moving easier

Self-packing tips to make moving easier

You’ve found your new home, have chosen Grace as your removalist and booked your moving date, now it’s time to start packing. Packing your belongings can be stressful, time consuming and sometimes back breaking, but good news, we’ve put together this list of 20 self-packing tips to make moving to your new home easier.

  1. Go into each room and do a quick audit, split the items into 3: to keep, to donate and to discard − This will make packing much quicker and easier, in contrast to deciding on the spot. Before you pack any items you want to donate, make sure you visit Vinnies’ “What I can donate” page to find what you can and can’t donate.
  2. Allocate boxes for each room – While you’re visiting each room, make sure you allocate the number of boxes you think you’ll need to pack the items inside. If you’re unsure or would like assistance, book a Grace home visit. One of friendly team members will not only give you moving tips and advice but will also go through each room with you to discuss the item you want to keep, how to pack them and how many boxes you’ll need to transport them.
  3. Empty all wardrobes, drawers and cupboards – Before you start packing your belongings, make sure to empty all wardrobes, drawers and cupboards as this will make it easier to move larger items and will help protect the goods inside as well as the furniture.
  4. Remove batteries from all battery-operated appliances and toys – This will protect the appliances and toys from potential damage and battery spills.
  5. Unplug, wind and fasten electrical cords – There are plenty of videos that provide easy-to-follow steps that you can watch to help prevent tangles and protect the cords in order to increase its usage and lifespan. Here’s one video we suggest you watch to help pack your electrical cords.
  6. Use an apron to hold your packing tools – There’s nothing worse than losing your packing tape and Stanley knife/scissor just when you’re about to seal a carton. The solution? An apron, wear one with pockets to hold all your packing tools including scissors/Stanley knife, sealing tape and markers.
  7. Disassemble your furniture – Where possible, disassemble your furniture as this will protect your furniture and allow you to optimize the space in your carton.
  8. Use the right packing cartons – Use Book-Pac to pack your books, Port-a-Robe to pack your clothing and Wine Pac to pack your wine bottles. Grace can provide you with high quality packing materials to ensure you items arrive safely and securely at your new home.
  9. Create cushioning – To provide optimum protection to your belongings, create cushioning in each carton by using crumpled, clean, white paper. This will help absorb vibrations during transport.
  10. Wrap items individually – Use packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap each item individually. Don’t forget to seal with some packing tape for extra security.
  11. Create a Safe Spot Carton – One of the most crucial cartons you should pack is a Safe Spot Carton or “first night/week box”. A Safe Spot Carton will house all your essential items such as moving details, phone, toiletries, keys, chargers, medications, contracts and a change of clothes, pretty much, everything you need while you unpack and settle in your new home.
  12. Heavy to light – This may seem self-explanatory but make sure you place the heaviest items in the bottom of carton, and place lighter items on top to prevent damages.
  13. Ensure items are packed vertically – This is particularly useful for packing plates and dishes. By packing your plates vertically, you’ll be providing them with optimal protection and prevent damages during the move.
  14. Eat and discard any perishable items – Try to eat any perishable items in your fridge a week before the move to prevent food waste. If you can’t finish them, you may consider giving it to family or friends, otherwise you may need to discard them. Keep in mind that you can’t donate perishable goods to charities.
  15. Defrost the fridge – We recommend defrosting your fridge and freezer 24-hour before the move as this will help prevent water damages to other items during transportation.
  16. Pack corresponding items together – Where possible, try to pack corresponding items together, such as pots and lids, as well as jars and lids. This will make it easier to unpack and put them together in your new home.
  17. Ensure boxes are fully packed – This will prevent the cartons from being crushed and help retains it shape and integrity during the move.
  18. Limit maximum weight to 15kg to 20kg – To prevent back pain and other injuries, we suggest limiting the maximum weight of each cartons to 15kg to 20 kg. It’ll also make it easier to transport and carry.
  19. Label – This is a no brainer – label your cartons clearly with your name, the room they’ll going into as well as a brief description of the contents.
  20. No hazardous objects – Do not pack any hazardous or flammable items such as liquid gas bottles, batteries, firearms and ammunition, propane, paint as well as live animals.

Of course, if you want to take the hassle out of packing, Grace offers professional packing service as part of our comprehensive removal service. We use quality packing materials that will provide your items with optimal protection to ensure that they are safe from damage caused by shocks, bumps, vibrations and movements. Most of our packing materials are made from recycled items and are reusable to help protect our environment. If you’re interesting in our packing service call us on 13 14 42.

Share

Related Posts

Recent Posts
Share

Request an online quote

Save time and submit an online moving quote. We'll quickly get back to you with indicative pricing and answer any questions you may have.
Quick Free Quote
Type of Service
Removals
Storage
Office Move
13 14 42