Packing Up

Download PDF of this page

If you have decided to do your own packing then please ensure that the moving boxes you use are strong enough to allow stacking in the van without harm to the contents and ensure that each box is not overfilled, as this could also hinder stacking. Mad4boxes supply all the necessary boxes and packaging materials to ensure all your possessions survive the move and arrive in one piece.

Consideration should be given to the number of heavy articles placed in each removal box , as a carton or tea chest 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 bubble wrap 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 Boxes. All other items of clothing should be placed into suitable packing boxes, we personally suggest the Tea Chest.

All bedding and Linen should be folded and packed neatly into the relevant cartons, we again suggest the Tea Chest.

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 bubble wrap or foam.

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. Please check out our special Bottle 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 Tidy 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. Our Pet box is ideal for Cats, Rabbits and Small Dogs to travel in.

Packing Smaller Boxes

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 Removal carton 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 Moving box . Wrapped Albums can be placed fl at in the carton ; if space is left over fill it with bubble wrap or screwed up 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 General, Small or Cube moving boxes.

Crockery and Kitchenware

Plates should be packed one on top of the other with a sheet of packing 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 cartons 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 General carton

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 bubble wrap , 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 General carton are toys, games, computer equipment and accessories, lamps etc. In fact almost anything that fits!

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

Packing The Tea Chest

Caution!

The Tea Chest is a large moving box 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 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 57 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 screwed up 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.