Helpful Tips for Packing and Preparation
-
Using the Right Materials
It is best to use the correct size of box dependant on the items you are packing.
Heavy items such as books should be packed in smaller boxes, items like linens and pillows in larger boxes. Dishes and breakables in smaller boxes or china cartons.
Ensure you are putting the heavier items at the bottom of the box, and lighter towards the top.
-
Don’t leave empty space in the boxes
By not packing a box fully you are allowing the opportunity for the boxes and contents to be damaged by shifting in the boxes during transit, we recommend using linens or packing paper to fill any gaps or empty spaces in your boxes
-
Avoiding mixing up items from different rooms
By packing room by room you are not only able to keep track of the items packed, but it will allow for clear labelling making it easier for the moving crew at the loading time, as well as an easier unpacking experience for you, the client
-
Label Your Boxes as Clearly as Possible
By having clearly labelled boxes with room placement and description of contents, it allows our crew to load and unload correctly to make it as easy as possible for you to organize your unpacking plan.
-
Tape your boxes well
It is recommend to ensure your boxes are taped properly, it is best to use a high quality packing tape, this can be purchased through us or most public storage facilities. It is recommended to seal the bottom of the boxes with 3-4 rows of tape and to seal the top with 2-3 rows of tape. For heavier boxes it is recommended to tape the bottom seals closed as well.
-
Packing Art and Paintings
In the case where the items can be packed into a box it is highly recommended that they are packed and ready to go for the crews arrival, we recommend using masking tape (masking tape is recommended as it is quite strong but will not leave glue marks on the glass) to mark a large “X” over the glass panel to strengthen it. We offer crating and professional packing services as well if you are more comfortable having a trained crew member take care of those expensive or ultra delicate pieces.
-
Packing Dishes and Other Breakables
Alliance recommends purchasing packing paper for your breakables, newspaper has ink that never fully dries, therefore allowing opportunity to damage the items with permanent ink spots or the overall hassle of having to rewash all the items that you packed.
When packing dishes and breakables it is recommended to use 1 sheet of paper per piece, ensure the piece is fully covered with a little extra cushioning. Stack dishes on their sides in the box, it is not recommended to pack dishes flat. Cups and bowls can be wrapped and stacked, individual pieces, such as platters, or gravy boats, figurines should be wrapped individually. Any extra space in a dish box should be filled with crumpled packing paper as tight as possible -
Packing Televisions
Alliance can wrap your television in one of our ultra-thick blankets, however for moves exceeding 100km it is recommend to pack your television with bubble wrap and cardboard, you can typically purchase padded television boxes as well, or our crew can assist you with a professional television pack at a nominal fee.
-
Oddly Shaped or Oversized Items
You may have some items in your home that you aren’t quite sure how to prepare, the most common being bicycles, vacuums, gardening equipment and statues. Items such as rakes, shovels, mops and brooms should be bundled together in groups of 3-4 and taped. We recommend placing paper under the tape to avoid a sticky mess when the tape is removed at the end of the move. Bicycle boxes are fairly common and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, or can be taken as is. Vacuums, statues and other odd items should be packed when possible, oversized boxes such as wardrobes boxes are great for items like these. If you are still unsure call your relocation specialist for suggestions or costs for our crew to professionally pack these items.