When moving to another state or country, one tedious task you should do early and wisely is packing. Inadequate packing could leave your items broken or lost during the removal process. So make sure that all your items are secured and well-protected before your moving day.
To help you out, reliable international removalists in Australia share four essential packing tips that can guide you in moving with ease.
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1. Purchase high-quality packing supplies ahead of time
Moving house is not just about gathering boxes because there are other important supplies you must buy before you even start packing your items. Here are the six most important packing supplies you must procure:
● Packing tape
In addition to the standard packing tape, you should also invest in strapping tape. This is best for reinforcing the bottom of heavy moving boxes because this is lined with nylon fibres that are difficult to cut or tear without scissors.
A clear plastic mailing tape is also important as this can be used for affixing labels so they can become waterproof.
To make packing a lot easier, consider getting a tape dispenser. Otherwise, you need to get a pair of scissors.
● Packing paper
This is a blank paper for wrapping delicate items like plates and glasses. Use this on breakables to make sure that they’ll arrive at your new home damage-free. It can also be used to fill empty spaces in your box so your things won’t rattle around – you just have to crumple some and wedge those into the unoccupied spaces.
● Plastic wrap
This can be used to protect furniture and huge items from the elements, such as dust, water, and dirt. You can wrap this plastic sheeting around the item. In fact, it can also be used for bundling items with odd shapes because of its stickiness.
● Bubble wrap
This plastic wrap is used on fragile items so they remain damage-free throughout the removal process. So don’t pop the bubbles, no matter how tempting it can be! Instead, use the bubble wrap around your breakable items. For your finest china, consider double wrapping. You can also use bubble wrap for padding the bottom of your moving boxes.
● Packing labels
Labels are crucial in identifying your boxes. Imagine the hassle of opening all your boxes just because you don’t know which box contains which items.
Make sure to use a labelling method that works best for you. You can either use numbers or colour coding, or the boxes can be categorised by rooms. With proper labelling, the packing and unpacking process will be a lot simpler.
Make the label visible and understandable on top and on two sides of the box using waterproof marker pens so they remain readable even when they’re stacked together.
● Sealable plastic bags
These are beneficial for keeping small items together, including the brackets and screws for shelving.
To ensure the reliability of your packing supplies, get them only from reputable stores. But often, your chosen removalist may provide you with such. So don’t hesitate to ask them.
2. Sort your belongings and start packing
Go through all your items and decide what you need to bring. Now is the best time to get rid of those you no longer need – you can either donate or sell those that are still usable and put the useless items in the trash, or mark them as recyclables. Bear in mind that movers will charge by the volume of your goods, so you should take only what is necessary.
When it comes to packing, never procrastinate! So after sorting your items, start packing immediately. It may seem like packing can be finished quickly, but you will realise that this takes longer than you think. You also need to be organised to make sure that everything is packed properly. You can start packing the least essential items then work your way towards the most important ones.
3. Pack rooms separately
Packing by room will make unpacking in your new home a lot easier. Otherwise, when it’s time to unpack, you will end up with items intended for different rooms and will need to keep going back and forth between rooms.
4. Be aware of items you can’t pack
There are some common household items that can’t be moved or shipped because they are potentially dangerous. These include fertiliser, charcoal, guns and ammunition, aerosols, cleansers with ammonia or bleach, paint cans, pesticides, and oil or gas. In case you really need to take some of these items with you, you need to make separate arrangements with the removal company to avoid breaking the law.
Apart from these hazardous items, other items you should not pack are frozen or refrigerated food and living things like plants and pets. Speak with your chosen removalist regarding how to safely transport these.
High-value items must not be put into the boxes as well. If you have precious metals, jewelleries, heirlooms, and priceless collectibles, you must place them in a separate bag and take them yourself, along with legal documents and important papers.
Packing your items for your upcoming move does not have to be stressful. You just have to start early and begin purchasing the essential packing materials, identifying what items to take with you, packing rooms individually, and knowing what not to pack. Working with reputable removalists will also help make your move more manageable and stress-free.
AUTHOR BIO
Craig Jones is the Managing Director at Aussiemove, Australia’s largest independent moving alliance. Craig is a respected member of the removalist network in Australia, having served in senior positions, including the President of the removal industries governing body, the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA). With 23 years of experience at Aussiemove, he has the skills and the highly trained team to move families safely and reliably, in Adelaide, across Australia and around the world.
