A Guide to Packing for Your Move
Moving to a new home, especially when transporting your belongings across European borders, can feel overwhelming. Proper packing is essential to protect your items and ensure they arrive safely at their destination. This guide will walk you through how to pack common household items, from TVs to plates, ensuring your move is as smooth as possible.
General Packing Tips
Before diving into specific items, here are some general guidelines to help you prepare:
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Plan Ahead: Start packing well before your moving date. Create a checklist of items by room to ensure nothing is forgotten.
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Label Everything: Clearly label boxes with the room they belong to and a brief description of the contents.
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Inventory Sheet: All items must be recorded on an inventory sheet provided by our customer service team. This is crucial for customs inspections and must be submitted no later than four working days before your collection date.
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Use Quality Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and heavy-duty tape. Remember, the best option to protect your goods for European transport is to wrap them in bubble wrap (big bubbles) and then reinforce them with cardboard.
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Keep Boxes Manageable: Each box must weigh under 20kg. Overweight boxes are difficult to handle, increase the risk of injury, and may compromise the safety of your items.
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Avoid Overpacking: Ensure each box is manageable and securely taped shut. Overfilled boxes can break and lead to damage.
Packing Large Furniture
Sofas and Chairs
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Wrap Carefully: Cover your sofa or chairs in plastic wrap to protect them from dust and scratches. For added protection, use furniture blankets or bubble wrap over the plastic.
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Disassemble If Possible: Remove legs, cushions, or any detachable parts. Pack these separately and label them clearly.
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Cardboard Protection: After wrapping with bubble wrap, reinforce corners with pieces of cardboard to prevent damage during transit.
Tables
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Disassemble: If your table legs are removable, take them off and wrap them separately.
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Wrap Surfaces: Protect tabletops with bubble wrap, followed by cardboard. Pay extra attention to the edges, as they are prone to chipping.
Packing Electronics
Televisions
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Original Box: If possible, use the TV's original box and packaging materials.
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Protect the Screen: If the original box isn’t available, wrap the screen with a soft cloth or blanket, then cover it with bubble wrap.
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Secure in a Box: Place the TV upright in a sturdy box, filling any empty space with packing paper or foam to prevent movement.
Other Electronics
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Label Cables: Detach cables, wrap them individually, and label them to avoid confusion later.
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Wrap Individually: Wrap devices like monitors, computers, or gaming consoles in bubble wrap, then secure them in boxes with padding.
Packing Kitchen Items
Plates and Bowls
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Use Packing Paper: Wrap each plate or bowl individually in packing paper. Avoid stacking them without protection, as they can chip or break.
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Vertical Packing: Place plates vertically in a box with padding between each one, like loading a dishwasher. This reduces pressure and prevents breaking.
Glasses and Mugs
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Wrap Separately: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap each glass or mug individually.
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Use Dividers: If available, use box dividers to keep glasses separated.
Pots and Pans
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Stack Strategically: Place smaller pans inside larger ones and separate with paper or bubble wrap.
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Protect Handles: Wrap handles to prevent them from scratching other items.
Packing Fragile Items
Decorative Items
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Bubble Wrap and Box: Wrap delicate items like vases or figurines in bubble wrap. Place them in a sturdy box filled with padding to prevent shifting.
Wall Art and Mirrors
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Protect the Surface: Cover frames and glass with cardboard before wrapping them in bubble wrap.
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Box Appropriately: Use flat boxes specifically designed for mirrors and art.
Packing Clothing and Linens
Clothing
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Wardrobe Boxes: Use wardrobe boxes to transport hanging clothes without removing them from hangers.
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Folded Clothes: Pack folded clothes in medium-sized boxes, ensuring they aren’t overfilled.
Linens and Bedding
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Protect in Bags: Place linens, pillows, and bedding in plastic bags to keep them clean and dry.
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Use as Padding: Bedding can double as padding for fragile items in larger boxes.
Packing Small Appliances and Tools
Small Appliances
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Wrap and Box: Wrap appliances like blenders or toasters in bubble wrap and secure them in boxes with padding.
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Remove Loose Parts: Take out any detachable parts and wrap them separately.
Tools
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Bundle Together: Group similar tools together and wrap them securely.
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Protect Sharp Edges: Cover sharp edges with cardboard or padding to prevent injuries during handling.
Preparing for European Transport
Customs and Inspections
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Label Clearly: All boxes must be clearly labeled, and the contents listed on the inventory sheet.
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Be Prepared for Inspections: Customs officers, or police may inspect vehicles en route. While we ensure all paperwork is accurate, it’s essential to prepare for this possibility. They may not handle items with care, so thorough packaging is critical.
Inventory Deadlines
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Submit your inventory sheet to our office at least four working days before collection. Late submissions may delay the vehicle and result in additional fees.
Final Packing Tips
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Don’t Rush: Take your time to pack each item properly. Rushed packing increases the risk of damage.
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Photos for Guidance: Refer to the attached photos for examples of how to wrap your goods for transport.
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Plan for Essentials: Pack an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately after the move, such as toiletries, chargers, and important documents.
Packing for a move requires organization, proper materials, and attention to detail. By following this guide and using the recommended techniques, you can protect your belongings and ensure they reach their destination safely. Remember, we’re here to help—don’t hesitate to contact us if you need advice or have questions about your move.
Prepare well, label everything, keep boxes under 20kg, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your items are packed for a safe journey!