Packing Tips for Moving

Moving is a very stressful task. Once you’ve gotten over all the excitement that comes with a new home, you are suddenly faced with the truth that moving house is A LOT of hard work. Everything from planning out the logistics down to settling in will take the energy out of you.

Packing, in particular, is often considered as one of the most stressful and challenging parts of the move.  Some people even say that your packing process will determine the success of your house move as a whole. Hence, it is crucial to make sure the task of packing goes as smoothly as possible.

To help you make the moving process pleasant and stress-free, we’ve come up with a list of packing tips for moving which you may find useful during the entire process.

Make A List Of All The Packing Materials You Will Need

You don’t want to be the person who figures out they’re a few boxes, wrapping sheets, and bubble wrap pieces short, halfway through the process. Worse, you don’t want to be the one who realises they would have been better off splurging for the larger boxes in the first place! Either way, though, what’s important is that everything is packed up nice and securely.

Here’s a sample list of things you may need for packing your stuff:

• Padding, plastic wrap, and bubble wrap for fragile and breakable items

• Wrapping sheets, packing paper, newspaper, or blank sheets

• A small knife and scissors

• High-quality tapes (packing tape, clear tape, masking tape)

• Glue

• Permanent marker or labelling stickers

• Plastic bags

• Cardboard boxes

For valuable, fragile, and expensive objects, you may opt to consult a professional or carry them carefully yourself. To be sure that all your belongings stay safe and secure,  invest in high-quality, sturdy packing boxes instead of reusing old boxes that may already be damaged.

Make Sure To Use High Quality Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

From the box your favourite pizza is delivered in to the storage boxes in your home and the Amazon parcels waiting at your doorstep, corrugated cardboard boxes are present pretty much in our daily lives. Known for its ruffled centre, such boxes are flexible, yet sturdy and robust. With its high-quality form, it ensures that the packaging lasts and goods are safe from loading, transporting, up until unloading.

This box material has three components: liner, flute, and another liner. This structure goes back to somewhere around the late 1800s early 1900s when corrugated boxes were first manufactured. Since then, wooden crates and boxes have been replaced by this innovative and lightweight material.

Benefits of Using Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

Here are some of the benefits of using corrugated cardboard boxes:

It Protects Small and Big Packages

The flute of corrugated cardboard is a strong arrangement that serves as a resistance to crushing. Varying in width and size, flutes protect small and big packages by giving strength to both sides of the box. Although non-corrugated boxes are cheaper, they can only be used with lightweight products.

Flutes come in A, B, C, E, F, and Z. One of the most common types of a flute is the B flute, which is ideal for transit packaging. This is thicker and heavier than the E flute, which is mostly used for retail cartons. While the E flute is 1.5mm thick, the B flute is 3mm thick.

When it comes to house moving boxes, two flute profiles can be combined for thicker and more robust protection. One example is the BC flute, which is 6mm thick. Depending on the weight of your valuables, flutes can be merged in layers to build single-wall, double-wall, or tri-wall boxes.

It Is Perfect for Storage

If you just finished moving and you have several removal boxes that you don’t want to throw away, why not use them for storage?

The arch fluting of a corrugated cardboard box makes it ideal for storage. It allows air to circulate and acts as an insulator, that’s why it can withstand temperature variation. Some boxes are built with Semi Chem (SC), a fluting which is treated with chemicals to resist low temperatures.

With their robust structure, corrugated cardboard boxes, especially double wall cardboard boxes, are also stackable. These can save a lot of space in your home or your office. That is not to say, however, that single wall cardboard boxes are totally useless. You can, after all, still find use for such uses, albeit, they are less sturdy that standard cardboard boxes.

If you have stuff that you can’t let go but don’t want to keep in your house, you can put them in used corrugated cardboard boxes. You can then send these boxes to a self-storage unit of your choice–perfect for decluttering and downsizing!

It’s Great for Compost

Reducing carbon footprint has been a consistent goal in the UK, with its CO2 emissions falling to 38% since 1990.

Using corrugated packaging contributes to this cause, as 64% of this material is recycled in the UK. Aside from minimising plastic wastes, corrugated boxes help save the environment by being compostable.

This type of packaging is biodegradable. If you don’t want boxes taking up space, why not add them to your compost pile of fresh grass clippings, old hay, and dead leaves? They can act as an excellent soil conditioner; just break the cardboard into small pieces and soak them in water with a bit of liquid detergent. This way, you can speed up the decomposition process.

If you don’t need your spare cardboard boxes for storage, this is a great way to keep them from piling up.

Start Packing Ahead Of Time

Packing well in advance is a moving house pro move that not many know about.

By giving yourself more than enough time to pack our belongings, you are helping minimise the stress that it usually brings about. Do not put the task off until the last minute, as doing so will only make it more challenging and frustrating.

If you are planning on doing this, do not forget to stick to your desired packing schedule. After all, you wouldn’t want to end up so far from being done just days before moving day!

Declutter Your Stuff And Sort Out Your Belongings

Before you start putting everything in boxes, ask yourself what items will fit well in your new location, what items you no longer use, which one is broken, and which ones you will want to bring with you. Check out WhatStorage’s Decluttering Guide here.

For the things you don’t want or don’t need, consider donating it or giving it to someone else. Your friends or chosen charity may benefit from all those old clothes and other items.  As for furniture that you don’t think will be a fit in your new place, especially if you are downsizing, those can be kept in a self-storage facility.

Keeping the stuff you don’t need, but don’t necessarily want to get rid of in a storage unit only means you won’t have to worry about your new home getting too cramped or disorganised immediately. Instead, they’ll be safe, dry, and secure in storage, waiting for the day you either find the need for them or decide to give them up completely.

You may also sell your stuff in a yard or garage sale, or better yet, online. Aside from getting rid of these things, you’ll also be making some money you could use to shoulder your moving cost.  Here are some of the most common moving expenses one may incur while moving house.

Create A Packing System

To make sure that you move from one place to another as easily and as efficiently as possible,  create a system for packing up your stuff. For example, place heavier, bulkier items at the bottom of the box and fragile items or lighter items on top. Fill the box to the brim.

You will also want to start packing up rooms and items that you use the least and work your way up to the ones that you use daily. Pack up one room at a time to prevent any confusion during the packing process.

There are two ways you can go about the packing up of your house. First, you may go through every room, declutter, and pack up every single one, or you may designate a sorting and packing station in your home. Ideally, this should be a spacious, empty room where you can put the boxes, containers, and wrapping supplies.

Do not seal your boxes the moment you fill them up. Only close and seal the boxes after you have finished packing every item. You never know which items you’ll find in a different room!

Remember to label your boxes legibly and adequately BEFORE you seal each one. If possible, you may also number your boxes and list down the contents of each one to properly keep track of all your belongings.

Make Use Of Packing Alternatives

Sometimes, you don’t have to throw your old clothes right away. If you intend on throwing away some of your old clothing, hold off on that and use them to wrap and protect your belongings instead. While it will still be ideal to have bubble wraps and packing peanuts on hand for some of your more fragile belongings, you may use old fabric in place of packing paper for sturdy, not-so-fragile pieces.

In place of packing peanuts, you may use torn up pieces of newspaper or lots of cotton balls. You may also use your socks and towels to keep your glassware and other breakables secured. The key here is to ensure these items do not cling, clang, or bump into each other in transit.

Meanwhile,  if you own any luggage or big duffle bags, you may use those to store your clothes and delicates instead of putting them in a box or some plastic bags. You may also use spare luggage to carry books or other items that won’t be easily damaged.

Consider keeping your clothes and other delicates stored in the dresser drawers if you are taking your dresser with you. Tape the drawers shut to be sure nothing falls out during the move. You may also use this method for the stuff in your side table drawer if there aren’t valuable items that may get damaged in transit.

As for your photographs and other small mementos, you may store them in a big food container or a plastic crate to keep them clean and dry during the move.  By doing this, you’ll be packing twice the amount of stuff all in one box!

Lastly, if you have expensive jewellery, keep them in the jewellery box and store it in the car with you or in between your clothes, or pillows and linens in a container or luggage.

Consider Dismantling Or Taking Apart Bulkier And Heavier Items

Some furniture pieces, as well as hardware goods and electronics, can be taken apart with no harm done. Put all of the smaller items in ziploc bags and the bigger parts in moving boxes with packing peanuts. Label each bag and box, and you’ll be good to go. This will not only save space but also decrease the chances of your belongings getting damaged.

Keep Everything Clean And Organised

Professional movers expect your home to be organised, this makes their job, and yours, more manageable. Start by cleaning out each room, starting with the one that has the most junk. If you don’t plan on using your drawers to transport your stuff, empty them before loading them into the moving truck.

Also, check for stray items between couch cushions, under static fixtures, and in all the cabinets, closets, and storage areas like the shed, the garage, the basement, and the attic.

Identify Which Items You Need To Carry Personally

It is a good idea to keep your essentials packed in a separate box or container. By doing so, you will have easy access to them, and will therefore not have to dig through huge boxes for the stuff you will need on your first night in your new home.

Snacks, essentials, and expensive items should be carried personally in small boxes. This does not only ensure the safety of these items but also ensures that you are well-equipped for your first night in a new place. If you are currently on medication (pills, injections, and syrups), make sure to carry them in your bag or purse at all times in case of an emergency.

You may also want to keep your electronics, gadgets, and chargers with you to make sure that no one else but yourself is liable for any damage such items may encounter during the move.

Also, consider carrying some tools that you may need when you get to your new home. You may not find a need for it immediately, but having it on hand when you do is much better than having to dig through your whole life in boxes.

Keep These Tips In Mind

These “packing do-nots” are crucial. Not adhering to them, may transform your packing and overall moving experience into a total nightmare. To avoid these from happening, here are some things you may want to remember:

• Do not use old, fragile moving boxes
• Make sure to have a variety of boxes ready for the move. Small boxes, medium boxes, and wardrobe boxes are only some of the things you will find useful.

• Do not pack wet items that might damage the box

• Do not leave your boxes unlabelled.

• Do not underestimate your need for packing supplies

• Do not pack highly flammable materials in a box with all your other things

• Do not pack glass bottles filled with liquids

• Do not pack fine jewellery and other expensive items with the rest of your belongings

Keep The Important Documents Organised

Moving to a new location is not all about packing boxes. It is also about keeping track of all of the paperwork involved, including the necessary permits, contracts or agreements with the moving company, a list of things you will donate, how much money you made from the items you sold, etc. Put all these documents, plus other documents like insurance forms, receipts, medical records, and hotel reservations, in one folder.

Having these all together is extremely important because all of your belongings will be in boxes, and not having these documents in hand may cost you some time and money. Also, make sure that your folder is stored somewhere you can easily access. Put the folder in your bag or somewhere in your car.

Putting some cash for tipping the movers in this folder is also a good idea, as movers will often help you do more than what is required of them.

Coordinate With Your Professional Movers

If you are working with a man and van or removals company, coordinate with them. Find out what kind of items they offer insurance for, which items they’re allowed to store in their truck (Flower pots, flammable items, hazardous materials, and pets are usually not allowed), and how much work are they being paid to be part of. Will they only be loading and unloading the moving boxes from the truck or can they put every box in its designated room?

If your belongings will be left outside, it’s essential to have a fence or gate installed to prevent theft. Fencing contractors can provide high-quality fence installation services to safeguard your property.

Such information will save you a lot of time and a lot of stress on moving day.

Lastly,  be sure to check out multiple moving companies in your area before choosing one to help you out with your big move!

How To Pack Holiday Decorations

How To Pack Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees vary in size. However, packing this holiday decoration requires minimal effort, no matter how large or small the tree is!

This traditional holiday decor is not hard to pack and move! All you have to do is to get rid of the small, fragile ornaments wrapped around it before you start disassembling the Christmas tree. The best way to pack your artificial Christmas tree is by disassembling it into 3 or 4 portions. This way, you can easily fold the branches without deforming their shape for the next holiday!

When folding the branches, start from the top section with the smallest branches, and work your way to the bottom with the biggest branches. Once it is neatly folded, you can secure the branches of the artificial Christmas tree with a piece of string before storing it in right-sized cardboard boxes or storage containers for it to avoid getting exposed to humidity and insects.

Make sure to store the Christmas tree somewhere dry and clean to have it in its best condition for the next year!

How To Pack Christmas Holiday Lights

When packing and storing Christmas lights, you should know that these holiday decorations are fragile and require proper storage.

Remove the Christmas lights from your Christmas tree, and disentangle it until it is knot-free to avoid having broken bulbs. Then, cut out a portion of a piece of cardboard box in the shape of a rectangle. Wrap the Christmas lights around the rectangle cardboard, and tape the end of the Christmas lights to have it firmly wrapped. To ensure that the bulbs won’t get broken, wrap the Christmas lights with packing paper first, then bubble wrap and seal it with tape. Once done, you are now good to go!

Another way to pack these holiday lights is by rolling it around a storage reel or cardboard tube and covering it with a layer of bubble wrap. After, you may seal it with tape to make sure that it won’t unravel. Due to the fragile nature of Christmas lights, it is best not to store it inside plastic bags to avoid breaking the bulbs.

How To Pack Christmas Ornaments

The best way to store your holiday ornaments is with the use of its original box because it already contains dividers with the exact size of your decorations. However, if you already threw it out, right-sized storage containers, cardboard boxes, and even egg cartons can be of help!

Since you will be moving, it is best to wrap your Christmas decorations packing paper and bubble wrap to prevent it from breaking during transit. Keeping things in plastic bags may not be your best option. So, get a cardboard box and put a layer of bubble wrap at the bottom, before you place your holiday ornaments inside. Then, fill up the box with shredded paper to keep things safe and sound.

However, if you have fragile holiday decorations, you need to segregate it with a proper divider. If you don’t have any partition, you can use egg cartons to store your holiday decor. Meanwhile, if you own unusually shaped holiday ornaments, wrap them individually with a sheet of packing paper and a layer of bubble wrap. Then, carefully move those fragile seasonal items inside the box and fill it up with shredded paper to prevent it from any shock while transiting.

Lastly, avoid stacking heavy boxes on top of the box filled with fragile items, and make sure to mark the box as ‘FRAGILE’.

Tips For Organising Holiday Decorations

• 1. One way to keep your holiday decorations neat and organise is by using separate storage boxes to avoid spending a lot of time unpacking. When your holiday decorations are categorised, you can easily place it straight to your storage!

• 2. Another tip is labelling. Labels on the cardboard boxes make it easy for anyone to identify where to find specific items. With this, you won’t need to scramble all your decorations because you already know precisely where to look.

• 3. Lastly, make sure to put all your storage boxes filled with holiday decorations in one place, so you won’t have to walk around your home to get what you need.

Moving To London Tips

Aside from efficient packing tips, there are a few other things you should keep in mind when preparing to move to London. Here are our top tips:

1. Start planning your move as soon as possible. The sooner you start planning your move to London, the better. This will give you more time to research different areas and find the perfect place to live. It will also give you time to save up money for the move itself and for any unexpected expenses that may come up along the way. Booking a Removals or a Man and Van company weeks before your scheduled move would help ease the stress of moving.
2. Make sure you have all the necessary documents. When moving to London, you will need to have a valid passport and a visa if you are not a British citizen or a European Union member. You will also need to have proof of your address in London, as well as your National Insurance number. If you are renting, you will need to provide your landlord with a copy of your tenancy agreement.
3. Budget, budget, budget. Moving to London can be expensive, so it is important to budget for the move itself as well as for living costs in the city. Be sure to research the cost of living in different areas of London before making your decision on where to live. Once you have an idea of how much you will need to budget for, start setting aside money each month to make the move more affordable.
4. Find a job before you move. Unless you are moving to London with a job already lined up, it is important to start your job search as soon as possible. This way, you can be sure to find a job that suits your skills and experience before making the move.
5. Research different areas of London. Before you decide where to live in London, it is important to do your research on different areas of the city. Consider things like proximity to public transportation, the cost of living, and the safety of the area before making your decision.