Packing Tips

Before you start

You don't need to leave everything to the day before the move. Consider what you don't need to take with you, what will need careful packing, and that you are covered for potential breakages.

• Make a priority packing list
• Take some time to sift through your belongings and have a clear-out. You can make up a box for charity and if you've time, hold a car boot sale or log onto an online auction, then put the proceeds of your sold goods towards some re-decorating or a new carpet.
• Calculate how many boxes you will need and get these well in advance. Find boxes in a variety of sizes. Think about what else will be useful, such as strong tape, bubble wrap, and self-seal bags for keeping nuts and bolts together. Save old newspapers for lining boxes.
• Don't completely fill large boxes, as they will be too heavy to move.
• Use sturdy packing boxes, particularly for heavier items, or your belongings may end up strewn all over the pavement. Boxes made from corrugated cardboard are stronger than regular ones. You can usually find these at supermarkets, off-licences or large retail stores, but make sure that they are clean.
• Check that your contents insurance will cover damage and breakages during the move.
• Put all hazardous materials, such as paint, bleach and aerosols, into a separate box and keep them away from the rest of your stuff.

Think ahead

Unless you travel light, you won't be able to unpack everything in the first day, so it's worth deciding what you might need easy access to soon after you cross the threshold of your new home.

• Pack an 'essentials' box for the first night in your new home and carry it with you. Instant access to coffee, tea, snacks, cups and a kettle may be welcome soon after you arrive. As will plates, utensils and a kitchen cloth.
• Prepare an overnight bag for everyone in the family, and make sure that there is enough toilet paper and toiletries for everyone.
• Other useful items that should be kept close to hand are a torch, a first-aid kit including pain relievers, pencil and paper, and re-closable plastic bags, along with a small tool kit.
• If possible, finish any laundry well before you move to avoid packing damp clothes. Keep a separate box/bag for dirty washing.
• Make sure the boxes containing items you need the least are loaded up first.

Sensible packing

Spend some time considering how you are going to pack your possessions. Books are easy but heavy, valuables need careful wrapping and will take time, and some furniture may need to be dismantled. Finding the right box for the job is half the battle and will ultimately save you time and tantrums. Here at No1Box we have purposely made the boxes for the purpose of moving home.

• Start early. Packing always takes longer than anticipated, particularly when you start reminiscing over old photographs stored in the attic or you realise that you need to dismantle the wardrobe to get it downstairs.
• Begin at the top of the house and move downwards. If you have an attic, it's a good idea to sort it out first.
• Always pack heavy items in small boxes. It will make transporting them easier. Also, keep the weight of all boxes to a minimum to avoid any back injuries.
• Pack one room at a time, clearly labelling each box with details of its contents and the room to which it belongs. Clearly label boxes that contain breakables and also those that are load-bearing and can be stacked in the van.
• Keep all boxes for each room together. This will save time unpacking.
• It may sound obvious but pack heavier items on the bottom of the box and lighter items on top.
• Wrap items individually and place in a box that's been lined with several layers of newspaper and a sheet of bubble wrap. Any breakables should also be wrapped in bubble wrap. Use clean tissue or wrapping paper for the first layer to prevent newspaper print leaving marks. Pillows and blankets are also useful for wrapping valuables and protecting furniture prone to dents and scratches.
• Pack important documents together, such as birth and marriage certificates, and keep them in a safe place.

Detailed Packing Tips

Consideration should be given to the number of heavy articles placed in each removal box, as a No1 Medium or Large Box full of books can prove difficult to move even for the strongest member of the moving team. Only half fill the larger moving boxes and then top them up with lighter items.

Curtains, blinds and items fixed to the walls should be taken down prior to the arrival of the moving team. Use bubblewrap or foam to wrap the pictures and mirrors and then place in a neat stack ready for collection.

Your removal contractor does not normally cover the dismantling and re-erection of self-assemble furniture, if you are using one, but please check with them. Otherwise the most appropriate person to dismantle and re-assemble these fittings is the person who originally assembled them, and this work should be performed prior to the arrival of the moving team.

Any clothing already on hangers can remain on them if you choose to order one of our special wardrobe moving boxes. All other items of clothing should be placed into suitable packing boxes, we personally suggest the No1 Large Moving Box.

All bedding and Linen should be folded and packed neatly into the relevant cartons, we again suggest the No1 Large Moving Box.

Electrical equipment (Record Players and Hi-fiand Video Equipment) is best moved after packing in cartons and secured with tape before the arrival of the moving team. Ensure that it is well protected by the use of bubblewrap or foam to assure the boxes arrive safely. We also suggest our sat/dvd/vid player box which has been made to accommodate such items.

Fridges, Freezers, cookers and Washing Machines should be disconnected prior to removal. Washing machines should be secured (the appropriate brackets are obtainable from local agents authorized by the manufacturer). Fridges and Freezers should be washed out with a strong solution of bicarbonate of soda and hot water to avoid unpleasant odours (detergent is not recommended).

Food cannot be placed into storage. When a direct removal from one home to another takes places, please ensure that any packets, jars and screw top bottles are secured with tape and then packed into the appropriate moving boxes. Those bottles of wine are kept safe. Please check out our special wine box. Do not mix dry or non-perishable foods with anything that could contaminate or spoil items. Keep food separate.

Any items stored in an attic or garage should be packed and placed in a convenient and accessible location prior to the removal team arriving. Remember our storage tray, easy to handle and really useful when you've moved in.

It is comforting for pets to be sedated and travel with familiar voices. Please keep your pets out of the way whilst collection and delivery of your furniture is taking place.

Packing No1 Small Moving Box 

Books

Expensive books and other volumes that need special care and attention should be individually wrapped in foam and placed on edge in a carton . Binding of the books should be alternated on end as they are placed in the carton . Paperbacks and magazines can be placed on top of books to fill out the carton . The small box is ideal for this type of use.

Records/LPs/Vinyl

Wrap individually, in foam, any records that do not have covers. Place wrapped records in between albums to protect them. Place these in the Cube box. Wrapped Albums can be placed flat in the carton ; if space is left over fill it with bubble wrap or tissue paper.

China/Glass Ornaments/Breakables

Pack in suitably strong storage boxes and please mark the boxes clearly as Fragile. Use plenty of bubble wrap and/or foam and tissue paper. We would recommend our Medium, Small and Cube moving boxes.

Crockery and Kitchenware

Plates should be packed one on top of the other with a sheet of tissue paper or foam between each. Place in the carton with the largest at the bottom and work upwards.

Miscellaneous

Other items suitable for the small boxes are shoes, tools, canned goods, kitchen supplies, bathroom supplies, camera equipment etc.

* Always seal the carton and mark its contents and location in the home.

Packing The No1 Medium Moving Box

Kitchenware

Always form a layer of bubble wrap in the bottom of the carton for cushioning. The heaviest pieces, such as Frying Pans, should be wrapped in paper or foam. Nest and wrap the smaller pans inside the larger ones. Place the completed pack in the bottom of the carton . Wrap cups, mugs, bowls etc. and place in the centre of the carton . Cutlery should be wrapped in small bundles with foam or bubblewrap, place all sharp knives facing the same way. Jugs, teapots and items with handles should have extra padding and be packed upright.

Miscellaneous

Other items suitable for the Medium carton are toys, games, computer equipment and accessories, lamps etc. In fact almost anything that fits! * Always seal the boxes for moving house and mark its contents and location in the home.

Packing The No1 Large Moving Box

Caution!

The No1 Large Moving box is big and there is great temptation to pack as much and as many items into it as possible in the hope that fewer boxes will mean an easier quicker move. Please be careful not to overfill with heavy items and end up hurting yourself. The box will probably take the strain, your back might not!

Bedding

Place heavier bedding (Sheets and Pillow Cases) in the bottom of the carton , lighter items (Pillows and comforters) go on top until the carton is filled out. This box is ideal for larger household items, which should be wrapped first and then the box can be filled with smaller, lighter items as fillers.

* Always seal the carton and mark its contents and location in the home.

Be sure to keep all moving related documents together and ensure other important documents are stored safely. Our Archive Boxes for moving house are ideal for this and can be used in the home office after you've settled in.

The CD/DVD BOX has been specially designed to hold 55 CD's or 25 DVD's or Computer Games. It is ideal for both a removal or simply to use in the house as 'tidy storage' of these items. Supplied flat as a box and lid. Great for teenagers going to University.

We hope that these pages are helpful to you. Please remember that they are only a guide; you can use our boxes when and for what you like! However cartons are always best when filled, so make use of our ancillary products when filling or fill empty spaces with Tissue paper. Boxes do not like fresh air or empty spaces. A well-packed box will stack better and travel better, and consequently your precious belongings will arrive safely.